Honest Proper-Tea Podcast

“What if retirement is backwards?”What if the way we have been taught to retire is backwards?In this episode, we unpack the idea of reverse retirement, why more people are opting out of the traditional wealth race, and how to build a life that feels lighter now, not just “someday”.We talk honestly about burnout, delayed gratification, FIRE, property as a tool (not an identity), and why designing time, energy, and location freedom earlier matters more than ever in 2026.This is not about quitting work or rejecting ambition. It is about building wealth in a way that supports your life today as well as your future.What we cover• Why the traditional retirement model feels broken • The rise of reverse retirement and sabbaticals • Delayed gratification vs living well now • Burnout, energy management, and modern work • FIRE explained (without the extremes) • Redefining what “wealth” actually means • Property as a tool, not a personality • Fewer assets, more peace • Diversifying income in a volatile world • Designing your days intentionallyChapters00:00 Intro and why retirement feels backwards 02:00 Why people are questioning the old model 05:00 Delayed gratification vs fear-based living 09:40 Reverse retirement and FIRE explained 11:30 Designing freedom without quitting ambition 14:00 Redefining wealth, time and nervous system safety 18:00 Property, peace of mind, and fewer assets 20:40 Letting go of the finish line mentality 22:30 Designing life now, not deferring itKey takeaways• You do not need to wait until 65 to experience freedom • Wealth is not just money, it is time, energy, and flexibility • Burnout often arrives before success if you ignore balance • FIRE does not mean doing nothing or living miserably • Property works best when it supports your lifestyle, not your ego • Designing your days is designing your lifeIf this episode resonated, we would love to hear what reverse retirement looks like for you. Send us a DM or leave a comment and tell us what small step you are taking next.See you in the next episode.🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/https://www.instagram.com/honestpropertysisters/📩 Investing masterclass 2026 waitlisthttps://stan.store/honestpropertysisters/honestpropertysisters_funnel_994612👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe've saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you're ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)🏦 Our Property Finance Partner - Scale Property FinanceLooking for property finance from brokers who actually understand investing? Scale Property Finance specialise in bridging loans, BTL mortgages and HMO funding - created by property investors for property investors.👉 https://scalepropertyfinance.co.uk(mention 'Honest Property Sisters')📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-proper..💛 Just so you know - some of these are partnerships where we earn a small commission if you decide to work with them. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps us keep creating free content for you!All enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.com

“Boring is actually very sexy.”In a world of viral investing advice, crypto memes, and “get rich quick” promises, diversification can feel… boring.But what if boring is actually the point?In this Freelancer Edition of the Honest Property Podcast, we unpack why simple, boring, diversified strategies are often the ones that quietly build real wealth — especially if you’re self-employed, creative, or easily distracted by shiny new ideas (we see you 👀).We share honest lessons from over 12 years of building a multi-million-pound portfolio, the mistakes we’ve made chasing excitement, and why we now care far more about downward-resistant foundations than flashy returns.If you want wealth that supports freedom, flexibility, and a life you actually enjoy — this one’s for you. Key takeawayDiversification isn’t glamorous.It won’t go viral.But it’s what keeps you steady when markets wobble, protects your future self, and gives you the freedom to focus on the work and life you actually care about.Boring strategies. Simple foundations. Real freedom.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & today’s question02:30 – Why boring businesses build real wealth05:20 – Our “vanilla” strategy that actually worked07:00 – What diversification really means09:30 – UK property risk & regulation reality12:00 – Property vs stocks: speed vs patience15:00 – Why freelancers need boring wealth18:00 – Adapting to changing housing & work trends22:30 – When focus becomes reckless25:30 – Discipline, boredom & long-term thinking29:30 – Boring is sexy (final thoughts)🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/https://www.instagram.com/honestpropertysisters/📩 Investing masterclass 2026 waitlisthttps://stan.store/honestpropertysisters/honestpropertysisters_funnel_994612👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe've saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you're ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)🏦 Our Property Finance Partner - Scale Property FinanceLooking for property finance from brokers who actually understand investing? Scale Property Finance specialise in bridging loans, BTL mortgages and HMO funding - created by property investors for property investors.👉 https://scalepropertyfinance.co.uk(mention 'Honest Property Sisters')📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-proper..💛 Just so you know - some of these are partnerships where we earn a small commission if you decide to work with them. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps us keep creating free content for you!All enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comkey words : diversification investing, freelancer wealth building, property vs stocks, boring investing strategies, UK property market, passive income freelancers, multiple income streams, ETFs for beginners, property investing podcast, long-term wealth building, financial freedom freelancers, downward-resistant wealth

“Everyone’s chasing 7 figures — but what if that goal is quietly ruining your peace? Everyone’s chasing the 7-figure dream — but is it freedom, or just a fancier trap? In this week’s episode, Becky and Ruth get honest about the obsession with hitting £1M and what it really costs freelancers, founders, and property investors chasing the next milestone.They share their own early-career “7-figure fixation,” what they learned from scaling too fast, and why boring wealth might actually be the kind that lasts.Key TakeawaysBigger isn’t always better — growth without intention leads to burnout.Revenue ≠ profit. Don’t confuse shiny numbers with real wealth.Over 50% of UK business owners report poor mental health from financial stress (Simply Business, 2025).Diversification and slower, more aligned growth create sustainable freedom.Your “enough number” is probably smaller — and closer — than you think.Chapters00:00 — Welcome to the Honest Property Podcast 00:20 — Why the 7-figure goal feels so seductive 02:30 — How social media fuels the obsession 05:00 — The trap of scaling too fast 07:00 — Burnout, cashflow danger & freelancer pressure in 2025 10:40 — Turnover myths: when big numbers mean nothing 14:00 — Redefining success and the ‘freedom number’ 17:30 — Real examples from our own property & business journey 20:00 — Why aligned wealth beats hustle culture every time 23:00 — Final thoughts: success without sacrifice🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-proper...All enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comKeywords seven figure business, freelancer burnout, property investing 2025, turnover vs profit, UK entrepreneurs, financial freedom, slow wealth, aligned wealth, money mindset, sustainable business growth

Lenders want you to borrow money.When it comes to borrowing money, lenders want you to borrow — that’s how they make their profit. But not all mortgage products are made equal, especially when it comes to HMO properties.In this episode, Rebecca breaks down how lenders and brokers really work, why understanding different mortgage products matters, and how choosing the right borrowing strategy can change everything for your portfolio.What You’ll LearnWhy lenders are often more eager to lend than you think.The difference between HMO mortgage products and standard ones.How a good broker can help you find the best strategy for borrowing.Why speaking directly to your broker can unlock better mortgage options.How understanding the rules (and the market) puts you in control.Chapters00:00 — Understanding Property Investment Deposits00:27 — Finding the Right Financial Guidance01:45 — How Lenders and Brokers Really Work03:20 — The Hidden Rules of HMO Mortgage Products05:05 — Why Direct Broker Relationships Matter06:40 — Borrowing Strategies That Actually Work08:15 — Long-Term Thinking: Refinancing and Cashflow09:45 — Key Takeaways and Real-Life Advice🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekOur secret to saving hours every week? Filipino VAs from The Freedom Geek. 👏👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-proper...All enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comkeywords mortgage products, lenders, brokers, HMO, borrowing money

“Slow Wealth Is the Only Way Out.”This episode asks the question so many of us quietly feel: How do you build aligned, long-term wealth in a world built on debt, inflation, and non-stop money printing?Inspired by Joe Bryan’s “What’s the Problem?”, we break down why everything feels more expensive, why your money doesn’t stretch like it used to, and what slow, sustainable wealth actually looks like in 2025.We cover: 💸 money losing value 🥨 shrinkflation everywhere 🇬🇧 why the UK feels like bad ROI 🏡 good debt vs bad debt 🔁 BRRR then vs now 🌱 property as long-term wealth storageIf you’ve been wondering whether property still makes sense — or why your money feels like it’s shrinking — this one’s for you.Listen now.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Can you build aligned wealth now? 01:00 – Joe Bryan’s “What’s the Problem?” and why it hits different 03:00 – Shrinkflation in real life (crisps, chocolate fingers, the lot)04:30 – Why the UK feels like bad ROI on everything10:00 – Good debt vs bad debt: the real difference11:30 – BRRR then vs now — a new reality15:00 – Property as long-term wealth storage18:30 – Income streams that aren’t ruled by inflation20:45 – What freedom looks like in a debt-based world🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40TAll enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comKeywordsdebt-based economy, slow wealth, BRRR 2025, inflation UK, property investing UK, millennial money, Joe Bryan What’s the Problem

“Not every season of business is meant for scaling.”In this week’s chat, Becky & Ruth dive into the real side of minimalism in entrepreneurship — how it can be both a conscious choice for freedom and a quiet fear of responsibility. We talk about the natural seasons of business — growth, consolidation, reflection — and how knowing which one you’re in changes everything.We also unpack:✨ Why scaling isn’t always the answer✨ How reflection and pruning create space for aligned growth✨ The role of self-awareness in deciding what “enough” looks like✨ How life stages shift your priorities and shape your business visionIt’s an honest convo about slowing down, checking in, and designing a business that truly fits the life you want — not the one the internet tells you to build.🎧 Tune in for a grounded take on freedom, alignment, and business minimalism.Chapters:00:00 — Intro: Minimalism in entrepreneurship02:56 — Seasons of business: growth vs. consolidation05:19 — Balancing scaling and enjoyment07:58 — Freedom vs. fear of responsibility10:39 — The risk of over-scaling and losing passion13:15 — Finding growth in minimalism15:51 — Reflection and gratitude18:46 — Pruning vs. scaling21:25 — Cultural takes on minimalism24:00 — Aligning business with your life vision🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-property-sistersAll enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comKeywords: minimalism, entrepreneurship, alignment, lifestyle design, freedom, business seasons, scaling, self-awareness

"Luxury isn’t the enemy — ego is.”What does anti-materialism really mean — and is wanting nice things bad?In this episode, Becky and Ruth unpack the tension between wealth, worth, and the pursuit of “enough.” They explore how financial freedom can coexist with simplicity, why rejecting luxury isn’t always noble, and how cultural and generational perspectives shape our relationship with money.From crab mentality and community support to redefining what luxury means ethically, this conversation is all about finding balance — enjoying abundance without losing your values.This conversation dives into:Financial freedom ≠ materialism — money buys choice, not happiness.Rejecting luxury can sometimes come from shame, not virtue.Your circle shapes your success — surround yourself with people who clap for you.Different cultures define wealth and luxury in their own way.Sustainability and ethics matter more than ever.Real luxury? Living on your own terms.Chapters00:00 Exploring Anti-Materialism02:10 The Value of Money and Experiences05:35 Luxury and Self-Worth09:04 Crab Mentality and Community Support11:09 Cultural Perspectives on Wealth12:38 Materialism vs. Financial Freedom16:32 First Impressions and Social Media19:02 Balancing Luxury and Anti-Materialism22:53 Sustainability and Ethical Consumption26:28 Generational Shifts in Materialism🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-property-sistersAll enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comkeywordsanti-materialism, financial freedom, luxury, self-worth, community support, cultural perspectives, sustainability, ethical consumption, experiences over things, crab mentality

"Privilege isn't the villain. Having entitlement is."In this episode of the Honest Property Podcast, hosts Becky and Ruth unpack the hot topic of NEPO babies, privilege, and corruption in the Philippines. Drawing on recent scandals, they explore how wealth shapes values, responsibility, and empathy.This conversation dives into:The rise of NEPO babies and their public perceptionCorruption scandals and what they reveal about privilegeHow social media fuels entitlement cultureWhy raising children with values matters more than wealth aloneHow empathy and exposure to different walks of life can shift perspectiveWealth itself isn’t the enemy — it’s how it’s used. This is a call to rethink responsibility, privilege, and the role empathy plays in shaping the next generation.Chapters00:00 Corruption and Wealth in the Philippines02:34 The Privilege of Nepo Babies05:09 Entitlement vs. Responsibility07:33 The Impact of Social Media10:13 Wealth and Its Perception12:55 Privilege and Accountability15:18 The Role of Values in Wealth17:37 Exposure to Different Walks of Life20:21 The Nature of Wealth and Corruption22:46 Empathy and Understanding25:34 Raising Responsible Children28:25 The Complexity of Nepo Babies🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-property-sistersAll enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comKeywordsPhilippines, NEPO babies, wealth, corruption, entitlement, privilege, social media, values, responsibility, empathy

Passive Income is Rebranded LazinessIs passive income the holy grail… or the biggest scam in property investing?In this episode of the Honest Proper-Tea Podcast, Becky and Ruth pull back the curtain on the passive income dream. From the realities of buy-to-let compliance to the impact of the Renters’ Reform Bill, they share why property isn’t passive — it’s leveraged.Expect real talk on:Why words matter: “passive” behaviour = passive resultsThe compliance minefield landlords can’t ignoreHow agents, tenants, and mortgages all impact your bottom lineWhy treating property as a business (not a side hustle) is the only way to win long-termThe wider truth: does any income stream really stay passive?This isn’t doom and gloom — it’s the honest, unfiltered take on how to build wealth that lasts.Chapters00:00 The Myth of Passive Income in Property Investment02:25 The Reality of Being a Landlord05:20 The Importance of Active Management08:07 Wealth Building Beyond Property10:23 The Shift in Landlord Responsibilities13:07 Understanding Wealth Strategies16:38 The Dangers of Complacency18:55 The Marketing of Passive Income21:11 Final Thoughts on Wealth and Responsibility👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)✨ Join the Aligned Wealth Collectivehttps://shorturl.at/S3ZuC🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!https://shorturl.at/ZGBdq📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ📊 Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-property-sistersHonest disclosure Some links may be affiliatedAll enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comwww.honestpropertysisters.comKeywordsproperty investment, passive income, landlord responsibilities, wealth building, UK property market, renters reform bill, property management, financial education, real estate, investment strategies