This week's Money Diary proves there isn't just one way to build wealth.

Growing up in a working-class family, she didn't inherit financial advice, a house deposit or a roadmap. So she made one herself.

From 18 to 25, she skipped renting altogether, house-sitting her way across Melbourne, looking after other people's homes and pets while quietly saving every dollar she could. It wasn't glamorous, but it helped her buy her first home on her own in her twenties.

Fast forward to today and she's 36, single, earns $177,000 a year, owns a home worth around $1.2 million, has more than $250,000 in super and is slowly building an investment portfolio, all without relying on a partner to get there.

We chat about climbing the corporate ladder while completing a master's and PhD, navigating redundancies, why she's still not convinced she deserves an A for her money habits, and the reality of building financial security on your own.

It's a conversation about doing things differently, trusting yourself, and remembering that building wealth doesn't have to look the same as everyone else's.

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.

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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