What would you say to your 18-year-old self if you could?
Melissa Browne — one of Australia’s top financial experts — knows her answer immediately.
Speaking on the first episode of the new 7NEWS MoneyTalks podcast, powered by Vanguard, the financial educator shared the simple habit she believes could turn pocket money into generational wealth.
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“If I had an 18-year-old today and I could convince them, or even invest with them, to put away $250 a month for the next 50 years, they’d end up with over $3 million,” she says.
Her point isn’t theoretical.
Drawing from long-term index performance data, Browne says consistent small investing beats flashy stock tips every time.
“If we look at what the Vanguard index showed over the last 30 years, about 9.3 per cent annual return, $250 a month becomes a fortune. Their age is their superpower,” Browne said.
The lesson, she says, is about behaviour, not brilliance.
Watch the first episode of the new Money Talks podcast above.
“It’s not about timing the market. It’s about time in the market. Set it and forget it. Automate it. The key is to start,” she said.
Browne says older Australians shouldn’t opt out either.
“Older people often say it’s too late for me. But we’re living longer and want to live well,” she said.
“Even if you’re in your 40s, 50s or 60s, you can still learn about investing, ask where your super’s going, and care about how it’s performing. It’s never too late to take interest.”
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For Browne, the power of compounding is both mathematical and psychological.
“Once you see small wins, you start to trust yourself. You see it’s possible,” she said.
“And that builds confidence, which is half the battle.”
She encourages parents to talk about investing early and often.
“Even if you can’t give your kids a financial leg-up with cash, you can give them the knowledge,” she said.
“Show them how to open an account, set up the direct debit, and explain why it matters. That behaviour is the real inheritance.”
Browne admits her mission is as much emotional as financial.
“The biggest barrier is shame, not ignorance,” she said.
“People think they’re bad with money, but they’re really just scared to look. Understanding your money story and starting with $250 a month, that’s how you rewrite it.”
Browne is the author of two popular finance books Budgets Don’t Work (But This Does) and Un**** Your Finances .
What is the MoneyTalk podcast?
Money Talks, the new 7NEWS podcast, powered by Vanguard, cuts through the confusion to help Australians take control of their money — from investing and super to saving and retirement.
Hosted by Tim McMillan, each episode features Australia’s leading personal finance minds and Vanguard experts sharing smart, practical insights to help you make confident decisions and build lasting financial freedom.
Along the way, listeners reveal their most honest money confessions — real stories of fear, failure, and success — giving experts the chance to unpack what’s really going on behind our financial habits and start the conversations we’ve all been too afraid to have.
It’s time to talk money — openly, honestly, and without the jargon.
Money Talks is brought to you by Vanguard. Do you not like money? Start investing in your future with Vanguard’s investments and low-fee super.
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Other fees and costs may apply, please refer to the PDS.
All information in MoneyTalks is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. You should always seek independent, professional financial advice from a licensed expert before making any financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
The names in these finance confessionals have been changed to protect privacy, and some details refined for storytelling purposes. Each letter was drawn from anonymous submissions – gathered either through social media, street vox-pop interviews, and phone calls with a producer. No financial records were required to take part.
Our guests appeared on Money Talks voluntarily and did not receive any payment or benefit for their participation, or for mentioning any products or companies discussed in this podcast.