Raised believing men handle finances, Cara Julian (pictured above), mortgage broker and founder of Brava Finance, found herself struggling financially after years of dependence.
Determined to break the cycle, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and financial empowerment.
Now, she's helping other women achieve financial independence through her work as a mortgage broker.
“It’s my passion to support women through the mortgage process with financial confidence and bravado because I see a world where women have the confidence to make a change, to challenge the status quo, take control of their finances and navigate the property market to secure their financial future,” Julian said.
The descent into dependence
In what is a universal experience that transcends cultural and gender norms, Julian’s journey with money started in childhood.
“I was raised in a cultural environment where the prevailing belief held that men were the primary stewards of financial matters within relationships and families,” said Julian.
“This conviction was reinforced by the example set by our fathers, the fathers of our friends, and the portrayal of such roles in the media.”
Consequently, this perspective became “deeply, deeply entrenched” in her psyche from an early age.
Julian’s first venture into the realm of financial responsibility began at the age of 16 after landing her first job.
However, despite earning an income, she quickly found herself succumbing to impulsive spending habits.
After graduating from university with student debt to show, Julian struggled to manage her finances throughout her twenties.
“I maintained a rudimentary system of spending account and a nominal savings account, yet invariably found myself living from paycheck to paycheck,” she said.
“Consequently, when I entered into marriage, I defaulted to handing over the reins of financial management to my spouse… Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last long.”
This was the first warning.
“I had no major financial responsibilities or debt and was young, so I just slipped back into my old ways of managing my finances,” she said.
Unfortunately, Julian repeated this pattern in her next relationship, abdicating financial responsibility once again.
“As the years passed, the importance of making informed financial decisions to secure my future became increasingly apparent.”
However, Julian continued to delegate money matters to her partner.
“We had a daughter together and I was a stay-at-home mom for six years,” Julian said. “Not wanting to re-enter the workforce, I decided to start my marketing business, which unfortunately didn't survive the pandemic.”
After 10 years, one daughter, no income, and low financial confidence, Julian and her partner separated.
“Following the breakdown of this relationship, I found myself in a precarious financial position, overwhelmed by feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty about the future,” she said.
“I was alone with the weight of the need to create financial security on my shoulders. I had no game plan. I didn't know how to even take the first step. I was riddled with fear.”
Mortgage broking: The path towards reinvention
Recognising the deep pit she had gotten herself into, Julian’s journey took a path towards reinvention.
Julian decided to take a risk. Inspired by the encouragement of a close family friend and motivated by a desire for financial autonomy, she started training to become a mortgage broker.
Starting the certification courses felt overwhelming at first, but Julian remained focused. She dedicated her weekends, when her daughter was with her ex-partner, to studying for the qualifications.
“It was a matter of determination and a clear mission driving me forward. I knew I needed to equip myself with the necessary skills to succeed – for myself and for my daughter,” she said.
Fortunately, the risk paid off. Not only did becoming a mortgage broker offer Julian financial stability but it also empowered her to support other women facing similar challenges.
But it wasn’t as simple as that.
Entering the mortgage broking industry 19 months ago, Julian quickly recognised the importance of building trust and credibility.
“To accelerate this process, I gained valuable experience working under a mentor at Badu Capital,” she said.
“But this year, I made the exciting leap to establish my own independent brokerage, Brava Finance, partnering with Connective as my aggregator.”
Julian said she was fortunate to join Connective, which provided a supportive environment to start a new brokerage.
“They have established Women in Finance groups where I connected with other women in the field,” she said. “Additionally, I received valuable mentorship from Chris at Badu Capital.”
Through these events, Julian said she was inspired by some of the other women in the industry to make a difference.
“Starting financial education early can instil confidence in young girls, preparing them for future financial independence.”
Breaking norms and building confidence: The push for gender equality
International Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality.
Julian said the increasing support for this day reflects a growing societal awareness of gender-related issues.
“It's encouraging to see men actively participating in discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing equality,” she said. “These events foster a spirit of reflection and collaboration, bringing individuals and organisations together in a collective effort to bridge the gender gap.”
While there has been progress, there's still a long way to go in achieving gender equality, as evidenced by the gender pay gap – especially in the financial services sector.
“I believe the disparity in the mortgage broking industry reflects broader societal challenges,” Julian said.
“Many women enter but later exit the field due to family responsibilities. It's vital for organisations like Connective to support women brokers, advocating for flexibility to balance work and family life.”
Evidenced by her own journey, Julian said a lack of confidence also plays a role, highlighting the need for initiatives to boost women's confidence in financial positions.
“I spent way too long stuck in a cycle of dependence. It’s so important to allow space for honest discussions; to be vulnerable and share our survival guides,” she said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t have that.
“I went through a tough time that didn't need to be as difficult. Time, entrenched mindsets, and the misconception that men handle finances contributed to this. So, for me, it was largely a self-taught journey.”
This is why, for Julian, offering guidance and a clear path for others is crucial.
“Becoming a mortgage broker accelerated this process, but it required a significant shift in mindset, confidence-building, and taking financial risks, like borrowing from family,” she said.
What do you think about Cara Julian’s journey? Comment below.
