At 26, this week’s Money Diarist has nearly $40,000 invested, $46,000 in super and has just bought a six-bedroom home on 25 acres with her mum and younger brother.

There are horses. There are stables. There’s a riding arena. Honestly, she’s doing pretty well. But the interesting part of this story isn’t actually how much she’s managed to build. It’s how difficult it still feels to spend any of it. She grew up in a financially comfortable family until her parents separated when she was 10. Her father’s financial abuse left her mum working three jobs to keep life as normal as possible for her children. There were nights when there wasn’t enough money for dinner, but her mum somehow managed to turn those moments into childhood memories of going to friends’ houses for tea. As she got older and realised what had actually been happening, money became safety. Birthday money was hidden away for a rainy day. Unplanned purchases could send her spiralling with anxiety. And even now, with an emergency fund, investments and money specifically saved for something she needs, spending it can still feel incredibly uncomfortable.

Today she’s a paramedic earning around $90,000 base and almost $130,000 last year with penalties and overtime. She invests $400 a fortnight, salary sacrifices another $200 into super and has just taken on a $1.57 million mortgage with her mum and brother. She’s done an incredible job learning how to save and invest. Now she’s learning that sometimes being good with money also means giving yourself permission to actually enjoy it.

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