What if the only thing standing between you and financial freedom is the story you keep telling yourself about money?

Today on The SMARTA Podcast, we’re cutting through the noise. We’re talking about the money habits keeping you stuck, the mindset shifts that actually matter, and the three mistakes almost EVERYONE makes. Even high-net-worth families Jacqui advises. Whether you’re 17, 27, or 47, this episode gives you the clarity you wish school had taught you.

What you’ll learn:

• The 3 biggest money mistakes and how to avoid them

• How to shift your money mindset (even if you grew up with scarcity)

• Why your financial literacy matters more than your income

• How to build control with one simple habit

• How to handle peer pressure, lifestyle creep, and “wearing and driving your money”

• What financial independence actually looks like at 18+

• Why money is a tool, not your identity

• How to start building your safety net today

Jacqui Clarke is one of Australia’s leading strategic financial advisors, known for guiding some of the country’s wealthiest families. Author of Stop Worrying About Money, she’s built a career demystifying finance, simplifying money for the everyday person, and teaching people how to take back control of their financial lives.

Find her here: jacquiclarke.me

BUY JACQUI’S BOOK

Stop Worrying About Money:

👉 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Worrying-About-Money

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome + Why Finance Feels Complicated

00:51 – The 3 Big Money Takeaways

01:55 – Your Money Mindset Shift

02:40 – Why Talking About Money Matters

04:52 – Money, Values & Goal Setting

07:45 – Taking Back Control of Your Spending

10:20 – Lifestyle Choices & The “Front Door Cost”

11:46 – Healthy Money Habits at 18

13:08 – Money Mistake #1: Wearing & Driving Your Money

17:55 – Emotional Money Pitfalls

20:39 – Money Mistake #2: Head-in-the-Sand

21:07 – Money Mistake #3: Not Knowing Your Baseline

24:39 – Building Financial Literacy Today

26:59 – Lifestyle Creep & Living Within Your Means

33:24 – The Hard Truth About Money

34:42 – How Creatives Can Stay True and Earn

35:58 – Advice to Her 17-Year-Old Self

36:29 – Books That Changed Her Life

37:00 – Final Message to You

🎄 GIVEAWAY NOTE

This is one of the final guests before December! I’m running a Christmas giveaway with three finance & self-development books, details will drop in the next episode. Stay tuned. Follow my Instagram to stay up to date to any updates and news!

If you learned something new from this episode, double-check that you’re subscribed for more weekly conversations that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out. Also, rate this podcast 5 stars as it’s what helps me grow the show!

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌐 Learn more about Sonia Marta: www.soniamarta.com

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram @soniamartaauthor and connect via linktr.ee/soniamartauthor