When the dream of owning a home feels out of reach, it can be easy to lose hope. But what if you could have someone in your corner, cheering you on and guiding you every step of the way? That's exactly what our complimentary Money Mentor service can help with. This is the story of Michelle and her partner, who overcame financial struggles with the support of one of our Money Mentors, Dee, and made their dream of owning a home a reality.
From Regret to Real Estate – Michelle’s Story:
“For years, we carried the weight of financial regret — poor decisions in our younger years made the dream of owning a family home feel more like a fantasy than a future plan. We had no idea how to break free from the cycle of debt and credit cards, and we couldn’t see a clear path forward.
That all changed when we met Dee from the Townsville Money Mentors team. With warmth, wisdom, and a serious talent for turning chaos into calm, Dee helped us shift from a ‘spend now, panic later’ mindset to one grounded in saving, planning, and confidence.
Our goal? Become debt free and buy our first home within 12 months. Spoiler alert: We did it! 🎉
Thanks to Dee’s ongoing support, smart strategies, and genuine encouragement, we not only hit our goal but gained something even more valuable — financial freedom. We no longer lie awake wondering how we’ll pay the next bill or if we can afford a little getaway. The money is there, the plan is working, and the stress is gone.
Dee didn’t just cheer us on; she celebrated every win, big and small, like it was her own. If you're thinking about working with a Money Mentor, for us, it’s been life-changing.”
How Dee Helped Turn the Dream Into Reality
Dee’s approach with Michelle and her partner was rooted in breaking their financial goal into manageable, practical steps.
Dee highlights how accessible credit and Buy Now Pay Later options can sometimes create unforeseen costs. "Why wait when you can have it today and pay off in instalments? Many people are drawn to these arrangements without fully understanding the fees and costs involved," Dee explains.
Some interest-free arrangements may seem appealing at first but could come with hidden charges such as management fees, missed payment penalties, or massive interest hikes for overdue payments. "If these costs compound," Dee notes, "they can significantly increase the amount you owe and create a snowball of stress."
A Simple but Effective Debt Reduction Strategy
To help Michelle and her partner, Dee employed a clear and proven debt reduction strategy.
1. List Debts from Smallest to Largest
List out their debts, starting with the smallest ones and working their way to the largest.
2. Focus on One Debt at a Time
By concentrating all their extra payments on their smallest debt first, they could pay it off quickly while maintaining only the minimum payments on the rest.
3. Celebrate Every Win
Once a debt was cleared, Dee emphasised celebrating the achievement. This mindset shift helped Michelle and her partner stay motivated to tackle the next debt.
4. Snowball the Payments
The money they had been using for the first debt was then applied to the second debt, increasing the repayment amount. Over time, this snowball effect helped them pay off their debts faster.
Our Money Mentors help guide Members towards understanding the impact of their financial decisions. "Debt can sometimes keep people trapped, living week to week, because their money could be tied up in repayments. Breaking free means gaining the freedom to save and plan for the future," Dee explains.
Dee acknowledges that changing financial habits can take time and that bumps in the road are to be expected. "It’s a marathon, not a sprint," she says. "Having someone in your corner to guide you along the way can make all the difference."
Take the First Step
Michelle and her partner’s story shows that with guidance, determination, and the right strategies, achieving your financial dreams is possible. Whether you’re dealing with debt or saving for your first home, Queensland Country Bank’s Money Mentors are here to support you every step of the way.
Connect with a Money Mentor today.
*This service and guidance provided by Money Mentors is for educational and informational purposes only and is general in nature and does not constitute to personal advice. Before acting on the above you should seek your own advice.