She spent almost everything she'd saved travelling around the world, came home with just $1,000 in her bank account and has $74,000 in HECS debt. Oh, and now she wants to buy a house. At 23.

You'd probably assume this week's Money Diarist has some questionable money habits. But here's where things get interesting, because she's actually doing a whole lot better than you might think.

After years of diligently saving half her income, she decided that travelling, studying in Paris and enjoying her early twenties were worth spending her savings on. And while she wouldn't trade those experiences for anything, there's still that little voice wondering whether she should have put the money towards a house deposit instead.

Now she's earning $75,000 as a law graduate, has rebuilt her savings, started investing in ETFs and has around $12,000 eligible through the First Home Super Saver Scheme. She's also about to move out of home for the first time, which means swapping the comfort of living with her parents for $320 a week in rent, bills and all the other little expenses that somehow add up to a small fortune.

And despite being pretty financially switched on, she's giving herself a C+.

We get into her early investing mistake with crypto, why she's terrified of debt, the $350 she spends on entertainment every fortnight and whether spending your savings on experiences is actually a financial mistake.

Because when you're in your twenties, it can feel like everyone expects you to save for a house, invest for retirement, pay off your HECS and somehow have the time of your life.

Preferably all at once. Which is... ambitious.

But what if spending money on the life you want now isn't necessarily holding you back from building the future you want later?

SORT YOUR INSURANCE: A big thank you to our partner Skye Wealth for bringing this episode to life. If you're ready to get your insurances sorted, you can learn more about them here.We have a long standing referral partnership with Skye Wealth and only ever partner with people we trust. 

CHECK OUT THE SOTM INVESTING HUB: Full of our best investing freebies, resources, courses and podcast episodes here.

INVESTING FOR BEGINNERS: All our best beginner's investing podcast episodes in one place here.

Ready to binge more relatable, inspiring, and downright juicy money stories? Check out our ultimate Money Diaries playlist. Listen now

Join our Facebook Group AKA the ultimate support network for money advice and inspiration. Ask questions, share tips, and celebrate your wins with a like-minded crew of 300,000+.

And follow us on Instagram for Q&As, bite-sized tips, daily money inspo... and relatable money memes that just get you. 

Acknowledgement of Country By Nartarsha Bamblett aka Queen Acknowledgements.

The advice shared on She's On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She's On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs.  Victoria Devine and She's On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708,  AFSL - 4451289

She spent almost everything she'd saved travelling around the world, came home with just $1,000 in her bank account and has $74,000 in HECS debt.&nbsp;Oh, and now she wants to buy a house.&nbsp;At 23.
You'd probably assume this week's Money Diarist has some questionable money habits. But here's where things get interesting, because she's actually doing a whole lot better than you might think.
After years of diligently saving half her income, she decided that travelling, studying in Paris and enjoying her early twenties were worth spending her savings on. And while she wouldn't trade those experiences for anything, there's still that little voice wondering whether she should have put the money towards a house deposit instead.
Now she's earning $75,000 as a law graduate, has rebuilt her savings, started investing in ETFs and has around $12,000 eligible through the First Home Super Saver Scheme. She's also about to move out of home for the first time, which means swapping the comfort of living with her parents for $320 a week in rent, bills and all the other little expenses that somehow add up to a small fortune.
And despite being pretty financially switched on, she's giving herself a C+.
We get into her early investing mistake with crypto, why she's terrified of debt, the $350 she spends on entertainment every fortnight and whether spending your savings on experiences is actually a financial mistake.
Because when you're in your twenties, it can feel like everyone expects you to save for a house, invest for retirement, pay off your HECS and somehow have the time of your life.
Preferably all at once. Which is... ambitious.
But what if spending money on the life you want now isn't necessarily holding you back from building the future you want later?
SORT YOUR INSURANCE: A big thank you to our partner Skye Wealth for bringing this episode to life. If you're ready to get your insurances sorted, you can learn more about them&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/4k3sM0d">here</a>.We have a long standing referral partnership with Skye Wealth and only ever partner with people we trust.&nbsp; CHECK OUT THE SOTM INVESTING HUB: Full of our best investing freebies, resources, courses and podcast episodes <a href="https://www.shesonthemoney.com/investing">here</a>. INVESTING FOR BEGINNERS: All our best beginner's investing podcast episodes in one place<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4vugnzBSU7V0CIU7zkeiN3?si=f557a59764ba433f"> here</a>. Ready to binge more relatable, inspiring, and downright juicy money stories? Check out our ultimate Money Diaries playlist. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qaEnq5V4eWeYr2VmC3F6R?si=b6543c418c2c4c8a">Listen now</a>
Join our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShesontheMoneyAUS/">Facebook Group</a> AKA&nbsp;the ultimate support network for money advice and inspiration. Ask questions, share tips, and celebrate your wins with a like-minded crew of 300,000+.
And follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shesonthemoneyaus/">Instagram</a> for Q&amp;As, bite-sized&nbsp;tips, daily money inspo... and relatable money memes that just get you.&nbsp;
Acknowledgement of Country By Nartarsha Bamblett aka <a href="https://www.queenacknowledgements.com/">Queen Acknowledgements.</a>
The advice shared on She's On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She's On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs.&nbsp; Victoria Devine and She's On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708,&nbsp; AFSL - 4451289

Australia’s #1 finance podcast. Ready to take control of your money without the stress (or boring lectures)? This is the show for you. Hosted by award-winning financial expert and your ultimate money hype girl, Victoria Devine, SOTM makes personal finance relatable, empowering, and yes actually fun. Join a community of 400,000+ smashing their financial goals, from buying their first property to learning to invest, levelling up their careers, or tackling budgeting, saving and debt all without giving up their morning latte. From Deep Dives into the topics you care about, to pervy looks at real life Money Diaries or cheeky Friday Drinks money talk with the girls, Victoria and her team make finance feel like your group chat, just way better for your bank balance. 

It's honest, relatable and non-judgmental talk about personal finance, investing, real estate, career and business... with a big dose of fun.  

Australia&rsquo;s #1 finance podcast. Ready to take control of your money without the stress (or boring lectures)? This is the show for you. Hosted by award-winning financial expert and your ultimate money hype girl, Victoria Devine, SOTM makes personal finance relatable, empowering, and yes actually fun. Join a community of 400,000+ smashing their financial goals, from buying their first property to learning to invest, levelling up their careers, or tackling budgeting, saving and debt all without giving up their morning latte. From Deep Dives into the topics you care about, to pervy looks at real life Money Diaries or cheeky Friday Drinks money talk with the girls, Victoria and her team make finance feel like your group chat, just way better for your bank balance.&nbsp;
It's honest, relatable and non-judgmental talk about personal finance, investing, real estate, career and business... with a big dose of fun.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Empowering you to take control of your finances, one relatable, brunch-worthy chat at a time.

She's On The Money

Australia’s #1 finance podcast. Ready to take control of your money without the stress (or boring lectures)? This is the show for you. Hosted by award-winning financial expert and your ultimate money hype girl, Victoria Devine, SOTM makes personal finance relatable, empowering, and yes actually fun. Join a community of 400,000+ smashing their financial goals, from buying their first property to learning to invest, levelling up their careers, or tackling budgeting, saving and debt all without giving up their morning latte. From Deep Dives into the topics you care about, to pervy looks at real-life Money Diaries or cheeky Friday Drinks money talk with the girls, Victoria and her team make finance feel like your group chat, just way better for your bank balance. 

It's honest, relatable and non-judgmental talk about personal finance, investing, real estate, career and business... with a big dose of fun.

Australia&rsquo;s #1 finance podcast. Ready to take control of your money without the stress (or boring lectures)? This is the show for you. Hosted by award-winning financial expert and your ultimate money hype girl, Victoria Devine, SOTM makes personal finance relatable, empowering, and yes actually fun. Join a community of 400,000+ smashing their financial goals, from buying their first property to learning to invest, levelling up their careers, or tackling budgeting, saving and debt all without giving up their morning latte. From Deep Dives into the topics you care about, to pervy looks at real-life Money Diaries or cheeky Friday Drinks money talk with the girls, Victoria and her team make finance feel like your group chat, just way better for your bank balance.&nbsp;
It's honest, relatable and non-judgmental talk about personal finance, investing, real estate, career and business... with a big dose of fun.

She Chose Europe Over a House Deposit. Now She's Questioning Everything.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/3a4193f1-801a-4c35-9e17-b4d500a65426/transcript