Resetting Your Relationship with Debt

Reset your relationship with debt. Tips for first home buyers and those exploring debt consolidation from UNO's Jesse Bullock.

Resetting Your Relationship with Debt

Buying your first home or managing debt doesn’t just happen on paper—it happens in the real world, with all the emotions, life events, and financial curveballs that come with it. That’s why Jesse Bullock, Principal Broker at UNO Home Loans, is passionate about helping clients reset their relationship with debt—not just take on more of it.

“If you don’t have a good relationship with debt, or with your mortgage, it’s time to reset it,” says Jesse.

From Army Life to Mortgage Broking

Before entering the finance world, Jesse served in the Australian Army and worked in small business—experiences that now shape the empathy and insight he brings to every client interaction.

“I’ve had a few different perspectives,” Jesse explains. “It’s given me a different outlook on how I support people.”

That human-first approach is key, especially for first home buyers who are stepping into unfamiliar territory.

Starting Out: Buying Your First Home

Whether you're in your twenties or simply new to the market, Jesse says the best time to get guidance is early—even if you're not ready to buy yet.

“People almost feel guilty reaching out early. But I say, book the chat! You don’t need to have it all figured out.”

Understanding your budget, building a safety net (like an offset account), and resisting pressure from “property gurus” online are all part of the long game. Jesse encourages clients to slow down, tune out the noise, and build a plan that’s based on their personal goals.

Playing the Long Game with Debt

Debt isn’t just a number—it’s a relationship. Jesse urges buyers to view their mortgage not as a burden but as a tool. Used well, it can help you build equity, fund future investments, and create long-term financial freedom.

That might mean making small extra repayments, using surplus income wisely, or simply staying on track with regular check-ins.

“You can’t control the market, but you can control your relationship with debt.”

Jesse recommends touching base with your broker every 6 months—not just when you need a loan.

“Life changes. Your goals change. Your debt strategy should change too.”

What Happens When Things Go Off Track?

Life doesn’t always go to plan. Jesse sees many clients in their 30s or 40s who started strong but have ended up juggling multiple debts: a mortgage, car loan, credit cards, maybe even business finance.

That’s where debt consolidation comes in—rolling those high-interest debts into your home loan to lower your repayments and regain control.

“Debt consolidation is a way to simplify your financial life,” Jesse explains. “But it’s not just about the numbers. You need to understand what led to the debt in the first place.”

And that’s where a judgment-free, empathetic conversation with a broker can make all the difference.

“It’s okay to be vulnerable. That’s how we make real progress.”

Self-Employed? Two Balance Sheets, One Stress Point

For business owners, the debt picture is even more complex. Between ATO obligations, fluctuating income, and personal mortgage repayments, things can get stressful fast.

Jesse breaks it down simply: you’re running two balance sheets—one for the business and one for your home. And when one starts to wobble, it affects the other.

“You still have to pay yourself so you can pay your mortgage. But if the business hits a rough patch, everything is under pressure.”

The solution? Strategic planning, a good accountant, and a broker who understands both sides of the equation.

Your Plan, Not Someone Else’s

Throughout the conversation, one theme stands out: your plan has to be your plan.

“Don’t build your financial future off a 45-second YouTube video. This isn’t one-size-fits-all.”

That means setting goals that reflect your values—whether that’s paying off your home early, investing in property, or simply feeling less stressed about money.

And if you're not sure where to begin? Jesse’s advice is simple.

“Pick up the phone. Book the chat. Even if there’s no action to take today, the conversation itself might change everything.”

Dylan Aubrey
May 31, 2025
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Jesse did a great job with helping me secure my loan, will be using him again in the future

Want a better relationship with your debt?

Jesse can help you with

  • Buying your first home so you don't over extend
  • Making sure you stay on top of your main debt so you have options
  • Using debt strategically to build wealth
Book Call Now

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Dylan Aubrey
May 31, 2025
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Jesse did a great job with helping me secure my loan, will be using him again in the future
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Tom Deal
May 30, 2025
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
This is the second time I’ve worked with Mike Parsons, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else for mortgage advice. He’s extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and always happy to help. Mike takes a consultative approach, presenting clear options and making the whole process stress-free. Friendly, professional, and genuinely invested in getting the best outcome. Highly recommend and will definitely use him again!
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May 27, 2025
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Paul was amazing to work with. He went out of his way to help us with every last question. He sorted everything out for us, was a wealth of knowledge in terms of who else to use to support us in the buying process. He made moving from New Zealand so easy. He explained everything to us in an easy to understand way. He really worked for us!!! Plus he's such a lovely funny guy, super approachable. Super responsive, has a great team. Totally took care of us in the whole process. I can't wait to use Paul again and would recommend him to every kiwi moving over and all our aussie friends :)
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May 21, 2025
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Paul from Uno has been amazing. Made it so easy! Highly recommend and made the finance process much more enjoyable experience for us.
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Timothy Semsarian
May 17, 2025
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UNO went above and beyond to help my wife and I with our home loan and settlement. Couldn’t recommend them enough - Jake Wood was an absolute legend! Kept us informed during the whole process and was very thorough with his work, even with a very tight timeframe. Thank you again for all your help, and looking forward to continue using your services!
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May 16, 2025
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100% Rockstar. We found Paul and Uno Home Loans from recommendations from people who had used his services. We know understand why he comes so highly recommended. We definitely put Paul and his team under pressure due to an oversight our end which meant that he had to don his superman cape and work miracles for us. We didn't appreciate the very very short window we created for ourselves (think less than two weeks for settlement). Paul was able to wave his magic wand, come up with multiple solutions to our situation and make it all happen seamlessly. It goes without saying then, without reservation that we recommend Paul and his team as our trusted mortgage advisor! Thanks again Paul. *****The limoncello is on route we promise :)
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May 13, 2025
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Paul Davey worked very hard to get us the mortgage we required for our investment property. He is knowledgeable and approachable. Thanks Paul!
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Michael Badham
May 13, 2025
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Our entire process with Uno went very well. We had a unique set of requirements for our loan and our super friendly broker Mike Parsons managed to secure us the perfect outcome. Mike also worked above and beyond our expectations to make sure the whole process of completing the documentation of switching banks went smoothly.
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Vanessa Koster
May 13, 2025
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The service recieved from Paul was fantastic. He made the whole process stress free & easy. We started the process from NZ & Paul had everything ready for approval as soon as we landed in Aus. I would highly recommend Paul if you require a mortgage. You won't be dissapointed.
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Peta Hemmings
May 13, 2025
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Paul has been amazing throughout our entire home loan process, we have recommended him to many of our family and friends. He has been extremely helpful and professional right from the beginning.
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Ryan Whittle
May 12, 2025
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Highly recommended, Paul and his team made the process very streamlined delivering the best possible results.
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Tiana Perez
May 10, 2025
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Paul and Dalby were incredible to deal with, from the first interaction with Paul a few months prior, to getting approval to purchase, through to the last minute helping us with the final settlement details. Their communication was second to none and they truly went the extra mile. Paul managed to get us more borrowing power than dealing with the bank directly. I couldn't recommend Paul and his team enough. Paul and Dalby, thank you so much for putting hours and hours of work into our application. We really appreciate it!
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