Money Stories: Chandel Brandimarti

Chandel is the Director of Strategy + Loan Advisor at Pure Finance, Australia’s first specialist finance brokerage to be certified as a B Corp. She is also the Co-Creator of Ladies Talk Money, an online platform dedicated to helping women smash money taboos and stereotypes, and to become more comfortable and confident in having conversations about money. Having spent her early career working as an actor and in hospitality, she understands the trials and tribulations of living a financially precarious life, and now revels in the chance to help people get (and pay off) a loan in a way that empowers and supports them. An avid feminist, Chandel is unapologetic in calling on the finance industry to do better, especially for women. Passionate about leading the charge to make money more equal and ethical, Chandel is keen to support women to smash stereotypes and have much- needed conversations about money.

What’s one of your earliest money memories?

I’d say my earliest money memory with the most impact was seeing my very first pay check deposited into my bank account. I remember feeling this rush of excitement and freedom, as all the possibilities of what that money could do for me started running through my mind. From that moment on, I became incredibly motivated to do whatever I could to save and get really savvy with money. This was also around the time that I started a designated, long- term savings account to save for a house deposit (I would have been around 14 years of age, can you believe?!). That girl was driven and dedicated! (she’s a bit more lazy these days …)

How would you describe your relationship with money?

A constantly evolving journey. I’d say my relationship with money, on the whole, is a good one, though like anybody, I’m not immune to the negative connotations and insecurities that money (or lack thereof) can bring.  Also, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more acutely aware of the inherent inequality of money, particularly for women and people of colour , and how systemic issues are often left out of money conversations entirely.

One of the reasons that Jess and I created Ladies Talk Money, was to create a space for women that encourages open and honest conversations about money, and that shines a light on the many ways that women are stereotyped and disadvantaged by a financial system that wasn’t designed to support them. Because of this, my relationship with money has certainly taken on a more ‘activist’ lens in recent years, and I’m fiercely passionate about doing what I can to level the playing field for women.

Was there a particular moment where you decided to make your financial wellbeing a priority?

I’d say it was around the time that I started earning my own money. I was really dedicated to financial wellbeing early on, because of how vocal my mum was about the importance of financial security and independence. Actually, mum’s money story had a big influence on me (she moved out of home at 15 and had to immediately become financially independent) and she really encouraged my sister and I to develop good money habits. Mum was such an amazing financial feminist role model!

What do you wish you could tell your younger self about money?

Invest in something other than property as soon as you can! Don’t get me wrong, I love property as an investment, but it’s definitely more of a long game because it takes so long to save up that deposit. However, it’s so important (especially for women!) that we’re not only saving our money, but we’re also spending time ‘growing’ it as well. This is also another of the many reasons that spurred the creation of Ladies Talk Money. We know there’s a huge gap between men and women when it comes to investing, and this can largely be attributed to the fact that historically, women just haven’t been encouraged to be a part of these kinds of conversations in the ways that men have. I think I’d also tell younger me to not be so hard on myself. I was incredibly diligent with my money for so many years, and often, it meant lots of sacrifices. In hindsight, I think I could have let myself off the hook every once in a while...

What’s the best piece of money advice you’ve ever received?

Growing up, my mum had incredible discipline and natural instincts when it came to money. (she still does!) So, almost all of my good money habits and advice came from her. Things like save a bit from every single pay check, never live beyond your means, have long-term money goals, no credit cards! (I’ve still never had one). You know, nothing ground-breaking, but it’s still damn good advice! In some ways though, I think the best thing she taught me (albeit inadvertently) is that being in control of your money is being in control of your future. And ultimately, you are your greatest financial ally.

What’s your favourite thing to splurge money on?

Food. Hands down.

Tell me about your proudest money moment?

Since starting that savings account at 14, I had managed to save enough for a deposit by 22, and with my parents going guarantor, I bought my first home! It was an incredibly proud, and in a lot of ways, an empowering moment, which is why I'm so glad to help others do the same through my work at Pure Finance. Another proud moment would have to be the creation of Ladies Talk Money. Jess and I had no idea just how powerful and important the platform would become, and we are beyond thrilled that we get to do this work and have these life-changing conversations. Not to mention all the INCREDIBLE ladies we are meeting along the way!!!

Do you have any money regrets?

Nothing major (yet!) but it would most likely be not investing as early as I could have. I also wish I’d taken a more activist route earlier on and talked more about money with my friends in my teenage years/early twenties.

If you won $100,000 what would you do with it?

Oh my goodness, so many things! At this point, I think I’d use some of the money to put toward a new property purchase (Sydney is so expensive!), and the rest I’d like to put toward ‘impact investing’ which is where you invest money into companies that are creating both financial returns and measurable social and/or environmental impact. I’d also be looking to invest with a focus on companies that were working to deliver economic outcomes and empowerment for women. Oh! And I’d also like to put a good chunk into my super and really get that compound interest working for me.

How do you use your money as a force for good?

Such an important question! Being more mindful with where I spend my money, and which companies I’m giving my money to, has become really important to me in recent years. Plus, there are some great initiatives and platforms that exist (like good on you, B Corps etc.) that are making it even easier for us all to make more conscious decisions as consumers. Although, it’s not just where we spend our money, but also where we’re investing it that can also have a really huge impact. For example, the banks that we have our savings/home loans with, to the superfunds where we invest our retirement savings, these are all ways we can really make our voices heard and use our money as a force for good.

There’s also an incredible quote from Alice Walker which I think does a really great job of summing this up, which is:

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any

and this goes for everybody, but especially women. Ladies, we are POWERFUL! If we all made a commitment to divest from companies that put profit before people and the planet, then we would, quite literally, change the world.

To learn more about Ladies Talk Money be sure to check out their website and give them a follow on instagram, facebook and linkedin. If you’re looking for a purpose driven and holistic finance team to help you purchase or refinance your property, be sure to reach out to Pure Finance for a chat.