Two shows: A guide to downsizing from your family home with Mike Chesworth
And our second edition of the Prime Time Book Club: The power of ‘I don’t give a sh*t lit!’ with Kathy Lette.
A guide to downsizing from your family home
Downsizing the family home is one of those decisions that sits in the background for years…until suddenly, it’s right in front of you.
This week on Prime Time, I sit down with regular guest Mike Chesworth to talk about the good, the bad and the reality of downsizing after more than 30 years in the same home.
Big house. Kids grown. Life shifting.
And like so many people in this stage of life, the question becomes… is it time?
In this episode, Mike shares what actually goes into making that decision, from figuring out your “why”, to navigating timing, finances, bridging loans, strata, inspections and the chaos of moving just before Christmas. Along the way, he reflects on what it means to future-proof life in your 60s, let go of the weight of a big home, and create a lifestyle that offers more freedom, flexibility, and ease.
Mike offers hard-won insights into choosing the right property, getting clear on your priorities, managing costs, and treating a move like a project rather than a challenge.
It’s an inspiring listen for anyone wondering whether a simpler, lighter way of living might be closer than they think.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
What it really feels like to leave a home after 30+ years: After decades in the same house, the decision isn’t just practical, it’s also deeply emotional, especially when it’s been the centre of family life.
Why most people sit on the decision for years: For Mike, downsizing had been in the background for five years before becoming a real conversation.
The four questions that guide the whole process: Why are we doing this? When will we do it? How will we do it? What are we moving to?
The moment the house no longer fits your life: When it’s just two people in a large home, the upkeep, security and unused space start to outweigh the benefits.
Future-proofing before you have to: Thinking ahead to stairs, maintenance and mobility - and making the move while you still have full choice and control.
Why starting the decluttering early changes everything: Spending years gradually letting go of “stuff” made the final move far less overwhelming.
Getting crystal clear on your non-negotiables: From no stairs to space for family dinners and hobbies, having clear criteria meant they only needed to look at a handful of properties.
The hidden costs people don’t think about: Bridging finance, marketing, inspections, compliance and agent fees; all the extras that add up quickly.
Why you need to treat it like a project: From booking removalists early to managing timelines, a successful move comes down to planning, not luck.
Booked your place on the next Epic Retirement Flagship Course yet?
Our next program kicks off on 14 May, and Earlybird (25% off) is now open—but places are limited.
This is a six-week retirement education program designed to build your confidence and help you make sense of the many decisions ahead.
If you’re starting to think seriously about what comes next, this is the perfect way to get prepared.
Learn more about the course here ➡️
BOOK CLUB: The power of ‘I don’t give a sh*t lit!’ with Kathy Lette
It’s month two of the Prime Time Book Club, and this one is an absolute hoot.
This month we’re diving into The Sisterhood Rules by the one and only Kathy Lette - and yes, she’s back on the show with us for a proper book club sit-down… and the kind of girl talk we don’t have nearly enough of.
If you’ve ever read chick lit, chances are Kathy has been part of your life. From Puberty Blues to now, she’s been soundtracking the different stages of womanhood, and this latest book is firmly for us in midlife.
I’ve just finished it and I loved it. It’s sharp, funny, rebellious… and underneath all of that, it’s about something much deeper: what happens when women of a certain age stop playing by the rules and start leaning into the power of the sisterhood.
In this episode, we talk about everything from falling out with the women closest to you, to ageing, sex, reinvention… and why midlife might just be the moment you stop caring what anyone else thinks and start having a lot more fun.
You can find a copy of ‘The Sisterhood Rules’ at all good book retailers & online here.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
“I don’t give a sh*t lit”: Kathy’s new genre is all about women in midlife letting go of expectations, speaking their minds and finally caring a whole lot less about what anyone else thinks.
Why we need the sisterhood more than ever: From global issues to everyday life, Kathy makes the case that female friendship, loyalty and solidarity aren’t optional, they’re essential right now.
When friendships break down (and how painful that really is): Falling out with a sister or close friend can cut deeper than a romantic breakup, and this story explores what it takes to find your way back.
The rules of the sisterhood: From “never let a man come between you” to always taking her side in a breakup, Kathy shares the playful (but pointed) rules of the sisterhood.
Why midlife is when everything shifts: There’s a moment where you stop seeking approval, care less about judgement, and start stepping fully into who you are - and it’s incredibly freeing.
The double standard around ageing (and why Kathy’s not having it): Men get labelled “love gods.” Women get labelled “old.” Kathy flips that narrative and calls out the outdated rules around ageing and visibility.
Sex, confidence and freedom in your 50s and 60s: Far from fading away, Kathy argues this can be a woman’s most confident and liberated stage, where you know what you want and aren’t afraid to ask for it.
Money vs happiness: As the story unfolds, it raises a deeper question: at this stage of life, what actually matters most?
The real takeaway: don’t shrink in midlife. This isn’t the time to fade politely into the background. It’s a time for friendship, freedom, honesty… and maybe breaking a few rules along the way.
From Bec’s Desk
It’s hard to believe it’s Easter already! Where did the first quarter of the year go? This week, as you head off onto your Easter break, I’ve got two shows for you to enjoy. I hope you have plenty of downtime to relax into them. Mike tells an honest story of his recent Sydney downsizing! And Kathy Lette, the chick-lit legend is back to talk about her new book for our monthly Bookclub episode.
This week I’ve been on the road, but near home, speaking to financial advisers in the Gold Coast and Brisbane with AMP North. It’s been a real buzz - because they put on a fabulous show!
And, as you might have seen, the Earlybird Deal for the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course for May/June 2026 has launched. The first 200 people to book will get our 25% off pricing. It’s been a busy week of sales - so if you’re thinking about it… don’t delay too long!
Learn more about the course here ➡️
And, if over the holidays you’re reading something good - let me know. I’m hungry for ideas for books we should be reading this year in our book club. Be sure to send them in… just hit reply!
Now, off you go and enjoy the break - make your Prime Time count!
Cheers, Bec
Bec, I really enjoyed listening to Mike Chesworth. Could you follow up with him in a few years time? Have there been any downsides to downsizing?