Today I have Tessa Kelman on the show to discuss everything you should know and talk about before you tie or untie the knot. Tessa is a family lawyer based in Sydney for Lander and Rogers law firm and is an absolute wealth of knowledge on marriage, defacto and separation law. 

Tessa is here to share with us some of the common mistakes she sees women making when preparing for a marriage, defacto relationship, divorce or separation and fill us in on everything we should be doing instead to protect our financials, property, children, and approach big decisions with preparation and confidence. 

The biggest mistake Tessa sees every day is couples not having a discussion before getting married or committing to someone on a defacto basis about what your goals are for the future, any assets coming into the relationship, plans for the assets in the future, whether you’re aligned in terms of how you want to spend or save money, and what would happen if you decide to have children (in terms of who would stay at home/daycare), and, if you ever decide to separate. 

We all come from different financial backgrounds and I know these conversations can be very awkward and clunky to bring up but they are so important to set yourself up with financial confidence and know that if anything goes wrong, you’re always covered. 

Tessa explores how the family court works, contracts including parenting arrangements and binding financial agreements, keeping on top of all of your documentation, record keeping, and reminds us that, in Australia, a separation settlement is definitely not always 50/50. 

Tune in and write down all of Tessa’s advice and wisdom to keep yourself protected before getting married/defacto or separated/divorced and breathe a big sigh of relief knowing your future is covered. 



CONNECT WITH TESSA KELMAN

Website:  https://landers.com.au/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/lander-&-rogers/





CONNECT WITH LADIES FINANCE CLUB

Join our free facebook group - Ladies Finance Club Money Chat



Website: https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladies-finance-club/

Today I have Tessa Kelman on the show to discuss everything you should know and talk about before you tie or untie the knot. Tessa is a family lawyer based in Sydney for <a href="https://landers.com.au/">Lander and Rogers</a> law firm and is an absolute wealth of knowledge on marriage, defacto and separation law. 
Tessa is here to share with us some of the common mistakes she sees women making when preparing for a marriage, defacto relationship, divorce or separation and fill us in on everything we should be doing instead to protect our financials, property, children, and approach big decisions with preparation and confidence. 
The biggest mistake Tessa sees every day is couples not having a discussion before getting married or committing to someone on a defacto basis about what your goals are for the future, any assets coming into the relationship, plans for the assets in the future, whether you’re aligned in terms of how you want to spend or save money, and what would happen if you decide to have children (in terms of who would stay at home/daycare), and, if you ever decide to separate. 
We all come from different financial backgrounds and I know these conversations can be very awkward and clunky to bring up but they are so important to set yourself up with financial confidence and know that if anything goes wrong, you’re always covered. 
Tessa explores how the family court works, contracts including parenting arrangements and binding financial agreements, keeping on top of all of your documentation, record keeping, and reminds us that, in Australia, a separation settlement is definitely not always 50/50. 
Tune in and write down all of Tessa’s advice and wisdom to keep yourself protected before getting married/defacto or separated/divorced and breathe a big sigh of relief knowing your future is covered. 
 
CONNECT WITH TESSA KELMAN
Website:  <a href="https://landers.com.au/">https://landers.com.au/</a>
LinkedIn:  <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lander-&amp;-rogers/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/lander-&amp;-rogers/</a>
 
CONNECT WITH LADIES FINANCE CLUB
Join our free facebook group - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LadiesFinanceClub/">Ladies Finance Club Money Chat</a>
 
Website: <a href="https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/">https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub/">https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub/</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladies-finance-club/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladies-finance-club/</a>

Welcome to Get Rich by Ladies Finance Club - the personal finance podcast that helps women do just that: get rich and stay rich. Hosted by Molly Benjamin, founder of the award-winning Ladies Finance Club and a reformed hot financial mess, this is where smart, ambitious women come to take control of their finances, grow their wealth, and level up their money game.  

We make personal finance fun, fearless, and totally doable no matter where you're starting from. No confusing jargon, no guilt trips - just high-impact, simple money strategies that anyone can start using right away.  

Whether you’re saving for a home deposit, creating a budget that actually works, investing in property or the sharemarket, growing your income, or finally figuring out superannuation, this podcast has you covered.   Hit subscribe and let’s get rich (and stay rich) together.

Welcome to Get Rich by <a href="https://instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub">Ladies Finance Club</a> - the personal finance podcast that helps women do just that: get rich and stay rich. Hosted by Molly Benjamin, founder of the award-winning Ladies Finance Club and a reformed hot financial mess, this is where smart, ambitious women come to take control of their finances, grow their wealth, and level up their money game. &nbsp;
We make personal finance fun, fearless, and totally doable no matter where you're starting from. No confusing jargon, no guilt trips - just high-impact, simple money strategies that anyone can start using right away. &nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re saving for a home deposit, creating a budget that actually works, investing in property or the sharemarket, growing your income, or finally figuring out superannuation, this podcast has you covered. &nbsp; Hit subscribe and let&rsquo;s get rich (and stay rich) together.

Ladies Finance Club - Get Rich 

Welcome to Get Rich by Ladies Finance Club- the personal finance podcast that helps women do just that: get rich and stay rich.

Hosted by Molly Benjamin, founder of the award-winning Ladies Finance Club and a reformed hot financial mess, this is where smart, ambitious women come to take control of their finances, grow their wealth, and level up their money game.  

We make personal finance fun, fearless, and totally doable no matter where you're starting from. No confusing jargon, no guilt trips - just high-impact, simple money strategies that anyone can start using right away.  

Whether you’re saving for a home deposit, creating a budget that actually works, investing in property or the sharemarket, growing your income, or finally figuring out superannuation, this podcast has you covered.  

Hit subscribe and let’s get rich (and stay rich) together.

Welcome to Get Rich by Ladies Finance Club- the personal finance podcast that helps women do just that: get rich and stay rich.
Hosted by Molly Benjamin, founder of the award-winning Ladies Finance Club and a reformed hot financial mess, this is where smart, ambitious women come to take control of their finances, grow their wealth, and level up their money game. &nbsp;
We make personal finance fun, fearless, and totally doable no matter where you're starting from. No confusing jargon, no guilt trips - just high-impact, simple money strategies that anyone can start using right away. &nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re saving for a home deposit, creating a budget that actually works, investing in property or the sharemarket, growing your income, or finally figuring out superannuation, this podcast has you covered. &nbsp;
Hit subscribe and let&rsquo;s get rich (and stay rich) together.

Ladies Finance Club - Get Rich

Before you tie or untie the knot with Tessa Kelman

Most people think flying business class is a luxury reserved for celebrities, CEOs, or people spending obscene amounts of money.

But what if it’s actually about systems, not status?

I’ve avoided this topic for a long time, mainly because we work with so many women who are actively getting out of credit card debt. So let me be very clear from the start — this conversation is only for people who already have strong control over their money.

Because when credit cards are used badly, they cost you freedom.
But when they’re used strategically, they can give it back.

In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Hui, founder of iFlyFlat, who hasn’t paid for a flight in over a decade.

We talk about how points actually work, why most people use them backwards, and how to think about credit cards as a payment system, not debt.

This isn’t about spending more.
It’s about using what you already spend… better.

If you love travel, hate wasting money, and want to understand the rules before you play the game, this episode will completely change how you think about points.

 

💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?
Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances -subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites! Sign up here at https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25

Are we friends on Instagram? Follow us here at https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub

The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169.

Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

[See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]

 

Most people think flying business class is a luxury reserved for celebrities, CEOs, or people spending obscene amounts of money.
But what if it&rsquo;s actually about systems, not status?
I&rsquo;ve avoided this topic for a long time, mainly because we work with so many women who are actively getting out of credit card debt. So let me be very clear from the start &mdash; this conversation is only for people who already have strong control over their money.
Because when credit cards are used badly, they cost you freedom. But when they&rsquo;re used strategically, they can give it back.
In this episode, I&rsquo;m joined by Steve Hui, founder of iFlyFlat, who hasn&rsquo;t paid for a flight in over a decade.
We talk about how points actually work, why most people use them backwards, and how to think about credit cards as a payment system, not debt.
This isn&rsquo;t about spending more. It&rsquo;s about using what you already spend&hellip; better.
If you love travel, hate wasting money, and want to understand the rules before you play the game, this episode will completely change how you think about points.
&nbsp;
💌&nbsp;Want more money tips straight to your inbox? Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances -subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites!<a href="https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25"> Sign up here at https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25</a>
Are we friends on Instagram? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub">Follow us here at https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub</a>
The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169.
Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
[See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]
&nbsp;

How to Use Credit Card Points to Fly Business Class (Without Getting into Debt)

We talk a lot on Get Rich about how to prevent a financial crisis, building buffers, having the right insurance, and not leaving things until it’s too late.

In this episode, we apply that same thinking to something just as important: your health.

Because a medical crisis doesn’t just affect your body, it can impact your income, savings, super, career, and long-term financial security.

Molly is joined by women’s health GP Joanne Helen Mackson to create a practical, decade-by-decade health checklist for Australian women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, covering what to screen for, what symptoms to take seriously, and how to advocate for yourself in a system that hasn’t always been built with women in mind.

In this episode, we cover:
What health checks actually matter in your 30s, including cervical screening, skin checks, fertility conversations, mental health, and when period pain isn’t normal
What changes in your 40s, including the Medicare 45+ Health Assessment, perimenopause symptoms, bowel cancer screening from 45, and breast screening decisions
What to prioritise in your 50s, including mammograms, bowel screening, bone health, heart health, and chronic disease prevention
Why women often need to push harder for answers, and how to do that effectively
How prevention is one of the smartest financial and life investments you can make

This is the episode to listen to with your notes app open, then book the check-ups you’ve been putting off, and send to a friend who needs it too.

General information only. Always speak with your GP or healthcare professional about what’s right for you.

Health is wealth, and this episode shows you how to protect both.

 

💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?
Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances -subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites! Sign up here at https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25

Are we friends on Instagram? Follow us here at https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub

The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169.

Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

[See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]

We talk a lot on Get Rich about how to prevent a financial crisis, building buffers, having the right insurance, and not leaving things until it&rsquo;s too late.
In this episode, we apply that same thinking to something just as important: your health.
Because a medical crisis doesn&rsquo;t just affect your body, it can impact your income, savings, super, career, and long-term financial security.
Molly is joined by women&rsquo;s health GP Joanne Helen Mackson to create a practical, decade-by-decade health checklist for Australian women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, covering what to screen for, what symptoms to take seriously, and how to advocate for yourself in a system that hasn&rsquo;t always been built with women in mind.
In this episode, we cover:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What health checks actually matter in your 30s, including cervical screening, skin checks, fertility conversations, mental health, and when period pain isn&rsquo;t normal</li>
<li aria-level="1">What changes in your 40s, including the Medicare 45+ Health Assessment, perimenopause symptoms, bowel cancer screening from 45, and breast screening decisions</li>
<li aria-level="1">What to prioritise in your 50s, including mammograms, bowel screening, bone health, heart health, and chronic disease prevention</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why women often need to push harder for answers, and how to do that effectively</li>
<li aria-level="1">How prevention is one of the smartest financial and life investments you can make</li>
</ul>
This is the episode to listen to with your notes app open, then book the check-ups you&rsquo;ve been putting off, and send to a friend who needs it too.
General information only. Always speak with your GP or healthcare professional about what&rsquo;s right for you.
Health is wealth, and this episode shows you how to protect both.
&nbsp;
💌&nbsp;Want more money tips straight to your inbox? Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances -subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites!<a href="https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25"> Sign up here at https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25</a>
Are we friends on Instagram? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub">Follow us here at https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub</a>
The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169.
Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
[See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]

Health Is Wealth: The Ultimate 2026 Women’s Health Checklist for Your 30s, 40s & 50s

It’s the start of a new year, which makes it the perfect time to reset your money, without the unrealistic January pressure.

We’re not talking extreme budgeting, never ordering Uber Eats again, or building the world’s most perfect spreadsheet.

In this episode, I’m joined by Gemma Mitchell to walk you through a simple, step-by-step money stocktake that gives you clarity, not guilt.

We cover how to:
✔️ Reset your money after life changes (or that quiet “something’s off” feeling)
✔️ Figure out exactly where you’re at, without overwhelm
✔️ Build realistic habits you can actually stick to past February

This is a calm, practical reset designed for real life, not perfection.

🎧 If you want your money to feel clearer, calmer, and more aligned in 2026, this episode is your starting point.

 

💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?
Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances -subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites! Sign up here at https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25

Are we friends on Instagram? Follow us here at https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub

🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor,InvestorKit at https://www.investorkit.com.au/! The Only Buyer’s Agency Awarded as Australia’s #1 for 2 Years in A Row.

The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169.

Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

[See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]

It&rsquo;s the start of a new year, which makes it the perfect time to reset your money, without the unrealistic January pressure.
We&rsquo;re not talking extreme budgeting, never ordering Uber Eats again, or building the world&rsquo;s most perfect spreadsheet.
In this episode, I&rsquo;m joined by Gemma Mitchell to walk you through a simple, step-by-step money stocktake that gives you clarity, not guilt.
We cover how to: ✔️&nbsp;Reset your money after life changes (or that quiet &ldquo;something&rsquo;s off&rdquo; feeling) ✔️&nbsp;Figure out exactly where you&rsquo;re at, without overwhelm ✔️&nbsp;Build realistic habits you can actually stick to past February
This is a calm, practical reset designed for real life, not perfection.
🎧 If you want your money to feel clearer, calmer, and more aligned in 2026, this episode is your starting point.
&nbsp;
💌&nbsp;Want more money tips straight to your inbox? Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances -subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites!<a href="https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25"> Sign up here at https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/newsletter25</a>
Are we friends on Instagram? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub">Follow us here at https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub</a>
🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor,<a href="https://www.investorkit.com.au/"> InvestorKit at https://www.investorkit.com.au/</a>! The Only Buyer&rsquo;s Agency Awarded as Australia&rsquo;s #1 for 2 Years in A Row.
The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169.
Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
[See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]

Before you tie or untie the knot with Tessa Kelman

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