What I Learned About Money After One Year Back in Australia
What changed, what worked, and the habits I’ll keep for life.
They say life can change in a split second. For me, it took about a year.
At 48, I moved back to Australia to start over.
No job lined up. No emergency fund. Barely any cash.
Just two suitcases, my dog, and a lot of uncertainty.
This week, I got a bit emotional thinking about how far things have come.
And that’s what I want to share with you today.
Not a “how to get rich” list.
Just a few honest lessons I’ve learned about money that helped me get back to a good place.
1. Uncertainty makes you freeze — clarity makes you move
In the last few years, I was running my own business, and my income was inconsistent. I never knew when or how much money would come in.
So I held on tight. I didn’t spend. I didn’t invest. I didn’t do anything. It was a bad cycle. The more I tried to hold on, the less I get to hold on.
My business taught me something: I value stability more than flexibility.
Uncertainty paralysed me. I became afraid of making any financial decision — even a $500 investment to take my business to the next level.
Eventually, I decided to go back to a corporate job for stability. Once I had steady income again, I started taking action. I put money toward an emergency fund. I started investing. I started saving again — because I wasn’t scared anymore.
If you're feeling stuck financially, look at what might give you a sense of certainty.
When you feel safe, you create the mental space to make better decisions — especially with money.
2. It’s not about how much you earn — it’s about what you do with it
My income didn’t double overnight. But my habits changed.
I started tracking where my money was going weekly. I said no to what didn’t matter. I set up small auto-investments. I turned on DRP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan) for an ETF I invested in.
I feel more in control.
You don’t need a big financial move. You just need one that builds confidence.
3. Fear of spending is still fear
When I was self-employed, I was afraid to spend on anything — even things that mattered.
It wasn’t a healthy mindset. I was living in survival mode.
Once, I refused to see a chiropractor when I injured my back because it cost $65 a session. I endured the pain. The result? I was immobile for nearly two weeks, and my business suffered for it.
Now? I spend on fitness, on nutrition, on things that help me feel strong. I invest in social connection, meaningful relationships that make life better.
But I cut back on what I don’t care about — clothes, streaming services, stuff that doesn’t move the needle. Now my spending feels intentional, not fearful.
Your spending should be intentional, as that’s when it gives you the control back.
4. A year is long enough to change your life
A year ago, I have very little emergency fund. I didn’t feel worthy. I didn’t believe I could make money.
Now, I have a growing portfolio, a safety net, and a peace of mind.
I didn’t become a finance expert, I still suck at math. But I have one thing: determination.
I was stubborn about making things work. I didn’t want to regret my decision to return to Australia. So the only option was: make it work.
And that’s what I did.
When you have a reason strong enough, you’ll find a way to push through fear and figure things out.
If you’re losing momentum, or feeling lost financially — make yourself a promise to make it work. No matter what.
Final thoughts
One year can change a lot.
But only if you take small actions — and keep taking them.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. I still remember how I spent months trying to justify buying a car.
Not because I couldn’t afford it, but because it felt like losing money.
It wasn’t about the car. It was the insecurity — the feeling of not being in control — that made me freeze.
If you’re in a place of uncertainty right now, ask yourself:
What is one thing in your life that feels certain? Lean into that stability. Let it give you the space to breathe, and think more clearly about your next step.
What small habit can you start today to feel more in control of your money?
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You don’t need to get it right the first time.
You just need a reason strong enough to keep showing up.
And I hope this reminds you — things can change.
Not overnight. But over time.
Small steps. Quiet progress.
That’s how you rebuild.
That’s how you move forward.
Disclaimer: Information shared in this newsletter is not financial advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.
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You're on a self-improvement journey, Sarina. Love your progress Down Under.