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5 useful money lessons to help you achieve your finance goals

Learn how you can achieve your financial goals by taking note of these useful lessons from episode four of The Brighter Side.

  • Jess Irvine showed how setting clear goals and visual reminders can turn even big-ticket dreams like overseas holidays into achievable realities.
  • Adam Liaw proved that budget-friendly meals can be effortless with slow-cooker shortcuts that save both time and money.
  • Inspiring guests like Shaun Christie-David and Anisa Nandaula reminded us that passion, authenticity and social purpose are powerful ingredients for success.

From saving for dream holidays to turning food into a force for good, episode four of The Brighter Side was full of big ideas and practical hacks. 

1. Make your money goals visual

For Logan and Jordy, saving for a once-in-a-decade family reunion and adventure abroad felt daunting, especially with their different spending habits. But CommBank personal finance expert Jess Irvine suggested a simple tool: a vision board. 

By putting photos of destinations (and loved ones) on the fridge, saving stopped being abstract and started feeling real. As Logan put it, “Any time we’re tempted to spend, we focus on the vision.” Proof that pictures really can keep your budget on track.

Narelda Jacobs with restaurateur Shaun Christie-David.

2. Food can fuel real change

Narelda Jacobs sat down with restaurateur Shaun Christie-David, whose Colombo Social—a social enterprise Sri Lankan restaurant in Sydney’s Enmore—has redefined what dining out can mean. For him, every plate is a chance to make a difference, providing meals for those in need and jobs for people facing barriers to work.

“Good food doing good,” Shaun explained of his restaurant, which has since grown into a network of venues with impact baked into their model. Turns out, a successful business can nourish both people and community.

3. Slow cookers are secret budget weapons

Busy families often feel like dinnertime is another job on the to-do list. But Adam Liaw showed that a trusty slow cooker can flip the script. 

By using affordable cuts of meat and letting the cooker do the work, he created a hearty beef stew for a fraction of the cost of takeaway. “Put this on before work,” Adam said, “and seven hours later, it’s ready.” Money saved, stress reduced and a meal the whole family will enjoy. 

4. Authenticity is your best currency

When Georgie Tunny caught up with poet-turned-comedian Anisa Nandaula, the performer revealed that her greatest strength is staying true to herself. Her comedy, rooted in lived experience and identity, has struck a chord online and on stage. “Authenticity is your most valuable asset,” she said. And it’s a lesson she applies as much to her career as her creativity.

5. Don’t click in a rush

CommBank scams and fraud expert James Roberts returned with another essential safety reminder: this time on phishing scams. Those too-good-to-be-true delivery texts or urgent banking emails? They’re designed to trick you into handing over your details. 

His advice is simple: “Stop. Check. Reject.” A pause before you click could be all it takes to protect your money.

Watch and stream The Brighter Side, Fridays at 8:30pm on 10.

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Published: 26 September 2025

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