Financial Clarity - Blog

My thoughts, tips and resources on various elements of Personal Finance, Expat Finance and Homeownership

Debt, Discipline & That Magic £15K: How I Built My Emergency Fund (and Started Living on Cash)

Debt, Discipline & That Magic £15K: How I Built My Emergency Fund (and Started Living on Cash)

In my 20s, I carried £15K in credit card debt—on top of student loans and a private law school loan I barely understood. But paying off that debt taught me how to live well below my means, and that habit became the foundation for everything that came next. In this post, I share how I went from debt to discipline to financial freedom—and built my first emergency fund without feeling deprived.

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Overconsumption Is Keeping You in Chains
Journey To Freedom, Personal Finance Shirley Druyeh Journey To Freedom, Personal Finance Shirley Druyeh

Overconsumption Is Keeping You in Chains

What’s Truly Keeping You in Chains?

Debt? The need for approval? The fear of missing out?

When you step back and truly evaluate what’s holding you captive, you might find that the biggest burden isn’t the job or the bills—it’s the endless desire for more. And the good news? That’s something you can change.

Stop buying sh*t. Start reclaiming your life. Real freedom starts when you decide you already have enough.

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Climate Change and Sydney’s Property Market: The Hidden Factor Driving Prices Up
Homeownership Shirley Druyeh Homeownership Shirley Druyeh

Climate Change and Sydney’s Property Market: The Hidden Factor Driving Prices Up

Climate change is quietly reshaping Sydney’s property market in ways few people discuss. From rising insurance costs in flood-prone areas to shifting demand for climate-resilient suburbs, extreme weather events are influencing where people buy and how much they pay. While traditional factors like supply and demand drive housing prices, environmental risks are becoming an increasingly important consideration for buyers and investors. In this blog, we explore how climate change is impacting Sydney’s housing landscape and what it means for the future of property values.

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UK National Insurance Made Simple: A Guide for Expats in Australia to Secure Their State Pension
Expat Life, Personal Finance Shirley Druyeh Expat Life, Personal Finance Shirley Druyeh

UK National Insurance Made Simple: A Guide for Expats in Australia to Secure Their State Pension

Understanding your UK State Pension as an expat in Australia can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This step-by-step guide simplifies National Insurance contributions, helping you check your record, fill gaps, meet deadlines, and see how your UK pension complements Australian superannuation for a stable retirement income.

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