You can watch the YouTube video here.
*A quick production note: We had to switch recording platforms partway through the episode, so you may notice a slight change in audio and video quality. Thanks for bearing with us!

What would happen to your finances if the person who usually manages the money was no longer there? 

It’s not about expecting the worst. It’s about making sure you understand your financial position, have a voice in the decisions and can confidently manage your future, whatever happens next. 

In Episode 615, Ben is joined by Couch Crew Kirsty Dunphey and Polly Chu to explore women’s financial independence and the risks that can quietly build when one partner steps away from work, disengages from the household investments or assumes someone else will always manage the money. 

Together, they unpack why Australian women continue to retire with less super, how career breaks and unpaid caring responsibilities can affect long-term wealth, and why every couple needs open conversations about money, property and their future. 

You’ll also discover practical ways to improve your financial security, including: 

  • Understanding your household cash flow, debts and investments 
  • Exploring super contribution splitting with qualified advice 
  • Holding regular household “board meetings” 
  • Reviewing your insurance, wills and beneficiaries 
  • Ensuring both partners understand the long-term financial strategy 

Because financial independence doesn’t mean keeping everything separate or preparing for a relationship to fail. 

It means knowing where you stand…and being equipped to protect yourself if life doesn’t go to plan. Listen now!  

 

Free Stuff Mentioned

  • 🎟️ FREE WEBINAR: Sell, Hold or Optimise?
    7:30pm AEST, Tues 22 September
    The market is shifting but does your current property strategy still stack up? Join Ben in our upcoming webinar as he explores the frameworks that can help you assess whether your next move could be to sell, buy, hold or optimise.
    👉 Save your spot
  • 🎥 The PRE-Purchase Series
    Coming soon: a new ten-part, bite-sized series designed to help you navigate the three key stages of purchasing property—Preparation, Research and Execution.
    👉 If you’re a TPC subscriber, keep your eyes peeled in your inbox next week!
  • 🌞 The Property Couch Summer Series
    Did a turning point change the direction of your property journey? Or can you share what playing the long game really looks like after 10, 15 or 20 years? We want to hear your story.
    👉 Share your property journey
  • 🐖 Moorr: Your New Home for Property, Finance & Money Management
    Bring your cash flow, property, goals and overall financial position together in one place, so you can understand your numbers and make more informed financial decisions.
    👉 Get started with Moorr for free
     

Timestamps

  • 00:00 — 615 | The $86K Gap Putting Australian Women at Financial Risk   
  • 00:57 — Housekeeping: Webinar, PRE-Purchase Series + Summer Series 
  • 05:30 — The Financial Risk Facing Australian Women 
  • 10:32 — The Motherhood Penalty No One Warns You About 
  • 15:28 — Should Couples Combine Their Money? 
  • 18:30 — “You Can’t Be What You Can’t See” 
  • 20:43 — The $86,000 Super Gap 
  • 23:03 — The Super Strategy & Protecting the Stay-at-Home Parent 
  • 25:48 — The Money Talk to Have Before Kids 
  • 28:40 — When Financial Control Becomes Abuse 
  • 33:09 — The Money Lessons That Shaped Kirsty and Polly 
  • 38:12 — A Partner Is Not a Financial Plan 
  • 45:58 — Stop Avoiding Your Numbers 
  • 49:29 — The Family Board Meeting Every Household Needs 
  • 52:06 — Are Your Wills, Insurance and Beneficiaries Up to Date? 
  • 54:04 — Final Messages: Challenge the Status Quo