Build Real Budget Skills That Actually Stick
Most people think budgeting is about restriction. We've found it's more about understanding where money goes and why. Our September 2025 program walks you through the stuff that matters—tracking without spreadsheet headaches, saving when life gets expensive, and making decisions that don't leave you stressed at month's end.
We don't promise miracles. What we do is break down budgeting into manageable weekly sessions that fit around work schedules. You'll work with scenarios based on real Australian household situations—rent fluctuations, utility spikes, unexpected car repairs—the things that actually happen.
Sessions run Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 PM. That's twelve weeks of practical work, with materials you can revisit whenever needed.
How the Program Unfolds
We've split things into three phases. Each builds on what came before, but you're not locked into rigid timelines. Some people move faster through certain topics. Others need extra time with debt strategies or savings goals. That's fine—this isn't school.
Foundation Weeks
First four weeks cover income tracking, expense categorisation, and spotting patterns in spending. You'll set up a system that works for your situation—whether that's digital tools or pen and paper.
We also tackle the uncomfortable bits: impulse purchases, subscription creep, and those small transactions that add up faster than expected.
Weeks 1–4Strategy Development
Middle chunk focuses on building your actual budget framework. You'll learn methods for allocating money across needs, wants, and savings without feeling deprived.
This phase includes debt management approaches and how to handle variable income—something crucial for freelancers or anyone with irregular pay cycles.
Weeks 5–8Long-term Planning
Final weeks shift toward bigger financial goals. Emergency funds, savings targets, and planning for larger expenses like holidays or home improvements.
We also cover adapting your budget when circumstances change—job transitions, family additions, or economic shifts that affect household finances.
Weeks 9–12Who You'll Learn From
Lachlan Pembroke
Budget Systems SpecialistSpent fifteen years helping families untangle messy finances. Prefers straightforward explanations over jargon. Has a habit of using grocery shopping analogies for complex concepts.
Sienna Makepeace
Debt Management ConsultantWorked through her own debt challenges in her twenties. Now guides others through similar situations with practical strategies that don't require drastic lifestyle overhauls.
Freya Coldwell
Savings Strategy AdvisorBelieves in incremental progress over dramatic changes. Specialises in helping people save consistently without feeling like they're missing out on life's enjoyments.
What Participants Often Experience
Month One: Awareness Shift
Most people find just tracking expenses reveals surprising patterns. Coffee habits, streaming services, grocery spending—seeing real numbers changes perspective quickly.
Month Two: System Building
By week five or six, you'll have a working budget structure. It might need adjustments, but the framework exists. Many report feeling less anxious about money at this point.
Month Three: Confidence Growth
Final month focuses on handling curveballs. Past participants mention feeling more capable when unexpected bills arrive or income fluctuates. That confidence tends to stick around.
Beyond the Program
You'll have access to materials indefinitely. Some people return to specific modules when circumstances change. Others join our quarterly check-in sessions to stay on track.