Lynda Moore, The Money Mentalist

Hi, I’m Lynda, founder of The Money Mentalist. I’ve been an accountant for 37 years, and along the way I discovered that financial success isn’t just about the numbers. It’s also about the way we think, make decisions, and behave around money.

After selling my accounting practice in 2010, I went back to university to study psychology, then combined the two to develop the Financial Flow Formula. It’s a practical framework that helps business owners create greater financial clarity, make better decisions, and build a life where their money supports their goals rather than standing in the way of them.

Today I run a boutique accounting practice from Motueka. I’m also New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor, and the personal finance columnist for interest.co.nz.

My approach

Why the Money Mentalist?

If you want to build a business that serves you, the numbers need to align with your personal goals.

Too often accountants only focus on the numbers in a business and neglect what the owner wants from it from a lifestyle perspective.

This approach can overwhelm and confuse small business owners as they are left to build a business that is running them ragged. 

A business that steals time from their family and damages their relationships.

They end up in a situation that completely contradicts their reason for starting a business in the first place: to create financial freedom and a life that they love.

My story

I've been on the the other side of this

I started as an accountant at 17, in a small Christchurch practice, as the office junior. From there, I graduated from Canterbury with a B.Com, worked at Deloitte in Christchurch, Auckland and London, and started my own practice while seven months pregnant with my daughter. By 2010, after years in public practice, I sold the business and went back to university.

In the middle of all of that, my own marriage ended. Anecdotally, 70 to 80 percent of relationships break up because of money, and that was true in my situation. I was devastated. Even though I was an accountant, and knew my own financial position inside out, that knowledge didn’t help much at the time, because emotions took over completely. As a result, I came out the other side servicing $600,000 of debt.

It might seem a strange change of direction, accounting to psychology. In fact, it made complete sense to me. What I’d realised over years in practice is that money isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about the emotions behind them, and how our relationship with money shapes the decisions we make.

Training

Studying under Professor David Krueger

I completed my training with David in August 2011, and I think I was in the very first intake of mentor coaches he trained.

It started with being mentored through his programme, Your New Money Story. That meant unpacking and understanding my own money story first, and going through the whole client experience myself. It was really tough, and genuinely life-changing. That was where I realised that four-year-old Lynda was running my financial life.

Only once I’d completed the programme myself was I trained to facilitate and run it for clients.

Qualifications

Based in Motueka

I moved to Motueka in March 2024, and it felt like home from day one. Because I work with clients across the Tasman region and online, distance isn’t a barrier to working together, wherever you are. Alongside that, I facilitate the Top of the South Networkers, Motueka group, which meets on Tuesday mornings at Elevation Café.

When I’m not working I walk, a lot, since it’s how I recharge and where I get my best ideas. I play piano, sing in the Mapua Community Choir, and the kitchen is one of my happy places.

Let’s have a conversation

Book a free 30 minute clarity call and we’ll work out together whether I can help.

Meet the Team

Sajith Madushan Senior Accountant

Hi, I'm Sajith Madushan, an experienced accountant with a passion for precision and problem-solving. My journey into the world of accounting began over five years ago, inspired by my desire to help others feel secure and confident in their financial decisions. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to assist a client struggling with accounting and tax compliance. By simplifying the process and guiding them through each step, I realized just how impactful clear, reliable financial advice can be. Since then, I've had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients, providing clear and reliable guidance on tax compliance, reporting, and budgeting, ensuring that they feel empowered and informed every step of the way.

When I'm not immersed in numbers or calculations, I love staying active through cricket and carrom, both of which keep my mind sharp and remind me of the value of strategy and teamwork. Travelling is another passion of mine, it offers fresh perspectives that I bring back into my professional life, whether it's from observing different business cultures or simply learning how to navigate new environments. At home, I cherish my time with family and friends, often around a table full of home-cooked food, sharing laughs and stories, these moments keep me grounded and balanced.

In my professional life, I'm guided by a commitment to integrity, perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. Every challenge is an opportunity to find a new solution, and I thrive on helping my clients feel confident in achieving their financial goals. That gives me the most satisfaction in my work.

A fun fact about me is that I have a hidden talent for cooking. I enjoy experimenting with different cuisines, which not only allows me to unwind but also gives me the chance to share delicious meals with my family and friends.

Through my role, I aim to not only support my clients in achieving their goals but also to foster a sense of trust and ease in their financial journey. By offering customized solutions, I help streamline operations and enhance efficiency, contributing to their long-term success.

Rheo Vargas Office manager

Hi, I'm Rheo. I'm an Executive Virtual Assistant with over 10 years of experience supporting business owners, founders, and small teams with the day-to-day operations that keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

I specialise in admin support, client communication, inbox and calendar management, website updates, and light financial and project coordination. My focus is on creating structure, keeping things organised, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

I'm known for being reliable, consistent, and easy to work with, I adapt quickly to different systems and take ownership of the work so my clients don't have to chase or manage the details.

Outside of work, I enjoy baking, spending time with my family, and keeping life simple and grounded.

My goal is to take the pressure off so you can focus on running and growing your business, while I keep everything behind the scenes running as it should.

Judy Bartlam Bookkeeping and payroll

Hi, I'm Judy, a mother and grandmother who has spent her working life in the financial sectors.

I started my working career firstly working in a large bank providing a personal service and advice to bank customers regarding their accounts, personal, business and securities.

From there I started a family where my time and focus was on my children's education and development leading to them as adults starting up and operating their own businesses.

During this time, I did voluntary work for the local historical society as their Treasurer.

In early 2000, I met Lynda and in association with her, transitioned to assisting and advising company and small business clients with their bookkeeping, GST returns, creditors, debtors and employee wage payment programmes. An association that is ongoing.

My philosophy has always been that the financial management and well-being of the client's business should not be a distraction or restriction on their day to day operation. That the client should be free to focus on and not held back in carrying out the work that they do well, generating income and not otherwise be forced to spend, what should otherwise be productive income generating time, on bookkeeping and other financial responsibilities too which they have an aversion and for them is inevitably time consuming and frustrating.

I achieve great satisfaction in identifying and sorting out any account and wage payment anomalies and errors. One of my strengths is the enjoyment in delving into the details of transactions and anomalies to solve the problems. As an aside, I enjoy the challenge of 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles (a pastime to which my family suggest is an addiction).

I am always seeking to balance my time between client demands, family commitments and leisure time. The leisure time involving travel, jigsaw puzzles and knitting for grandchildren and hospital new born babies.

Jett Security & Client Relations Officer

Hi, I’m Jett, the Money Mentalist Team’s Security & Client Relations Officer. I have a very important job — making sure everyone who comes into the office gets a proper welcome.

One of my most important duties is gate duty. I like to sit at the gate in the morning and keep an eye on everything happening outside. I can happily spend about an hour watching everyone go past, and I’m always ready for a pat from the kids (and adults) walking by. You never know who might stop for a quick hello!

When a client arrives at the gate, I’m there to greet them. I get my pat, then walk them to Lynda’s office to make sure they arrive safely. Once they’re settled, I wait for one more cuddle before heading under Lynda’s desk for a well-earned snooze while the meeting takes place.

I take my client relations duties very seriously. A friendly welcome, a wagging tail and a good cuddle can make all the difference, and I’m pretty sure I’ve mastered all three.

When I’m not on duty, I love getting out and about. The beach is one of my favourite places to visit — there are so many interesting smells to investigate and plenty of new things to explore. I also love going on adventures with my doggy mates. There’s nothing better than having a good run around and seeing what we can discover together.

My goal is to become the best Security & Client Relations Officer I can be, keep a close eye on the gate, make sure everyone who visits the Money Mentalist office gets a proper Jett welcome, and enjoy plenty of adventures when I’m off duty.

After all, keeping the office secure and the clients happy is a big responsibility!

Let's have a conversation

Book a free 30 minute clarity call and we’ll work out together whether I can help.