Reflecting on 2024: Lessons in Property, Priorities, and Playing the Long Game
As the year winds down and the festive season takes hold, the team at Atelier Wealth took a moment to hit pause, reflect, and reset. For our final podcast episode of 2024, Aaron Christie-David and his wife and business partner, Bernadette, invited listeners into their home—not just as a change of scenery, but as a deliberate choice to bring you closer to what really matters.
This wasn’t just another conversation about where the market is heading or how to structure your next purchase. It was raw, personal, and honest. And as we prepare to launch into 2025, it’s worth revisiting the big takeaways from a year that changed everything—for us, for many of our clients, and likely for you too. Watch the full episode here.
A Year of Realignment
If there’s one word that sums up 2024, it’s realignment. Not just in terms of market conditions or interest rates, but in values.
For Aaron and Bernadette, this year marked a turning point in how they approach life and business. After purchasing a commercial space intended to be Atelier Wealth’s new HQ, they made the unexpected decision not to move in. Why? Because bigger isn’t always better.
That decision sparked a ripple effect—one that many families and investors will relate to. It prompted them to reassess their priorities: family, health, travel, and time. The things that matter most, often pushed aside in the pursuit of success, were moved back to the top of the list.
And isn’t that what property investing is really about? Not just building wealth, but creating the freedom to live on your terms.
When the Personal Meets the Financial
One of the most powerful themes from the episode was the intersection of life and property decisions.
Aaron shared that, as brokers, the Atelier team doesn’t sit on the fence. We give clear, honest advice—not just on interest rates or borrowing capacity, but on life choices. Because so often, buying a home or investing in property isn’t just a numbers game. It’s about stability, legacy, and lifestyle.
Bernadette’s perspective added depth to this. She shared openly how her mindset around investing evolved this year—going from reluctant supporter to active participant. The difference? Seeing the success of a well-aligned purchase firsthand. Suddenly, the strategy wasn’t theoretical—it was tangible, achievable, and empowering.
It was a strong reminder that when both partners are involved in the journey, the outcomes are exponentially better. Whether it’s attending property summits together or simply having the hard conversations about goals, values, and vision—getting aligned is essential.
The Hidden Cost of “Good Enough”
There was also a clear message for high-income earners this year: don’t get complacent.
Earning $200k+ may sound like a dream, but as Aaron shared, we’ve met countless professionals with great salaries and nothing to show for it. It’s the golden handcuff effect—lifestyle creep, car loans, and credit card debt quietly eroding any potential for long-term wealth.
That’s why getting financially organised is no longer optional. From getting pre-approved before engaging a buyer’s agent, to trimming unnecessary credit limits, the fundamentals still matter—especially in today’s borrowing environment.
And if you’ve ever thought, “I’ll get serious about investing later”—this is your sign. Start now. Play the long game. Protect your income. Build the foundations for financial freedom while your income is strong, not after it’s gone.
Find Your People, Find Your Path
Another standout moment in the episode came from a simple insight: your current circle might not be the best support system for your property goals.
Whether you’re on your second property or your fifth, you may find that your wins aren’t always celebrated by the people around you. And that’s okay. It just means it’s time to find your “property friends”—people who share your mindset, your ambitions, and your appetite for growth.
That’s why Aaron launched Property Accelerator, a small community of investors committed to helping each other stay accountable, share knowledge, and celebrate wins without judgement. No egos. No tall poppy syndrome. Just honest, real conversations.
If that sounds like something you’ve been craving, you’re not alone.
Setting the Tone for 2025
As the episode wrapped, one thing became clear: the most successful investors in 2025 won’t be the ones chasing trends or “playing expert” in group chats. They’ll be the ones who stay grounded, consistent, and values-driven.
That means:
- Staying on-plan, even when tempted by shiny distractions.
- Having a team of experts you trust (mortgage brokers, buyer’s agents, accountants, and mentors).
- Investing in yourself—mentally, financially, emotionally.
- Being okay with playing the slow, steady, and sustainable game.
Whether your goals are to buy your first home, grow your portfolio, or secure a better financial future for your family, now is the time to reflect on where you are—and how you’ll move forward.
Because the property market might shift. Interest rates will rise and fall. But the fundamentals of building wealth, peace of mind, and freedom through property? Those don’t change.
Ready to Make 2025 Your Breakthrough Year?
If you’re looking to partner with a team that leads with strategy, empathy, and experience—let’s chat.
At Atelier Wealth, we help everyday Australians make confident, values-aligned decisions around home ownership and investing. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, we’re here to walk the journey with you.
📩 Contact the Atelier Wealth team
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Let’s build something meaningful in 2025—together.
