1 00:00:00,120 --> 00:00:03,560 Speaker 1: Welcome back to another episode of Sugar Mamma's Fireplay. I 2 00:00:03,600 --> 00:00:06,960 Speaker 1: am your host financial planner Canna Campbell, and today I 3 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:09,320 Speaker 1: want to talk to you about a concerning trend that 4 00:00:09,480 --> 00:00:12,840 Speaker 1: is currently circulating on social media right now. That is 5 00:00:12,880 --> 00:00:16,520 Speaker 1: the idea that a single woman should find a financial 6 00:00:16,560 --> 00:00:22,040 Speaker 1: provider if they want realistic financial security in their lives. Now, 7 00:00:22,079 --> 00:00:25,880 Speaker 1: my blood is actually boiling right now, and my heart 8 00:00:25,960 --> 00:00:29,440 Speaker 1: is racing at the thought of this and how absolutely 9 00:00:29,480 --> 00:00:32,720 Speaker 1: disgusting and degrading this is. But just to give you 10 00:00:32,720 --> 00:00:35,440 Speaker 1: a bit of a background, this trend is actually suggesting 11 00:00:35,479 --> 00:00:40,280 Speaker 1: that women should rely on a partner for financial stability, 12 00:00:41,000 --> 00:00:46,640 Speaker 1: even going as far as giving tips, instructions and traps 13 00:00:47,120 --> 00:00:50,640 Speaker 1: and even tests as to how to achieve it. That is, 14 00:00:50,760 --> 00:00:55,560 Speaker 1: how to find the perfect financial provider. Now, as someone 15 00:00:55,600 --> 00:01:00,800 Speaker 1: who has dedicated my entire working life to help and 16 00:01:00,840 --> 00:01:05,959 Speaker 1: that is everyday people achieve financial independence security, I find 17 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:12,000 Speaker 1: this trend deeply troubling and deeply troubling for so many 18 00:01:12,040 --> 00:01:16,600 Speaker 1: different reasons that I feel that we have to break 19 00:01:16,600 --> 00:01:20,440 Speaker 1: this down and discuss this further. So whilst I just 20 00:01:20,520 --> 00:01:23,640 Speaker 1: catch my breath, let my heart rate calm down, and 21 00:01:23,760 --> 00:01:27,280 Speaker 1: hopefully let my blood pressure reduce. Let's take a quick 22 00:01:27,480 --> 00:01:40,680 Speaker 1: ten second break with some music before we begin. All right, 23 00:01:40,720 --> 00:01:44,600 Speaker 1: deep breaths, canna. Okay, apologies for my passion here, but 24 00:01:44,680 --> 00:01:48,440 Speaker 1: I just am beside myself that this is actually something 25 00:01:48,480 --> 00:01:53,800 Speaker 1: that's being entertained. So first and foremost, let's talk about 26 00:01:53,840 --> 00:01:57,400 Speaker 1: the pride and the satisfaction that comes from working on 27 00:01:57,440 --> 00:02:01,400 Speaker 1: your own financial goals, your own financial goals that are 28 00:02:01,400 --> 00:02:06,760 Speaker 1: focused around building your own financial freedom and independence. There 29 00:02:06,920 --> 00:02:10,440 Speaker 1: is an incredible sense of accomplishment that comes from earning 30 00:02:10,600 --> 00:02:15,520 Speaker 1: your own money, managing your own finances, taking control and 31 00:02:15,560 --> 00:02:18,799 Speaker 1: deciding where you would like to invest and what financial 32 00:02:18,840 --> 00:02:21,280 Speaker 1: goals are important to you, and when you like to 33 00:02:21,320 --> 00:02:25,320 Speaker 1: achieve those financial goals. And then of course, proudly, and 34 00:02:25,360 --> 00:02:27,519 Speaker 1: I say proudly because this is so important. It is 35 00:02:27,520 --> 00:02:29,919 Speaker 1: not until you start doing it you actually feel how 36 00:02:30,040 --> 00:02:33,400 Speaker 1: valuable that sense of priety is. Watching your wealth grow 37 00:02:33,760 --> 00:02:37,359 Speaker 1: as a result of all of your hard work and 38 00:02:37,560 --> 00:02:41,639 Speaker 1: your smart, intelligent decisions with the money that you have earned. 39 00:02:41,919 --> 00:02:45,920 Speaker 1: And even along the way, I will admit some sacrifices, 40 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:50,160 Speaker 1: but well worth sacrifices along the way. Let me tell 41 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:55,560 Speaker 1: you this, doing the hard work is what builds character, strength, 42 00:02:55,800 --> 00:03:01,000 Speaker 1: and resilience, and those things last a lifetime, and those 43 00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:04,519 Speaker 1: things will also help you face other challenges in other 44 00:03:04,639 --> 00:03:07,480 Speaker 1: areas of your life. Trust me on that I have 45 00:03:07,680 --> 00:03:12,680 Speaker 1: been there and experienced this multiple times. So if you 46 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:15,799 Speaker 1: go and just try and bank a financial provider, you're 47 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:18,919 Speaker 1: going to miss out on building your character, building your 48 00:03:18,960 --> 00:03:22,520 Speaker 1: own strength, and building your own resilience. That to me, 49 00:03:22,800 --> 00:03:26,120 Speaker 1: I would rather have an empty bank account but have character, 50 00:03:26,160 --> 00:03:29,480 Speaker 1: strength and resilience. Now, when you rely on someone for 51 00:03:29,560 --> 00:03:34,000 Speaker 1: your own financial wellbeing, you miss out on those fundamental 52 00:03:34,200 --> 00:03:40,320 Speaker 1: aspects for personal growth. Financial independence is not just about money. 53 00:03:40,400 --> 00:03:43,320 Speaker 1: I know that sounds crazy coming from a financial planner. 54 00:03:43,320 --> 00:03:46,400 Speaker 1: That's all about investing and building up passively incommon, having 55 00:03:46,440 --> 00:03:49,200 Speaker 1: financial freedom and the right amount of emergency money. But 56 00:03:49,600 --> 00:03:55,000 Speaker 1: financial wellbeing and financial independence is about dignity. It's about 57 00:03:55,040 --> 00:03:59,840 Speaker 1: self respect, and it's about empowerment. Why in the hell 58 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:04,040 Speaker 1: would you ever want to compromise on this. Imagine their 59 00:04:04,120 --> 00:04:07,040 Speaker 1: freedom to make your own choices without having to seek 60 00:04:07,080 --> 00:04:11,680 Speaker 1: approval from a financial provider, whether it be pursuing further education, 61 00:04:12,280 --> 00:04:15,560 Speaker 1: changing careers, starting a business or a hobby, or maybe 62 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:19,880 Speaker 1: even something fabulous like traveling the world. When you have 63 00:04:20,000 --> 00:04:23,720 Speaker 1: your own financial independence and freedom, These are your decisions 64 00:04:24,120 --> 00:04:27,120 Speaker 1: and you get to make them on your own terms. 65 00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:31,039 Speaker 1: When you're aligned on a financial provider, you have no control, 66 00:04:31,560 --> 00:04:35,120 Speaker 1: you have a very restricted say, and you have absolutely 67 00:04:35,320 --> 00:04:39,440 Speaker 1: no sense of financial independence because essentially you are relying 68 00:04:39,480 --> 00:04:43,040 Speaker 1: on someone else for your financial survival. You're restricting yourself 69 00:04:43,120 --> 00:04:46,279 Speaker 1: in so many ways, so many ways that you probably 70 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:48,960 Speaker 1: won't realize how bad those ways are until you are 71 00:04:49,120 --> 00:04:52,520 Speaker 1: knee deep and pretty much lost so much about yourself 72 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:56,080 Speaker 1: along the way. You become completely dependent on their goodwill, 73 00:04:56,560 --> 00:04:59,080 Speaker 1: their moods, and you lose the autonomy to be able 74 00:04:59,080 --> 00:05:02,560 Speaker 1: to shape your own future. This is not about money. 75 00:05:02,640 --> 00:05:05,120 Speaker 1: This is about your freedom and your right to live 76 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:09,840 Speaker 1: a life, your life on your own terms. Another critical 77 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:13,880 Speaker 1: aspect to consider is the financial risk involved in relying 78 00:05:13,920 --> 00:05:17,080 Speaker 1: on a partner for financial stability, that is, your financial provider. 79 00:05:17,600 --> 00:05:21,760 Speaker 1: Relationships can change. Life is unpredictable, can change in the 80 00:05:21,800 --> 00:05:25,400 Speaker 1: blink of an eye. What happens if that relationship ends? 81 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:30,280 Speaker 1: What happens if your partner faces financial difficulties and makes 82 00:05:30,320 --> 00:05:34,080 Speaker 1: some bad financial decisions and loses at all You're now 83 00:05:34,160 --> 00:05:37,000 Speaker 1: both stuck with no money. Or if something happens to them, 84 00:05:37,040 --> 00:05:38,880 Speaker 1: maybe from a health point of view, and they are 85 00:05:38,920 --> 00:05:41,279 Speaker 1: no longer able to work or to earn the type 86 00:05:41,320 --> 00:05:44,280 Speaker 1: of income that they previously were. That skill maybe has 87 00:05:44,320 --> 00:05:48,360 Speaker 1: been superseded. Their earning capability is now void, and you 88 00:05:48,440 --> 00:05:51,880 Speaker 1: are now completely reliant on someone who is unreliable themselves 89 00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:54,800 Speaker 1: and can't even necessarily provide for you, let alone themselves. 90 00:05:55,760 --> 00:05:58,520 Speaker 1: By relying on someone else, you're putting yourself into such 91 00:05:58,600 --> 00:06:03,440 Speaker 1: a financially and emotionally vulnerable position. Not only do you 92 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:05,880 Speaker 1: lose the control and security that comes with managing your 93 00:06:05,920 --> 00:06:10,320 Speaker 1: own finances, you miss out on the education, the advice, 94 00:06:10,440 --> 00:06:13,960 Speaker 1: the wisdom that is gained from doing it yourself. Building 95 00:06:13,960 --> 00:06:17,160 Speaker 1: your own financial foundation is the only way to protect 96 00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:21,280 Speaker 1: yourself and to PreTect your future and the excitement, empowerment 97 00:06:21,360 --> 00:06:26,360 Speaker 1: and drive that is, in my opinion, incredibly attractive, regardless 98 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:29,880 Speaker 1: of whatever sex you choose to identify with. Now, whilst 99 00:06:29,880 --> 00:06:32,039 Speaker 1: I'm on my soapbox, I also want to talk about 100 00:06:32,320 --> 00:06:36,320 Speaker 1: dignity and self worth. As women, we should never feel 101 00:06:36,360 --> 00:06:39,800 Speaker 1: that our value is tied to our ability to attract 102 00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:44,320 Speaker 1: a financial provider. Our worth is inherent and not dependent 103 00:06:44,720 --> 00:06:48,560 Speaker 1: on our financial situation or our relationship status. For the 104 00:06:48,640 --> 00:06:52,719 Speaker 1: last decade, women and even men have fought so hard 105 00:06:52,839 --> 00:06:57,960 Speaker 1: to help create equality, fight salary gaps, superannuation gaps. And 106 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:01,320 Speaker 1: whilst our progress, I will admit, is small, the best 107 00:07:01,480 --> 00:07:04,760 Speaker 1: is yet to come. We are certainly making progress, and 108 00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:08,120 Speaker 1: that progress is only going to get bigger and happen faster. 109 00:07:08,880 --> 00:07:11,840 Speaker 1: So do we really want to show such disrespect and 110 00:07:11,920 --> 00:07:15,240 Speaker 1: disregard for all those people who have been trying to 111 00:07:15,280 --> 00:07:19,240 Speaker 1: help build a fairer world for our daughters, our granddaughters, 112 00:07:19,280 --> 00:07:22,400 Speaker 1: and our great granddaughters by selling yourself and your freedom 113 00:07:22,440 --> 00:07:26,800 Speaker 1: short by being reliant and looking for a financial provider. Now, 114 00:07:26,840 --> 00:07:29,960 Speaker 1: on that note of daughters and granddaughters, would you actually 115 00:07:30,040 --> 00:07:32,520 Speaker 1: want them to settle themselves in their lives for a 116 00:07:32,560 --> 00:07:35,080 Speaker 1: partner just because they have money. Would you really look 117 00:07:35,120 --> 00:07:36,840 Speaker 1: them in the eye and be happy that they found 118 00:07:36,840 --> 00:07:40,120 Speaker 1: someone who's got money? Or would you want them to 119 00:07:40,160 --> 00:07:43,920 Speaker 1: find a partner that will love them unconditionally, support and 120 00:07:44,160 --> 00:07:48,280 Speaker 1: encourage each other both ways, and make each other feel safe, 121 00:07:48,320 --> 00:07:52,880 Speaker 1: protected and respected at all times, regardless of money. If 122 00:07:52,920 --> 00:07:56,800 Speaker 1: your answer is yes, which I seriously hope is, then 123 00:07:56,920 --> 00:07:59,960 Speaker 1: why the hell would you settle for anything less your self? 124 00:08:00,960 --> 00:08:04,800 Speaker 1: If my daughters, Tiger and Apple and Rocco. Happen to 125 00:08:04,920 --> 00:08:08,640 Speaker 1: choose a partner that has money, great, that is a bonus, 126 00:08:08,720 --> 00:08:12,000 Speaker 1: but that doesn't mean or matter at all. What matters 127 00:08:12,080 --> 00:08:14,800 Speaker 1: is what's inside. Are they going to be a great team. 128 00:08:15,240 --> 00:08:17,200 Speaker 1: Are they going to love each other? Are they going 129 00:08:17,240 --> 00:08:19,600 Speaker 1: to make each other smile, make each other feel safe, 130 00:08:20,120 --> 00:08:22,560 Speaker 1: support and encourage each other to chase their goals and 131 00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:26,840 Speaker 1: dreams Regardless of the financial interest there that is what's important, 132 00:08:26,960 --> 00:08:31,280 Speaker 1: and that's what creates happiness, stability, and fulfillment in life. 133 00:08:31,480 --> 00:08:34,400 Speaker 1: Not a financial provider as a financially independent woman, but 134 00:08:34,440 --> 00:08:36,880 Speaker 1: also a financially independent woman who has seen it all 135 00:08:36,920 --> 00:08:40,720 Speaker 1: and also gone through a lot myself personally, I truly 136 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:43,640 Speaker 1: believe that empowerment comes from knowing that you can stand 137 00:08:43,640 --> 00:08:47,720 Speaker 1: on your own two feet, financially and otherwise. It comes 138 00:08:47,720 --> 00:08:51,360 Speaker 1: from the confidence that you know you can face whatever 139 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:55,120 Speaker 1: challenges life throws you at you because you have the skills, 140 00:08:55,240 --> 00:08:59,280 Speaker 1: the knowledge, the life experience, and the financial security to 141 00:08:59,400 --> 00:09:01,880 Speaker 1: do so. So what can we actually do to combat 142 00:09:02,040 --> 00:09:05,319 Speaker 1: this troubling trend? Well, first of all, we need to 143 00:09:05,320 --> 00:09:10,120 Speaker 1: spread awareness, awareness of the importance of financial independence and 144 00:09:10,160 --> 00:09:15,480 Speaker 1: how absolutely ridiculous and disgusting. This current social media trend 145 00:09:15,679 --> 00:09:17,800 Speaker 1: is and I really hope it's a trend that is 146 00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:21,400 Speaker 1: short lived. Then it is essential that we start continue 147 00:09:21,559 --> 00:09:25,080 Speaker 1: and increase the number of success stories of other women 148 00:09:25,120 --> 00:09:29,280 Speaker 1: who have achieved financial successes on their own terms. Then 149 00:09:29,320 --> 00:09:32,240 Speaker 1: we need to obviously provide education. Education is key, and 150 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:35,880 Speaker 1: education is what breaks poverty and creates opportunities. And make 151 00:09:35,920 --> 00:09:38,920 Speaker 1: sure that we provide resources to help women take control 152 00:09:39,040 --> 00:09:42,760 Speaker 1: of their own finances. And this includes everything from budgeting, 153 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:46,800 Speaker 1: saving to investing, investing in shares, property wherever you're that 154 00:09:46,880 --> 00:09:51,120 Speaker 1: person's heart desires, and of course planning for retirement and 155 00:09:51,240 --> 00:09:55,440 Speaker 1: understanding the importance of where superannuation fits in here. Knowledge 156 00:09:55,480 --> 00:09:58,680 Speaker 1: is power and financial literacy is the key to empowerment. 157 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:03,040 Speaker 1: And of course we have got to change the narratives 158 00:10:03,080 --> 00:10:05,200 Speaker 1: it suggests that women need a financial provider to be 159 00:10:05,240 --> 00:10:08,680 Speaker 1: successful or to be happy. We need to be celebrating 160 00:10:08,720 --> 00:10:12,120 Speaker 1: and supporting each other in our own financial journeys, whether 161 00:10:12,280 --> 00:10:15,840 Speaker 1: they be small accomplishments or massive accomplishments, it doesn't matter. 162 00:10:15,960 --> 00:10:19,160 Speaker 1: Everything is a win, and everything is one step better 163 00:10:19,640 --> 00:10:23,040 Speaker 1: and one step closer to having true, authentic financial freedom 164 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:27,120 Speaker 1: and independence. Recognizing that true successes come from within and 165 00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:31,120 Speaker 1: are never dependent on someone else or someone else's money. Now, 166 00:10:31,160 --> 00:10:33,240 Speaker 1: as we wrap up today's episode, I want to leave 167 00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:37,360 Speaker 1: you with this thought. Financial independence is a journey, not 168 00:10:37,480 --> 00:10:40,000 Speaker 1: a destination, and part of that journey may be fast 169 00:10:40,040 --> 00:10:42,280 Speaker 1: and efficient with no traffic along the way, but there 170 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:44,800 Speaker 1: will be times where you hit detours, may have to 171 00:10:44,800 --> 00:10:46,760 Speaker 1: pay some tolls along the way, But then you may 172 00:10:46,840 --> 00:10:49,559 Speaker 1: hit the open roads and can accelerate ahead. And again 173 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:51,560 Speaker 1: you may need to pull over and get petrol, you 174 00:10:51,600 --> 00:10:54,560 Speaker 1: may need to get your car serviced. That's all okay. 175 00:10:54,840 --> 00:10:56,960 Speaker 1: As long as you are on the path, heading in 176 00:10:56,960 --> 00:11:00,000 Speaker 1: the right direction, that's what's most important. So it really 177 00:11:00,120 --> 00:11:05,200 Speaker 1: boils down to making smart, informed decisions based on factually 178 00:11:05,400 --> 00:11:09,600 Speaker 1: correct information, and making decisions and doing something every single 179 00:11:09,679 --> 00:11:12,160 Speaker 1: day so that you can move closer and closer to 180 00:11:12,200 --> 00:11:16,200 Speaker 1: your financial goals. It's about building a life that reflects 181 00:11:16,240 --> 00:11:20,120 Speaker 1: your values, your dreams, and your potential while shining brightly 182 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:23,280 Speaker 1: to inspire others along the way to have a go 183 00:11:23,559 --> 00:11:26,480 Speaker 1: at following your path, even if it means at times 184 00:11:26,520 --> 00:11:30,760 Speaker 1: feeling alone or vulnerable, because more often than not, it 185 00:11:30,840 --> 00:11:34,160 Speaker 1: is those darkest parts of the journey that is where 186 00:11:34,200 --> 00:11:38,599 Speaker 1: the richest growth is to be found, both personally and financially. 187 00:11:39,240 --> 00:11:43,640 Speaker 1: Trust me on that. All right, Okay, now that I've 188 00:11:43,640 --> 00:11:45,720 Speaker 1: got this off my chest, I feel so much better. 189 00:11:45,720 --> 00:11:48,840 Speaker 1: So thank you everyone for listening, and of course thank 190 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:52,200 Speaker 1: you for joining me. Now, as we wrap up today's episode, 191 00:11:52,240 --> 00:11:55,000 Speaker 1: I want to remind you that your financial journey is 192 00:11:55,040 --> 00:11:57,640 Speaker 1: your own journey, and you have the power to shape 193 00:11:57,679 --> 00:12:02,000 Speaker 1: it every single day. So stay strong, stay informed, and 194 00:12:02,200 --> 00:12:07,200 Speaker 1: stay independent, and keep that financial fire burning bright within you. 195 00:12:07,760 --> 00:12:09,559 Speaker 1: This is sugar Mamma's fire.