Building Financial Confidence That Lasts
A practical learning experience designed for Australians facing financial pressure
Look, money stress doesn't announce itself with a dramatic entrance. It's more like a slow leak that turns into something bigger before you notice. We've spent years watching people struggle with the same patterns — and the thing is, most financial education misses the actual problem. Our program focuses on what actually helps: changing how you relate to money when stress is already part of the picture.
Learn About Next Session
Why Traditional Financial Advice Often Misses the Mark
Here's what we've learned after working with hundreds of Australians dealing with money pressure: telling someone to "just budget better" when they're stressed about bills is about as helpful as telling them to relax during a panic attack.
Financial stress creates real cognitive load. Your brain literally works differently when you're worried about money. So we start there — with the stress response itself. Then we build practical skills that actually work when your nervous system is already activated.
The program runs over eight weeks, with sessions designed for people who are still working full-time and dealing with everything else life throws at them. Because that's reality. Our September 2025 intake opens for registration in July.
What You'll Actually Work Through
Six core areas that address both the emotional and practical sides of financial stress. Each builds on what came before, but we move at a pace that lets things sink in.
Stress Recognition Patterns
Learning to spot your personal financial stress signals before they escalate. Most people don't realize they have consistent patterns until someone points them out.
Decision-Making Under Pressure
When you're stressed about money, you make different choices. We look at why that happens and build strategies that work with your brain, not against it.
Practical Cash Flow Systems
Budgeting that accounts for variable income, unexpected expenses, and the reality that life doesn't follow a spreadsheet. We've tested these approaches with people in casual work, shift work, and contract positions.
Debt Navigation Strategies
Addressing debt when you're already stressed requires a different approach. We cover practical options specific to Australian financial products and support systems.
Communication Skills
How to talk about money stress with partners, family, creditors, and employers. These conversations are harder when anxiety is already high, so we practice them in a supported environment.
Building Forward Plans
Creating realistic financial plans that account for setbacks and don't require perfect execution. Because perfection isn't the goal — sustainable progress is.
Who You'll Learn From
Our facilitators combine financial expertise with genuine understanding of stress responses. They've worked in community finance, mental health settings, and crisis support.
Lachlan Bjornstad
Financial Capability Specialist
Spent twelve years in community financial counseling before developing our curriculum. Focuses on practical interventions that work for people experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Petra Viklund
Stress Response Educator
Background in trauma-informed practice and cognitive behavioral approaches. Brings evidence-based stress management techniques adapted specifically for financial contexts.
Sienna Kowalewski
Program Coordination
Manages group dynamics and ensures everyone has space to participate at their own pace. Also handles connections to additional support services when participants need them.