From Remote Work to $1.5M Net Worth: How This Aussie Family Reached Mortgage Freedom

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I sit down with an incredible mum from NT, who shares her real, raw and deeply relatable journey to financial independence. From living and working remotely for nearly a decade, to buying an investment property without much research (because everyone said “that’s what you should do”) — her story is filled with lessons, honesty, and hope.

When she read The Barefoot Investor and The $1000 Project, everything changed. She and her husband created a plan, started investing small $2,000 parcels into ETFs and LICs, and took total control of their finances. Fast forward to 2024: they’re mortgage-free, investing in $10K parcels, and on track to reach Barista FIRE by 2030 — all while still living simply, joyfully, and intentionally.

She proves you don’t need to live a flashy life or earn a huge income to build wealth — just clarity, consistency, and purpose.

We cover:

• The turning point that transformed their financial future

• Selling an underperforming investment property and using the equity wisely

• Becoming completely mortgage-free by age 34

• How they built a $1.5 million net worth with a focus on ETFs

• What Barista FIRE looks like for their family

• Real-life budgeting habits they still use today — from $200 ‘fun money’ to skipping Uber Eats

• Why living below your means isn’t about deprivation — it’s about empowerment

This is an episode full of encouragement and proof that smart money moves, no matter how small, compound over time. It’s perfect for anyone feeling stuck, behind, or unsure of how to start.

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Whilst we discuss various financial topics, this podcast is not advice in anyway, but purely for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast is personal advice, investment advice or product advice. With any major financial decision, you must always do your own research, consider all the pros and cons, fees, caps, limits, costs, taxes etc. Always proactively educate yourself before making any major financial decision, consider your own financial goals, deadlines and risk profile. So please bear all of this in mind when listening to this podcast and please always speak to a Financial Planner when wondering what you should do to achieve your own financial goals and dreams.

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