Changing the Mindset Around Money
Financial freedom is not just for those with high incomes. It's a goal that can be achieved through small, consistent habits over time. Natalie Williams, founder of Wealth Creators and an expert in investing, emphasizes that the key to building wealth lies in changing how people think about money.
She believes that the first step towards financial success is recognizing that money is a mental game. "You are your greatest investment," she said. This mindset shift comes from understanding that the knowledge, resilience, and skills you invest in yourself are assets no one can take away.
Natalie credits much of her outlook to becoming a Tony Robbins-trained mindset coach. She says that investing in herself and her education gave her the tools needed to succeed in both business and life. "The only thing holding you back is the story you keep telling yourself," she added.
Social Media Can Be Distracting
Social media often creates pressure to appear successful, but Natalie stresses that chasing someone else's lifestyle is one of the fastest ways to derail your finances. "Don't compare your chapter one to someone's chapter 10," she advised.
Instead of measuring success by luxury items, she encourages focusing on building a personal financial future. Natalie admitted she didn't buy her first Gucci handbag until after she built a seven-figure business, emphasizing that rewards should come only after hard work has been done.
She also recommends avoiding unnecessary debt by delaying instant gratification, resisting impulse purchases, and, where practical, cutting up credit cards and paying off all debt. This helps lay the foundation for long-term wealth.
The One Question That Changes Everything
One habit that has transformed Natalie's approach to saving is asking herself a simple question before every purchase: "Where is the return on investment (ROI) for this?" She doesn't just apply this to investing but incorporates it into every part of her life.
"Where is the return on investment in every area of your life? That's wealth creation, in business, in health, and in relationships," she said. Whether it's spending $100 on dinner out or booking an unnecessary Uber, Natalie believes being more intentional with money can have a significant impact over time.
"You've got to cut out the noise, get in your lane, and grind," she said. "Sacrifice is all part of that. But in one year, you can completely transform your life."
Focus on Earning, Not Just Saving
While budgeting remains important, Natalie says there's only so much people can cut before shifting attention to increasing income. This could mean negotiating a pay rise, changing careers, freelancing, selling unused items, or turning a skill into a side hustle.
She also encourages embracing technology, saying AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help brainstorm business ideas, improve productivity, and automate tasks. "We've never had such access to technology and ways to make money, and there's so much free education online now."
Invest Now, There's Nothing Stopping You
One of the biggest misconceptions Natalie hears is that investing only becomes worthwhile once you've saved a substantial amount. Instead, she says consistency matters more than the initial amount. "You can start with as little as $50 a week or $50 a month to suit your budget — but just start," she urged.
For beginners, she recommends using platforms like Sharesies or Raiz, which allow users to buy fractional shares without needing thousands upfront. She also suggests automating investments so the money leaves your account before you're tempted to spend it elsewhere.
Build a Long-Term Strategy with a Professional
For Australians worried they've left it too late to build wealth, Natalie stresses that it's never too late to start. Rather than dwelling on past mistakes, she encourages focusing on today's decisions.
"My passion has always been helping people unlock their potential because wealth isn't really about money. It's about freedom," she said. By making small, consistent choices, everyday Australians can transform their financial future over time.
When asked what she'd do with $1,000, Natalie didn't hesitate. "I'd spend that on a strategy session with a [finance] coach, because I know that when we do a strategy session, you come out with a great roadmap."
Natalie's Top 10 Wealth Tips
- Invest in yourself first – Build your knowledge, skills, and mindset first.
- Stop comparing yourself to others – Focus on your own financial goals instead of trying to keep up with someone else's lifestyle.
- Delay instant gratification – Avoid unnecessary debt, resist impulse purchases, and reward yourself after achieving your goals.
- Track every dollar – Create a budgeting spreadsheet and regularly review where your money is going.
- Ask yourself, "What's the return on investment?" – Before every purchase, consider whether it will add long-term value to your life.
- Increase your earning potential – Don't just focus on saving money; look for ways to earn more through promotions, side hustles, or learning new skills.
- Start investing early – Even $50 a week or month into an investment platform can help build healthy savings habits over time, that compound.
- Automate your investments – Set up regular transfers so you're investing consistently without having to think about it.
- Use free educational resources – Read books, listen to podcasts, and learn from successful entrepreneurs to improve your financial literacy.
- It's never too late – Small, consistent actions taken today can make a significant difference to your financial future.
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