Starting your Prime Time with very little: an honest conversation
Mary Card, single parent, media professional and all-round legend, confesses that she's starting to freak out about being really poor when she's old.
If you’re in your 40s or 50s and starting to quietly panic about retirement, you’re not alone—and you’re not too late. In this raw and refreshingly honest episode, I chat with Mary, a single mum and media professional who’s spent her working life juggling freelancing, kids, and surviving. Now, at 47, she’s finally stopped ignoring “the big dark thing in the corner” (her money) and is facing her financial future head-on.
Mary doesn’t hold back. We talk about the fear of being old and broke, the realities of patchy super, and the moment she decided it was time to rip the Band-Aid off and take control.
This episode is equal parts heart and head: real talk about money, midlife, and how to get your power back—without spreadsheets, shame or giving up your Netflix.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
Why Mary is starting to “freak out” about retirement—and what changed
How years of freelancing and solo parenting shaped her financial picture
What buying a coffee machine taught her about money momentum
The average age of divorce and its silent impact on women’s super
Why owning a home—even with a mortgage—gives her unexpected options
A no-shame, plain-English explainer on how super works (finally!)
How small actions (like $50/week to super) can change your trajectory
Budgeting without spreadsheets: yes, it’s possible
The power of having a “meeting with yourself”
How Mary’s teen daughter became her unlikely financial role model
Whether you're feeling behind, uncertain, or just ready to get back in the driver's seat—this episode is for you.
Resources mentioned:
Free budget template at epicretirement.com.au/resources
ASFA Retirement Standard: Visit the website
Sydney Morning Herald article on the super + pension "sweet spot" - Read it here
Facing financial hardship? You can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for help navigating your way out of debt and into a more secure future.
Ready to make your retirement truly epic?
The Epic Retirement Course is back in August! It’s six weeks of straight-talking strategies for sorting your money, health, time, purpose, travel plans and more.
Thousands of Aussies have done it — and the August intake is now open.
Early bird pricing has been extended, offering you 25% off.
👉 Or download the 2025 Spring brochure here.
I wrote Prime Time for all of us in our 40s, 50s and 60s
… who know we’re not done yet, but don’t want to do it the old way.
This book is full of honest lessons—about health, work, money, identity and what it takes to build your financial foundations, and shape a life you love in midlife and beyond.
Pre-order it now from your favourite store
Amazon: Order here
Booktopia: Order here (I’ll be signing all the Booktopia orders before launch day!)
👉 Grab your copy now, and thank you so much for your support.
Great episode Bec and Mary. I have already listened twice. I am still chuckling about the trainers, is quite difficult to say, no, to older children (well for me it is, but I am getting so much better with using the no word). Looking forward to the new book. On order :)
Cant wait to read the new book! POD