Alyssa and Pete’s debt-free journey to one income | MyMoney MyStory podcast

Alyssa and Pete overcame $65K of debt, IVF costs, and the chaos of raising three kids, and now live comfortably on one income. Hear how they did it on the MyBudget, MyMoney MyStory podcast.

From IVF and debt to a one-income dream

When you add up the costs of starting a family via IVF, juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet, and dealing with financial curveballs, it can feel impossible to get ahead.

In this episode of MyMoney MyStory, you’ll meet Alyssa and Pete: a Brisbane couple whose financial challenges included over $80,000 in IVF costs, career sacrifices, a cross-country move, and more than $65,000 in debts. But thanks to MyBudget, their story didn’t end there.

Alyssa and Pete joined MyBudget in 2017, and if their faces look familiar, it’s because this Queensland couple have featured national TV ads. Now, they’ve come full circle, achieving every goal they set back when we first met. This is our chance to ask, ‘Where are they now?’

Listen to the episode or keep reading to see how they turned things around with a personalised budget, a few bold decisions, and a budgeting team they now call their “friends.”

Financial struggles of family life, debt and burnout

Alyssa and Pete started their relationship on fast forward. Within six weeks of meeting, they bought a home together. Six months later, they were married.

But building a family wasn’t easy. After multiple miscarriages, they relocated to Canberra for work and continued pursuing IVF treatment. The journey took a financial toll: they sold their home to fund over $80,000 in IVF costs while trying to start their family.

It worked. They now have three gorgeous kids, two born through IVF, and one delightful surprise. But financially, they were starting over, this time with daycare costs, travel demands, and mounting debts.

Despite earning good money, Alyssa and Pete were burning out. Alyssa was travelling for work constantly. Pete was working two jobs. They were paying au pairs to care for their kids, but hardly spending time together as a family.

“I was so desperate to have these children,” Alyssa shared. “And then I never got to see them.”

A big electricity bill, no money left, and one life-changing call to MyBudget

The real tipping point? An $847 electricity bill Alyssa had completely missed, and she knew there was no more money. “I was sitting at my desk crying over this dumb bill. I wanted someone to come in and mum my finances.”

Alyssa called MyBudget. The woman who answered said, “You’ve done the hardest thing, you’ve made the call.” Alyssa let out a sigh of relief, she’d finally felt the relief that this was the help they needed.

Pete thought they were too far gone and that they were beyond help.” But just a few minutes into their free budget consultation, he was convinced that this was going to work.

Together with MyBudget, they made a decision to tackle their $65,000 debts, regain control of their finances, and set long-term financial goals.

Learn how to reach your financial goals in 5 easy steps!

How MyBudget helped: from chaos to complete financial control

A debt management plan that worked

Alyssa and Pete knew exactly what they didn’t want… another loan. They were adamant about avoiding more debt and didn’t want a debt consolidation service. What they got instead was something far better: a personalised budget plan from MyBudget that helped them pay off their debts, regain control, and avoid taking on more repayments.

Visibility and peace of mind

With the MyBudget app, they could track every bill, budget, and payment. “I don’t worry anymore,” said Alyssa. “If something comes in while I’m away, it gets handled.”

Support and kindness

“Everyone we spoke to treated us like people,” Pete said. “There’s no judgment, there’s no shaming. It’s just, how can we help?”

Financial goals that felt impossible

They set three money goals:

• pay off $65K of debts
• buy a house
• live on a single income.

One by one, they ticked off all of their financial goals. Even when a house deposit fell short by $3,700, MyBudget helped them over the line by adjusting their budget plan and managing payment due dates, unlocking the exact amount they needed, right when it mattered most.

“There is not a financial decision that I will make without calling and talking to them first.”

Alyssa, MyBudget client

Are you struggling with debt? Download our free eBook 10 steps to get out of debt and start saving.

From debt and money worries to living their dream life on their terms

By 2021, Alyssa and Pete bought a modest home that allowed them to keep their budget on track, manage living costs, and continue building toward financial stability.

In 2024, Pete was able to resign from his job, and they officially transitioned to living on one income, fulfilling the final goal they set when they first joined MyBudget.

“We thought these goals were ridiculous,” Pete said. “We just wanted to pay off our debt. We never thought we’d actually get here.”

If you’re struggling to make ends meet, MyBudget can help!

If you’re facing financial stress or trying to figure out how to make life work on a single income, Alyssa and Pete’s journey proves it’s possible to find balance.

When chatting with Tammy about their journey, Alyssa and Pete shared why they tell everyone about their experience with MyBudget: “We were ready to tell anybody who was silly enough to stand still next to us… we just honestly felt like we got so much out of it. We want everybody else to know how good it was.”

Let MyBudget help you reach your financial goals

☑️ reduce debts without another loan

☑️ plan savings goals and take control of your finances

☑️ live life your way on a single income

☑️ start with a free, no-obligation chat.

Enquire online or call 1300 300 922 now to get started.