Five minutes with….. money mindset expert Melissa Cavers
Melissa Cavers is a Certified Money Coach (CMC®), financial educator and founder of Maplefly Money. Here she reveals why financial wellbeing is about more than spreadsheets—and how rewriting your money story can change everything.
Melissa, today you're a broker, money mindset coach, speaker, and business owner. Can you share a defining moment or experience that sparked your passion for financial wellbeing—and why you feel so strongly about sharing this message with others?
Yes—there’s one moment I always come back to. Several years ago, I was sitting at my desk, surrounded by bills, spreadsheets, and that all-too-familiar feeling of anxiety in my chest. On paper, I was “doing well”. I had a thriving finance business, I knew the numbers, and from the outside, things looked successful. But inside? I felt completely disconnected from my money. It wasn’t about how much I had—it was how I felt about it.
That moment—overwhelmed, competent yet emotionally bankrupt around money—was the turning point. I realised financial wellbeing isn’t just about having the right tools or strategies. It’s about the relationship we have with money: the beliefs we carry, the fear we avoid, the stories we inherit but never question. From that day on, I became obsessed with understanding not just the “how” of money, but the why behind our choices. Why do so many smart, capable people feel deep shame, guilt, fear, scarcity, or avoidance around finances? And why are empowerment, confidence, and clarity so often missing from the financial conversations we’re included in?
In my mortgage broking business, I’d seen it time and time again. Some clients—no matter how much they earned—just couldn’t get to that property-buying moment. No matter how many budgets, savings plans or spreadsheets were created, something was blocking them. I feel deeply called to share this work because I know how transformative it is to go from avoidance to awareness—from fear to freedom. Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and in control of their financial future. Money isn’t just about transactions. It’s about trust.
We’re increasingly hearing about the concept of ‘money mindset’. You specialise in the intersection of money and mindset—a powerful (and often overlooked) combination. Why do you think this is a conversation more people need to be having?
Because money doesn’t live in a spreadsheet—it lives in our heads, our hearts, and our habits. I’ve seen it time and time again: people who know exactly what they should be doing—budgeting, saving, investing—but still feel stuck, anxious, or ashamed. Why? Because we haven’t been taught to explore why we feel the way we do about money in the first place. The truth is, money mindset is the missing link. Our beliefs about money—usually shaped in childhood, culture, or past experiences—run silently in the background, influencing every financial decision we make. From how we price our services, to whether we ask for a raise, to how safe we feel spending on ourselves.
And yet, it’s not a mainstream conversation. Especially not in a way that feels compassionate, empowering, and judgment-free. That’s why this conversation matters. Once you shift your mindset, your external financial reality begins to shift too. You stop avoiding your money. You start making aligned decisions, moving from fear to clarity. When we pair practical strategy with mindset healing, it’s not just about building wealth—it’s about building confidence, and a life that allows for choice and freedom with money. More people need to hear this, because financial wellbeing is never just about the money. It’s about how you feel about yourself when you manage it.
As both a broker and coach, you’ve seen first-hand how money stress shapes people’s decisions, futures, and even their sense of self-worth. What common patterns do you see—especially among women—and how do you help audiences shift those patterns?
One of the most common patterns I see—especially among women—is tying their sense of worth to their financial “performance”. Whether it’s how much they earn, how well they manage their budget, or how organised their finances are, there’s often this unspoken pressure that says: “If I’m not doing this perfectly, I’ve failed”. There’s also a lot of quiet shame. Women who are incredibly capable in every other area of life, but feel stuck, avoidant, or overwhelmed when it comes to money. They’re often holding stories like, “I’m not good with numbers,” or “I should be further ahead by now.” These stories are powerful—but they’re rarely true. Another pattern I see is the tendency to undercharge, over-give, or delay investing in themselves, especially in business. It often comes back to a core belief that they need to earn the right to feel secure or to deserve wealth.
The way I help shift these patterns is by bringing awareness to them—without judgment. We unpack the subconscious beliefs that are driving their decisions and pair that with practical tools that build financial clarity and confidence. It’s about giving women the language, structure, and support they’ve often never had around money. When you start to separate your self-worth from your net worth, everything changes. You make clearer decisions, set better boundaries, trust yourself with money—and that’s the real transformation.
You now coach and speak to audiences about building healthier, more empowered relationships with money. If you could leave people with one core takeaway about money mindset, what would you want them to walk away knowing or believing differently?
I’d want them to know this: you are not broken with money—you’re simply carrying beliefs that were never yours to begin with. This is definitely not your fault. And your money past does not need to be your money future. We can call BS—and hit reset. So many of us inherited money stories rooted in fear, shame, or guilt. We were taught to stay small, to feel bad for wanting more, or to measure our worth by how much we earn or save. And yet, none of that defines your capacity for wealth. What I want people to walk away believing is that money mindset isn’t about perfection—it’s about permission. Permission to do things differently. To rewrite your money story, take up space financially, and believe that ease, clarity, and confidence with money are available to you—right now, exactly as you are.
What does a typical day look like for you now—as a coach, speaker, and entrepreneur? (If such a thing exists!)
There is always something happening—it’s never slow or dull. I’m certainly not a morning person, so I take time to ease into the day. I’ve learned that how I start my day sets the tone for how I show up—for myself, my clients, and my business. From there, it’s usually a mix of private coaching sessions, content creation, writing a new online course, and overseeing loan applications for my broking clients. Some days I’m holding deep, transformative conversations about money and self-worth. Other days I’m discussing loan structures or collaborating behind the scenes to bring new ideas to life. And of course, there’s the juggle: emails, strategy, school drop-offs, and occasionally answering a client message while helping my son with his maths homework. It’s real life—beautifully imperfect. It’s such a privilege to do work that’s aligned with both my purpose and values. The biggest shift for me has been learning to build a business around how I want to feel—not just what I want to achieve. That’s what I try to model: living life with choice and freedom, on my own terms.
Melissa Cavers is a Certified Money Coach (CMC®), financial educator, and founder of Maplefly Money—a purpose-driven coaching and mortgage broking business based on the NSW Central Coast.
If you could give one piece of advice to women stepping into leadership or visibility—or starting their own businesses—what would it be?
Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from the impact you’re here to make. There are people right now who are waiting for you—your voice, your perspective, your lived experience. Not the perfect version. You. I’ve seen so many women hesitate, not because they lack the skills or the heart, but because they’re afraid of getting it wrong, being judged, or not being “ready enough”. Fear is a companion on the journey, not a stop sign. It doesn’t disappear—but your voice gets stronger every time you use it. You are important and your work matters. And there are people who desperately need to hear what only you can say, in the way only you can say it. Start messy. Start scared. But start—because every time you take up space, you show someone else what’s possible. You are more than enough.
Visibility can feel daunting for women, especially in industries like finance which are male-dominated. What helped you find your voice and step into the spotlight—and what would you say to women who are feeling hesitant to be ‘seen’?
For a long time, I didn’t want to be seen. Not because I didn’t care, but because I didn’t believe I was enough. I told myself things like, “Who am I to take the spotlight?” or “I’m just me”. That space was for the successful, the confident—not someone like me. I didn’t want to rock the boat. I wanted to stay safe, small, invisible. Because deep down, I thought if I put myself out there, I’d be exposed—not for failing, but for not being perfect. The turning point came when I met the amazing Amy Springhall and attended an inspiring session with her. I knew I’d never think about visibility the same way again. So I asked myself: I can keep playing it safe and possibly live with regret. Or I can give it a crack. The worst that could happen? It doesn’t work. But what if it does?
If you’re feeling that same hesitation, please hear this: You don’t need to be more polished, more experienced, or more “ready”. You don’t have to wait to feel fearless before you let yourself be visible. Be seen—not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary for the success you deserve.
Permission to dream big: what’s a nerv-cited (nervous and excited) career goal you’re working toward right now?
Right now, I’m working on launching something that feels both wildly exciting and a little terrifying: my very own Money Academy. It’s a space I’ve been dreaming about for years—a place where financial literacy meets mindset work, where people can finally learn how to manage, grow, and feel good about their money in a way that feels empowering, not overwhelming.
Who’s a woman you think more people should know about—someone who lifts you up, challenges your thinking, or quietly inspires you?
Effie Zahos. Effie has spent over 20 years turning complex financial language into something everyday Australians can actually understand—and that’s why I admire her so deeply. As the founding editor of Money Magazine and one of the most trusted voices in Australian finance, Effie has championed accessible financial education for decades. She’s not just about dollars and cents—she’s about helping people feel capable and confident with money, no matter their starting point. What makes Effie especially inspiring is her dedication to lifting the financial literacy of women and families. In an industry that can often feel cold or exclusive, she’s made money approachable, real, and even empowering.
Finally, what’s the best way for people to work with you—or follow your journey?
The best way to work with me is through my coaching programs or the upcoming Money Academy, where we dive deep into financial clarity, mindset transformation, and building a life that aligns with your values—not just your bank account. First step? Book a free chat with me. You can also follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn, where I share regular money mindset tips, behind-the-scenes reflections, and daily encouragement to help you feel more confident and in control of your finances. Whether you’re looking for 1:1 coaching, group support, or simply inspiration to shift your money story—I’m here. You’re always welcome in my world and in the Maplefly Money family.
“The Visibility Project exists to amplify the voices of women who deserve to be heard. If this article moved you, challenged you, or made you think differently, please share it. Every time you do, you help shift the spotlight—and make space for more women to be seen, heard, and respected.”