Money Mindset: Michelle's Journey from Financial Chaos to Recovery

Money stress can feel deeply isolating. It's often internalised as a personal failure - unhelpful beliefs, thoughts and patterns show up - when in reality, our financial lives are not only shaped by these things, but also the impacts of rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and systems that are largely outside our control.

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When these external pressures collide with the emotional work of recovery, it can create a powerful stress-recovery-finance loop: financial anxiety fuels the urge to escape, sometimes back to familiar patterns that at times are not aligned with recovery.

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In this conversation, Clean Slate Clinic's Fiona Faulkner is joined by Michelle Butterworth, a banking industry professional of over 20 years who has created a cascade of changes in her life, including the turn around in her own finances. Michelle tells first hand, how first recognising her own worth and value was the beginning of this change. Through her story, participants will see that building financial confidence starts with understanding what you bring to the table, understanding what supports and tools are out there and having a clear picture of what the future might look like.

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Watch the recording to learn:

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✅ How to recognise your worth and value during financial stress

✅ How to use the STOP technique in high-pressure moments

✅ Ways to identify and navigate your personal financial triggers

✅ Simple reflection tools to support sustainable money habits

✅ How to harness the “Fresh Start” effect to build momentum

✅ Where and when to seek safe, qualified professional support

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Resources:

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Pre-Session

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Financial Clarity Worksheet

Before watching the masterclass, complete this reflection to gain clarity on your money patterns, stress triggers, and values.

Financial Clarity Worksheet

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Further Support:

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Get Help Now

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• National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007)
  Free, confidential financial counselling for anyone feeling overwhelmed by debt.

• Mob Strong Debt Help (1800 808 488)
  Culturally safe, free financial counselling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Anglicare Financial Counsellors
  Independent financial counselling to help you manage debt, hardship, and money stress.

• Lifeline
  24/7 crisis support for anyone feeling overwhelmed or in emotional distress.

• Way Forward
  Free, practical support to help you regain control of debts and payment plans.

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Practical Money Tools

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• MoneySmart
  Government-run guidance on budgeting, debt, and everyday money decisions.

• ClearScore
  Check your credit score for free and understand what affects it.

• Experian Australia
  Access your credit report and see how lenders view your financial history.

• She’s On The Money
  Approachable money education focused on confidence and real-life finances.

• Enemy of Debt Budget Spreadsheet (Michelle’s Pick)
  A simple budgeting tool to reduce overwhelm and create structure.

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Books

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• The Barefoot Investor - Scott Pape
• Money Secrets of the Rich - John Burley
• Atomic Habits - James Clear (Michelle’s Pick)
• In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts - Gabor Maté
• Rewire - Nicole Vignola
• The Millionaire Next Door - Thomas J Stanley

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Podcasts

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• She’s On The Money – Victoria Devine
  Shame-free conversations about money and financial wellbeing.

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Apps

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• Clearscore
  Monitor your credit score and track changes over time.

• WeMoney
  All-in-one app for budgeting, net worth, and credit tracking.

• Raiz
  Beginner-friendly micro-investing using spare change.

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Speakers:

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Fiona Faulkner | Clean Slate Clinic

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Fiona is the Managing Director at Clean Slate Clinic and has a background in nursing, social work, and mental health. Her journey led her to specialise in alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling, where she found her true passion. As one of Clean Slate's first nurses, Fiona values the continuity of care she can provide to clients throughout their recovery journey.

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Michelle Butterworth | Credit Manager & Clean Slate Ambassador

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Michelle is a Clean Slate Ambassador and Credit Manager with over 25 years’ experience in commercial banking. Drawing on lived experience, Michelle speaks openly and compassionately about financial recovery as a core part of the broader recovery journey. She is passionate about reducing shame, rebuilding financial wellbeing, and supporting people to take realistic, achievable steps toward a more secure future.