How to avoid mortgage slavery (while still owning a home)

March 8, 2026

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759Years of Freedom Created

Housing in Australia is expensive.

The media convinces everyone there are only two options: become a mortgage slave (if you’re lucky enough to buy), or give up completely.

I strongly disagree with this doomer narrative.

I believe you CAN buy a home, AND build wealth AND create freedom. But importantly, you can’t do it while refusing to make tradeoffs.

In my latest deep-dive article, I explore the following:

— Why housing ended up where it is
— What “mortgage slavery” looks like
— The levers you can use to bring the cost down
— My thoughts on starter homes and long-term renting
— A special section for singles, because your path is different

Read: How to Buy A Home Without Becoming A Mortgage Slave

STRONG MONEY PODCAST

For anyone ambitious, you’re going to experience a constant tension between your desire for achievement and the desire to enjoy your life now.

The dirty secret of FI is that it’s quite difficult to slow down after reaching your ultimate goal. Especially if you’re still youngish and full of energy – you need to learn how to shift out of ‘goal mode’ so you can actually enjoy the wealth and freedom you’ve built.

I unpack this in detail in a recent podcast.

🎧Listen here on Spotify, Apple, or on the website

📄Read the article version here

AUSSIE FIRE PODCAST

“If you’re living off your portfolio, you’re totally screwed if we have another GFC!”

I’ve heard this multiple times over the years. It’s worth unpacking this in detail and the 4% rule in general – one of the most important factors that underpin the whole FI movement.

In a recent Aussie FIRE pod, Hayden and I explore whether the 4% rule still works in 2026, and practical advice for navigating a GFC when living off your portfolio.

🎧Listen now on Spotify or Apple

THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK

There’s a real chance that AI decimates a decent chunk of white collar jobs. That’s even more reason to save/invest as much as possible – the ultimate insurance for the future. If the wealth divide gets worse – and it probably will due to compounding – you want to be on the right side of it.

The best indicator of future wealth is not how much money you have now, but how you treat the money you have. Any time I got a payrise, bonus, or windfall, my first thought was, “I can’t wait to invest this.” For most people it’s, “I can’t wait to spend this.” If you keep getting rid of your money, you’ll never have any. By definition, to have money is to keep it.

Every single person is playing the game of money. Whether you like it or not, it’s forced upon you. So you may as well learn the rules and get good at it. And the better you get, the easier your life will be.

STRONG MONEY ON THE MOVE

In Vietnam at the moment, just at the end of an almost three-week trip.

It’s been great, but I’m honestly looking forward to getting back into a healthy routine again. I’ve learned that my discipline is basically zero when there’s daily buffet breakfast at the hotel (and has gotten worse since I’ve got older!) 😂

So one lesson for next time is deliberately seeking accommodation that does not have breakfast included. If you’re interested in what we got up to, I posted a whole bunch of pictures on Facebook and Instagram.

But I’ll be writing an article on how I found Vietnam in general, how much things cost etc, since I know a lot of you are curious about all that (and since I did the same for Thailand and Malaysia).

Stay tuned!