Month: April 2025

Categories
Financial Freedom

Why Your Workplace Might Be the Best Place to Start Your Money Journey

Money stress doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care whether you’re a lawyer, a miner, an office admin, or a retail worker—it finds its way in. And when it does, it shows up at work.

Over the years, I’ve run webinars and training sessions in just about every kind of workplace you can imagine—from corporate law firms to mining sites, from retail head offices to local councils. And the one thing I’ve learned? Financial wellbeing belongs everywhere.

Because the truth is, money affects how we show up. If you’re constantly worried about debt, rising costs, or feeling behind, it’s hard to be fully present, let alone perform at your best.

Financial Wellbeing Is Workplace Wellbeing

We talk a lot about mental health at work (and rightly so), but financial stress is a major contributor. It can lead to anxiety, burnout, and even physical health issues. That’s why more employers are starting to see financial education as not just a nice-to-have, but a genuine support that can change lives.

And the best part? When it’s delivered at work—via a webinar, a workshop, or access to resources—it becomes normal. No awkwardness. No judgment. Just practical conversations to help you think differently about your money.

What I’m Hearing in Workplaces Right Now

Right now, I’m running sessions for everyone from junior retail workers to senior legal teams. And no matter who they are, I keep hearing the same kinds of things:

· “I’m constantly stressed about debt—I just don’t know how I’ll ever get ahead.”

· “My family is in conflict over money, and it’s exhausting.”

· “I’ve worked for years, but I still feel like I’ll never be able to afford to retire.”

· “I feel guilty spending anything, even on things I need.”

These are real, emotional issues that affect people’s lives every day—and they deserve space, support, and tools to begin unpacking.

Why This Matters (and What You Can Do)

If your workplace already offers financial education—say yes to it. Show up. Be open. You don’t need to have your finances sorted. You just need a willingness to think differently and start the conversation.

If your workplace doesn’t offer anything yet—ask for it. Financial wellbeing programs don’t need to be complex or expensive. Even a single webinar can help people feel seen, supported, and more in control of their financial story.

You don’t need a finance degree to start changing your money mindset. You just need someone to show you that you’re not alone—and that things can be different.

Everyone Deserves to Feel Financially Strong

We spend so much of our lives working—so isn’t it time we made sure our workplaces are helping us build better financial futures too?

It’s not about being perfect with money. It’s about getting support, asking better questions, and giving yourself the tools to make decisions that work for your life.

Because whether you’re just starting out or planning your retirement, financial wellbeing is part of your whole wellbeing. And you deserve it.

If you’d like me to speak at your workplace or deliver a financial wellbeing session for your team, you can get in touch here: https://vanessastoykov.com.au/contact

Let’s talk about money—because when we do, everything starts to change.

Categories
Family Inheritance

The Inheritance Wake-Up Call: Are You Ready for What’s Coming?

Recent research from CoreData shows something surprising: young Australians aged 18 to 29 are now the most likely to receive an inheritance—with 58% expecting one, compared to just 47% of people aged 40 to 49.

That’s a big shift. It means more money is set to move into younger hands, faster, than we’ve seen in previous generations. And while that might sound like a financial leg-up, it comes with serious responsibilities—and risks.

Whether you’re expecting to receive an inheritance, or you’re the one planning to pass it on, here’s the uncomfortable truth: money without guidance can do more harm than good.

I spoke recently on Sunrise about the fact that more than half of Australians don’t have a will. That’s right—no official plan, no clear guidance, just a whole lot of hoping things will work out. But hope is not a strategy, especially when family, emotion, and wealth are involved.

If You’re Handing It Down…

You’ve worked hard to build what you have. So if you’re planning to pass something on—whether it’s a home, shares, super, or savings—it makes sense to think about what kind of impact you want that money to have. Because it’s not just about giving. It’s about setting up the next generation to make smart choices.

· Do your kids or grandkids have an adviser? If not, now is the time to introduce them to one—before the money arrives. Advice shouldn’t start when the inheritance hits the bank account. It should be part of the planning conversation.

· Have you had the money talk? Conversations around values, goals, and responsibilities matter. Talk about how wealth is built—and how easily it can disappear without a plan.

· Got a will? If you haven’t done this yet, it’s not too late—but please don’t delay. Wills don’t just protect your assets—they help protect your relationships.

If You Might Be Inheriting…

If you’re in the younger group likely to receive wealth in the coming years, now’s the time to get financially literate. You don’t need to know everything—but you do need to be curious enough to learn.

· Find a great adviser (you can start here: vanessastoykov.com.au/financial-advice). Even one session can help you understand what to do if and when you receive a windfall. The sooner you start, the smarter your decisions will be.

· Understand the tax and timing. Not all inheritances are straightforward. Super, property, and investments can all have rules. Learn what applies to you before you make any big moves.

· Don’t rush it. Money that comes quickly can leave just as fast. Take your time, get advice, and figure out what you want your life to look like—then use the money to support that vision.

A Moment Worth Preparing For

The next decade will see trillions of dollars transferred from one generation to the next in Australia. That wealth shift will shape families, futures, and the economy.

So let’s treat it like the moment it is. Let’s prepare, get advice, and make sure that when the money moves, it makes lives better—not messier.

Whether you’re planning to leave a legacy or receive one, the time to start talking—and acting—is now.

Categories
Manage Finances

When Everyday Life Feels Too Expensive: You’re Not Alone

If you’ve been lying awake at 3am doing mental gymnastics over school fees, the mortgage, groceries, and that surprise vet bill—you’re not alone. Financial stress is real in 2025, and it’s hitting people from all walks of life. No matter how much you earn—or how good things might look on the outside—a lot of people are quietly struggling to keep up.

In fact, the National Debt Helpline saw a 12% increase in calls last year, with more than 169,000 Australians reaching out for help. And that’s just the people who picked up the phone. Imagine how many more are suffering in silence, too ashamed or overwhelmed to say anything.

Here’s the truth: it’s OK to admit that things are hard. It’s OK to feel the pressure. What’s not OK is sitting in that stress alone and doing nothing—because the longer you wait, the worse it feels. And help is out there.

Everyone’s Making Tough Decision

This year, more and more people are making the kinds of decisions they never thought they’d have to—like pulling kids out of private school, selling a home that’s too expensive to hang onto, or giving up a second car. And while none of it feels great, these choices are sometimes the smartest, most protective thing you can do for your mental health and future stability.

Debt compounds, but so does stress—and living in a constant state of financial pressure can mess with your sleep, your relationships, and even your physical health. It’s not sustainable. And it’s not your fault.

Talk to Someone. Ask for Help.

The best conversations about money start with one thing: honesty. Whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or a professional, opening up about what’s really going on can unlock practical ideas—and emotional relief.

If you’re not sure where to start, try this:

· Call your super fund. Many funds offer general advice at no extra cost—things like how your super is invested or whether you’re in the right option for your stage of life. But if you want more personalised or comprehensive financial advice (like planning for retirement), you may have to pay a fee. The good news? That cost can often be deducted from your super, and it might be more affordable than you think.

· Reach out to the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. They’re free, confidential, and they’ve helped thousands of people just like you make a plan. Even if you feel like your situation is beyond fixing, they’ve seen it before—and they can help.

· Explore credit mediation. Professional mediators can help negotiate with lenders and credit providers. It might sound formal, but it could give you breathing room.

· Do the research. There are free financial counselling services around the country—many run through community legal centres or not-for-profits. A few calls or clicks could change everything.

Action > Anxiety

Taking action, even something small, will help you feel more in control. And that’s the key. Once you’ve made one step—like calling someone or writing down what you owe—you’ve broken the paralysis that stress creates.

And if it comes to making a big change—like moving house or radically shifting your lifestyle—don’t let shame stop you. You’re not failing. You’re choosing peace over pressure. You’re playing the long game.

Because at the end of the day, your health, your relationships, and your mental clarity matter more than keeping up appearances.

So take a deep breath. Make the call. Start the conversation.

You’re not broken. You’re human. And help is waiting.