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Brighter / / 5 clever money lessons for modern life

5 clever money lessons for modern life

From creative paths into property to freezer hacks and investment tips, these money lessons show how to save, grow and protect your finances.

  • Jess Irvine explained how alternative strategies like property share, prefab homes and rentvesting can make property ownership more achievable for some.
  • Best friends Ben and Josh showed how trust and clear agreements helped them crack the property market together.
  • Adam Liaw proved that freezers can cut grocery bills and food waste.

From mates teaming up to buy their first home to a couple flipping houses on the side, episode six of The Brighter Side was full of fresh ideas. 

1. Rethink the path to home ownership

Buying a house solo is harder than ever but CommBank personal finance expert Jess Irvine highlighted some alternative paths to consider. Property share (buying with friends or family), prefab homes (potentially a cheaper way to build) and rentvesting (rent where you want, buy where you can afford) are all growing trends. Her advice: take the marathon mindset—small, steady steps and the right advice can make big, long-term goals possible.

Childhood mates Ben and Josh decided to buy a home together.

2. Team up to make it happen

Best mates Ben and Josh had no luck buying on their own so they decided to buy together. With separate loans under a CommBank Property Share loan, they kept responsibilities clear and risks lower. “If you’ve got a strong friendship and the right people around you, you’ll laugh at it,” Josh said. When it comes to getting ahead financially, teamwork can open doors.

3. Turn a passion into a profitable side hustle

Jess and Simon Boxtel both work full-time but their love of property led them to renovate and flip homes on the side. Their golden rule: clear goals and strict budgets. “You can go over budget,” Simon said, “but you have to pick it up somewhere else.” Six flips later, they’ve built both skills and wealth, one project at a time.

Property flippers Jess and Simon Boxtel with Narelda Jacobs.

4. Save money with your freezer

Your freezer isn’t just for ice cream and forgotten leftovers, it’s a financial ally. Adam Liaw’s chicken and spinach curry showed how frozen veg is nutritious, affordable and ready when you are. His pro tip? Always label what you freeze with contents and date. Small habits like this cut waste, reduce takeaway spend and make meal planning easier.

Adam Liaw's chicken and spinach curry is perfect for batch cooking and freezing.

5. Invest early, protect always

Actor Takaya Honda shared the money lesson he learnt the hard way: invest early so your money keeps working even when you’re between jobs. “Having that money there and having it growing means you’re not in a desperate place,” he said. Meanwhile, CommBank scams and fraud expert James Roberts reminded us that scams are best fought with conversation. 

Stream The Brighter Side on 10.

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Published: 14 October 2025

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