Bank balance not quite as abundant as you were hoping? Assets looking a bit... non-existent? We feel you—it isn't easy getting your finances in check but in this economy it's especially vital. So we've called on the best of the best to help you get a stronger, smarter grip on your finances and get that financial freedom on lock.
Enter: The Curve, an investing and finance education platform for women including a multi-award winning podcast and a newly-minted investing club founded by Sophie Hallwright and Victoria Harris.
What's the first thing we should do to start being more empowered financially?
Know your numbers. It might sound like the most obvious thing in the world but you can't manage what you don't measure. The moment I spent time consciously deciding how I wanted to split my pay (essentials vs non-essentials + anything leftover is my investing money) I felt SO empowered. I felt like I had control over my money rather than the other way around. - Soph
What are your top three financial ins and outs for 2025?
IN: Investing smarter, not just saving
OUT: Letting your money sit in a low-interest savings account
With inflation still a thing, just saving isn’t enough. Investing in stocks, ETFs, or even high-interest accounts helps your money grow instead of just sitting there.
IN: Spending intentionally
OUT: Mindless impulse buys
2025 is the year of “Do I really need this?” More people are prioritising big-picture financial goals over trend-driven spending. Less “TikTok made me buy it,” more wealth-building moves.
IN: Multiple income streams
OUT: Relying on just one paycheck
Whether it’s a side hustle, passive income, or investing—diversifying your income is key. Having multiple sources of money = more freedom, less financial stress. - Vic
Is 'buy now, pay later' tech straight from the gaping maw of Hell or are there ways it can be used strategically?
For me I can't use it at all. I am an extreme person though who struggles with balance, but I've just decided that if I can't afford something now, I don't want to have to pay for it later. Plus the dopamine hit you get when buying something is so instant, if you get the product and then pay for it later it's sooo much harder to part with that money. For me, it's a straight no and I would really recommend others do the same. - Soph
Image credit: The Curve | supplied
What's The Curve Investing Club all about?
The Curve Investing Club is the world’s first digital investment club for women to build wealth. A place where industry experts and beginners join forces to share knowledge, swap ideas, and make money through investing.
If you’re here, you know saving alone won’t make you a millionaire, but investing could. We wholeheartedly believe in the power of community, and that the best investment ideas come when we collaborate. So bring your friends, your Mum, even strangers you met on the street—there really is strength in numbers.
This club is a place to ask questions and make collective decisions. To make our money multiply while we sleep, so that we can all start to rely on our investments—not our salaries. - Vic
Any tips for people who want to budget better but are allergic to spreadsheets?
I've always hated spreadsheets, I know I am biased but join our Investing Club! When you join you get free lifetime access to our Investing course which will teach you everything you need to know from how to split your pay (and make it fun, easy and pretty—you should see my online banking set-up), to understanding investing and actually knowing where to put that 'surplus' the money you have leftover after you've paid for your essentials and non-essentials. - Soph
What's your take on The Good Life?
Freedom, Connection + Purpose
1) Having “FU” Money
Not just financial stability, but enough wealth to walk away from anything that doesn’t serve you—a toxic job, a bad relationship, or a lifestyle that keeps you stuck. True freedom comes from knowing you have options.
2) Deep, No-BS Relationships
A life filled with quality over quantity—friends who actually show up, a partner who’s your biggest supporter, and family you genuinely enjoy being around (not just out of obligation).
3) Waking Up Excited for Your Day
Whether it’s building a business, mastering a skill, or simply having the flexibility to do what you love, The Good Life means spending your time in ways that energize you, not drain you. If you’re constantly counting down to Friday, something needs to change. - Vic
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- How To Survive Your Studies On A Budget
- 8 Ways To Sell Your Old Stuff Online And Make Bank
- Everything You Need To Know About NFTs
Main image credit: The Curve | supplied.