Building Financial Capability That Actually Sticks
Our autumn 2025 program isn't about quick fixes or overnight transformations. It's about building genuine understanding of money management through structured learning and real practice. We've been running these sessions since 2019, and the feedback consistently points to one thing — people leave with skills they can actually use.
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What Six Years of Teaching Has Shown Us
We started small in 2019 with twelve people in a borrowed room. Now we run structured programs twice yearly, and the numbers tell part of the story. But what matters more is hearing from someone six months later that they're finally budgeting without stress.
NSW Adult Education Award 2023
Recognised for community impact in financial literacy. The assessment panel noted our practical approach and participant retention rates as standout elements.
Financial Counselling Australia Partner
Working alongside FCA since 2021 to develop curriculum that addresses real financial challenges facing Australians in different life stages.
Average 82% Skill Application
In our six-month follow-up surveys, most participants report actively using at least three core techniques from the program in their daily financial decisions.
Regional NSW Reach
Sessions delivered across eight regional centres. Distance shouldn't dictate access to quality financial education, so we've expanded beyond Lismore since 2022.
What Happens in the First Four Weeks
Most people see some shift in how they think about money fairly quickly. Not because we promise magic, but because we focus on the fundamentals that actually make a difference day-to-day.
Getting Clear on Your Current State
Most folks are surprised when they actually track spending for two weeks. Not in a scary way, but in a "huh, didn't realise that" way. We use simple tracking methods that don't require fancy apps or spreadsheet expertise. By week two, you'll have a realistic picture of where money's going.
Building Your First Working Budget
This is where it clicks for many people. We're not talking restrictive budgets that make you miserable. We're talking workable plans that account for reality — including the occasional coffee or takeaway. You'll set up a system that fits your life, not someone else's ideal.
Handling Debt Without Panic
Debt conversations often carry shame, but they shouldn't. We look at practical strategies for managing what you owe while still living. Participants learn prioritisation techniques and how to negotiate with creditors when needed. Some report feeling relief just from having a plan.
Starting the Emergency Buffer
Even small amounts add up. We focus on building a modest emergency fund that can handle minor surprises without derailing everything. The goal isn't thousands in the bank immediately — it's having enough to avoid panic when the car needs repairs.
Who's Actually Teaching This
Our teaching team brings different backgrounds but shares one thing — years of working directly with people on their finances. No ivory tower theory here, just practical experience.
Kieran Thorsby
Program Lead
Spent fifteen years as a financial counsellor before moving into education. Kieran's seen every money situation imaginable and brings that real-world context to every session.
Rhiannon Veldman
Budgeting Specialist
Former accountant who got tired of just crunching numbers and wanted to help people understand them. Rhiannon has a gift for making complex concepts feel manageable.
Oswin Falkenrath
Debt Management Coach
Worked in banking collections for years before switching sides to help people navigate debt. Oswin knows how the system works and teaches participants to work it better.
What You'll Actually Learn
We cover core financial management skills over twelve weeks, with each session building on the last. It's structured but flexible enough to address what participants actually need help with.
Practical Budgeting Systems
Learn to build budgets that work for your actual life, not theoretical perfect scenarios. We cover different methods and help you find what suits your situation and personality.
Debt Strategy Development
Understand different debt types and develop personalised repayment approaches. We look at both mathematical optimal solutions and psychologically sustainable ones.
Emergency Fund Building
Start creating financial buffer through realistic saving strategies that account for limited cash flow. Small consistent steps often work better than aggressive plans that fail.
Banking and Fee Management
Learn to choose appropriate banking products and reduce unnecessary fees. Small changes here can save hundreds annually without affecting your lifestyle.
Credit Understanding
Understand how credit actually works, what affects your score, and how to improve it gradually. We cover both the technical side and practical steps.
Long-term Planning Basics
Introduction to retirement planning and investment concepts appropriate for your stage. No pressure to invest immediately, just building awareness for when you're ready.