How to Buy a Home (From Debt to a Deposit)

The premise of the book is Emily’s controversial, extreme method of saving for a house deposit – the so-called “pocket money savings plan”. The strategy was the subject of a column in 2016 on The Age and Sydney Morning Herald websites, which sparked a media storm. It ranks as one of the most read columns of the year for Domain and Fairfax more broadly. The column, ‘I am 33 and my parents give me pocket money’ started a national debate around Gen Y finances and the challenges of breaking into the property market. This debate has since gained more heat and fresh urgency. The book capitalises on this ongoing national conversation, from around office water coolers to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s office in Canberra, on how first home buyers can break into the market, and Australia’s cultural obsession with achieving home ownership. Knowing that the pocket money savings plan won’t work for all, Emily interviews experts to come up with other options and household budgets to suit different situations from singles to families. Emily has been participating in a neuroeconomics study through Stanford University looking at the pain some people feel when handing over cash for their purchases and the no-feeling at all when using cards for purchasing. Microburbs has crunched the date for her to find the best suburbs and regions in each state to look for that first property purchase. She has also sourced some ‘fiscal finest’ recipes from top chefs when you need to entertain but have no money and will share her experiences and tips for dating on a budget.