About Patrice

 

Dr Patrice Newell AM (She/Her) is a Gunditjmara woman, Regenerative Farmer, Author, Researcher, Advocate and Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle. She also used to be a Newsreader, Reporter and Host for SBS. Honestly, what can’t this woman do? For many years, Patrice has been at the frontline of enormous environmental challenges, from water scarcity and land stewardship to food security and the rural-urban divide. Travelling the world exploring best practice agricultural techniques, she bought a farm in rural New South Wales where she produces biodynamic olive oil, garlic, honey, soap and beef.

Passionate about taking shared responsibility for the world we live in, Patrice grew up with very little spoken about money at home. Now in her 60s, she's a Director of Sustainability at Kwala – an affordable ethical investment app helping people from all walks of life get started on their ethical investment journey.

 
 

Other Ladies Talking Money

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Other Ladies Talking Money ✷

 

So, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to talking about money?

Money was a private affair and when I left school and started working it was utterly intimidating. I grew up in a family with no small change, every cent was accounted for, and while we never felt we were going without, ‘living within your means’ mattered.

Going to a bank and asking for a home loan triggered a headache. None of my friends were any help because we were all equally ignorant. Getting over the hump of feeling confident enough to ask a ‘dumb money question’ is a profoundly liberating moment. I wish I’d conquered that earlier. Now my money conversations are wide, vast and relaxed. 

And I know one important thing: no one knows everything when it comes to money.

You’re absolutely right! And so, how would you characterise your relationship with money now, compared to what you learned about money growing up?

More conscientious, less nervous, often excited.

Looking back, what’s the biggest money ‘faux pas’ you’ve made and how’d you fix it?

I was working on a political campaign and didn’t oversee a publishing spend properly. It was with a small publishing business. I was so horrified, I took out a loan to pay it back.

Three years later, I was done with it. It wasn’t the end of the world, and in the scheme of life’s financial decisions, it’s a minor thing, but it taught me to never be cavalier about budgets and to work with people you can trust.

Definitely sound advice. And what about a great financial decision you've made?

Buying a $120 wool cardigan on lay-by when I was teenager. I still wear it today. What a great buy!

 

“How you are with money is just part of you. Not all of you. Not even the most important thing. But life will be easier if we can relax more about money. We all usually make our best decisions when relaxed.”

 
 
 

— Dr Patrice Newell, Co-founder at Kwala

 
 

These days, how do you smash stereotypes about women and money in your world?

People asked me why I was moving into the finance sector after successful careers elsewhere. Why not? Never too late, ladies.

What are some of your juiciest tips to help more women and gender diverse people feel confident with money and achieve a greater level of financial self-care?

While I’m not sure they’re juicy tips, I would say:

  1. Shopping isn’t a pastime.

  2. Paying for experiences is better than paying for things.

  3. Financial self care is part of life care. Think of it like looking after your teeth.

How you are with money is just part of you. Not all of you. Not even the most important thing. But life will be easier if we can relax more about money. We all usually make our best decisions when relaxed.

What do you see as some of the major barriers to women and gender diverse people achieving financial equality today?

The first reason would be access. At Kwala, we decided early on that the app had to be affordable for people to start. Investing is a whole lot easier for the rich. The second reason is confidence.

In your opinion, why is it important for women and gender diverse people to be talking more about money?

We live in a patriarchy. I say this every day out loud just in case I might suddenly forget. Alongside this fact, is that we live in a world with a global financial system, and while everyone is part of it, not everyone is able to participate equally. We need to change that, and we’re all better when we share.

Agreed! And lastly, can you give us three words that come to mind when you think about money?

Start talking today.

 
 
 
 
 

A big thank you to Dr Patrice Newell AM for sharing her money story and for the work she does to even the investing playing field, for people and the planet, with Kwala.

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You can learn more about Patrice and Kwala over at www.kwa.la

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And don’t forget to also connect with Kwala on the socials:

Insta: @kwala.au

Facebook: @kwalainvest

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kwala-invest/

 
 

Other Ladies Talking Money is an interview series created by Ladies Talk Money to showcase some other incredible women and non-binary people who are also working to change money for the better. We don’t have any direct affiliation with those featured, nor do we recommend or endorse their services. We just happen to love what they do, and choose to show our appreciation through this series and doing what we can to spread the word.

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Any finance info discussed in this seriously fab feature is general advice only. You should consider your personal circumstances before acting on it or reach out if you’d like to discuss your individual needs.