If you've ever stared at your HECS-HELP debt and thought, “Should I just pay this off now or use that money to invest instead?” this episode is for you.

In this juicy and jargon-free chat, Molly sits down with financial adviser and podcast host Jess Brady to unpack everything you need to know about your student loan (aka HECS or HELP) in 2025. With indexation rates changing and cost of living pressures rising, it’s no wonder more Aussies are wondering if this debt deserves more attention.

💥 Here’s what you’ll learn:


What HECS-HELP debt actually is and how it’s calculated


Why indexation (that sneaky thing that feels like ‘interest’) can make your debt grow even when you’re making repayments


The new changes to HECS indexation and how they might help you


When you start paying it back (and how much you'll need to repay based on your income)


Whether paying it off early is a smart move -or if your money could work harder for you elsewhere (like investing in shares, saving for a home, or boosting your super)


How your HECS debt could impact your home loan borrowing power


Strategies for paying it off smarter (especially if you’re a high-income earner or living overseas)


Tips on weighing up paying off debt vs investing, and how to align your strategy with your goals

Jess also shares real-world examples, a little tough love, and a few clever hacks to help you make the best decision for your future self -whether you want to be debt-free ASAP or grow your wealth over time.

🧠 Whether you're planning to buy a home, go back to study, move overseas or just want to feel more in control of your finances, this episode breaks it all down.

💌 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.

Are we friends on Instagram? Follow us here. 

🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor,InvestorKit! 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.]

If you've ever stared at your HECS-HELP debt and thought, &ldquo;Should I just pay this off now or use that money to invest instead?&rdquo; this episode is for you.
In this juicy and jargon-free chat, Molly sits down with financial adviser and podcast host Jess Brady to unpack everything you need to know about your student loan (aka HECS or HELP) in 2025. With indexation rates changing and cost of living pressures rising, it&rsquo;s no wonder more Aussies are wondering if this debt deserves more attention.
💥 Here&rsquo;s what you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul data-start="694" data-end="1479">
<li data-start="694" data-end="753">
What HECS-HELP debt actually is and how it&rsquo;s calculated
</li>
<li data-start="754" data-end="880">
Why indexation (that sneaky thing that feels like &lsquo;interest&rsquo;) can make your debt grow even when you&rsquo;re making repayments
</li>
<li data-start="881" data-end="947">
The new changes to HECS indexation and how they might help you
</li>
<li data-start="948" data-end="1038">
When you start paying it back (and how much you'll need to repay based on your income)
</li>
<li data-start="1039" data-end="1209">
Whether paying it off early is a smart move -or if your money could work harder for you elsewhere (like investing in shares, saving for a home, or boosting your super)
</li>
<li data-start="1210" data-end="1276">
How your HECS debt could impact your home loan borrowing power
</li>
<li data-start="1277" data-end="1380">
Strategies for paying it off smarter (especially if you&rsquo;re a high-income earner or living overseas)
</li>
<li data-start="1381" data-end="1479">
Tips on weighing up paying off debt vs investing, and how to align your strategy with your goals
</li>
</ul>
Jess also shares real-world examples, a little tough love, and a few clever hacks to help you make the best decision for your future self -whether you want to be debt-free ASAP or grow your wealth over time.
🧠 Whether you're planning to buy a home, go back to study, move overseas or just want to feel more in control of your finances, this episode breaks it all down.
💌&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.</a>
Are we friends on Instagram? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub">Follow us here.&nbsp;</a>
🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor,<a href="https://www.investorkit.com.au/"> InvestorKit</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.]

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.

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