This is a podcast that stopped me in my tracks. It’s part of the MyMoney MyStory series, and this particular episode tells the story of Erin and Adam, a couple from Adelaide who navigated job losses during COVID, bought not one but two homes, and welcomed twins—all during one of the toughest housing affordability periods in Australia’s recent history.
At a time when rising interest rates, property prices, and economic uncertainty dominate headlines, their story stood out to me. It wasn’t some rags-to-riches tale or a viral TikTok finance hack—it was two ordinary Australians who made a series of grounded, smart decisions that gave them financial stability and control.
Before the pandemic, Erin and Adam were both building careers in the travel industry. Then, like so many others, they found themselves on unstable footing. Erin’s hours were cut, Adam was placed on JobKeeper, and their plans to buy a home looked like they might unravel. They’d already placed a deposit on an off-the-plan apartment, but suddenly everything was in jeopardy.
What followed was a gradual but profound financial shift. Erin started a new job with MyBudget, and as she learned more about how structured budgeting worked, the couple realised they needed a better plan than their existing spreadsheets. With a clear long-term view of their finances, they were able to regain their footing—and then some.
What I found most inspiring wasn’t just that they managed to save their apartment purchase, but how they used budgeting as a foundation to plan for IVF (which they ultimately didn’t need—Erin found out she was pregnant with twins), go on a family holiday, and eventually upgrade to a four-bedroom house while keeping their original apartment as an investment.
Now, they’re planning a move to Sydney to be closer to family before eventually settling in Brisbane. Their story is refreshingly honest, practical, and, frankly, encouraging.
In an environment where so many Australians feel like homeownership is slipping further out of reach, this episode reminded me that while the challenges are real, so is the potential to make it happen with the right mindset and planning.
If you’re in the mood for something hopeful and grounded in reality, give it a listen. It’s called “Two Homes, Two Babies, One Budget: Erin and Adam’s Journey”—and it’s well worth your time.
