Carrie-Ann McLean is an Author, Speaker, and Money Mindset Educator & Mentor who empowers people to break free from financial stress and take control of their money with compassion and confidence.
Through her book ‘Budget Right: Eliminate Debt and Improve Your Financial and Mental Wellbeing’, she shares her own powerful story of overcoming addiction, debt, and homelessness—and now uses that lived experience to help others shift their money mindset, build better habits, and find hope in their financial journey.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
If Budget Right had a mascot, it would be a wise but cheeky koala holding a coin jar! Because koalas are calm, grounded, and uniquely Australian—just like the down-to-earth, no-judgment approach I take to budgeting.
The coin jar represents saving and making every dollar count, while the cheeky grin reminds us that managing money doesn’t have to be boring or stressful—it can be empowering and even fun!
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a solo business owner isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that boundaries and self-care are everything. I stick to set work hours (most days!), and I schedule “me time” just like I would a meeting—whether that’s a walk, a coffee with friends, or just some quiet time to reset. I also plan my weeks in advance, so I’m not constantly chasing tasks. And because I know how money stress can affect mental health, I make sure to check in with myself regularly—both emotionally and financially. A balanced business starts with a balanced mind.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
Life (and business!) is full of detours, and trust me, I’ve faced more than a few. When things don’t go to plan, I pause, breathe, and remind myself why I started. I’ve learned that setbacks are often setups for something better. Instead of seeing them as failures, I see them as lessons—what can I learn, what can I tweak, and how can I move forward stronger?
Resilience isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real, adaptable, and kind to yourself through the tough spots. I want others to know that it’s okay to stumble—as long as you keep showing up, you’re already leading the way.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
For me, success isn’t just about numbers in the bank—it’s about impact. Every time someone tells me my book helped them feel hopeful again, or that they’ve finally started a budget that works for them, that’s real success.
I measure it by the messages, the stories, and the trust people share with me. I also look at community engagement—are people connecting, asking questions, and supporting each other?
When I see others feeling empowered and less alone in their financial journey, I know I’m doing something right. Helping people feel seen, supported, and stronger—that’s the kind of success that means the most to me.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
I’ve had some really meaningful messages from people saying that my book and story have inspired them to look at their finances differently and that, for the first time, they feel hopeful about getting on top of their money.
That’s been huge for me—knowing that just by being open about my own journey, I’m helping others believe they can start theirs too.
Seeing that spark of hope and motivation in others has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey so far, and I can’t wait to see more of those transformations unfold.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship is huge—it’s like having a torchbearer when the path gets dark. For small business owners, especially women, having someone to guide, support, and challenge you can make all the difference.
I didn’t have a formal mentor in the beginning, but I leaned heavily on the stories and wisdom of others who’d walked similar paths.
Now, I make it a point to learn from others and share freely, because mentorship doesn’t have to be formal—it’s about connection, encouragement, and real talk. The more we lift each other up, the stronger we all become. I believe success is sweeter when we bring others along with us.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
My work is all about helping people rewrite their financial story with compassion, clarity, and confidence.
Through my book Budget Right, I guide others to take control of their money, break free from debt, and improve both their financial and mental wellbeing.
I speak at events, run budgeting and mindset masterclasses, and I’m currently developing an online course to make these tools even more accessible.
My goal is to remove the shame around money struggles and replace it with practical steps and emotional support. I know how hard life can be when money feels out of control and I want to be the voice that says, “You can get through this.”
That’s how I believe I’m making a difference: by giving people the hope, tools, and encouragement to change their lives—one budget, one mindset shift, one win at a time.
