Students tackle actual budgeting challenges through hands-on work. No textbooks here—just practical scenarios that mirror what happens when rent's due and your account balance matters.
Back in 2023, we noticed something odd. Students could explain compound interest perfectly but froze when tracking their own spending. Theory doesn't stick without practice.
So we built a system where learners manage mock budgets based on realistic Australian living costs. They mess up. They adjust. They figure out where their money actually goes—before real consequences hit.
Each project runs for four weeks. Participants receive income scenarios, unexpected expenses, and tough choices between wants and needs. Some struggle initially. Most find their rhythm by week three.
We keep it straightforward. These steps have worked for over 200 students since early 2024.
For two weeks, students log every dollar. Coffee runs, streaming services, grocery trips. The goal isn't judgment—it's awareness. Most people underestimate their actual spending by 30%.
Using their real data, participants create a weekly budget. We provide templates but encourage customization. What works for someone living at home won't fit a student renting in Melbourne.
Students run their budget for six weeks, adjusting as life happens. Unexpected car repairs? Friend's birthday dinner? We throw curveballs. The point is building flexibility, not perfection.
Our flagship project runs February through May or August through November. Participants receive ,400 monthly income and manage:
By the end, most students have a system that translates directly to their real finances. Some even start before the project ends.
Project Coordinator
I've been running these workshops since we started in January 2024. My background's in adult education, not finance—which actually helps. I remember being 22 and having no clue why my account was always empty.
These days I spend most of my time answering the same question in different forms: "Is this budget realistic?" The answer's usually yes, just uncomfortable. Learning to say no to one thing so you can say yes to something else? That's the skill we're really teaching.
Students email me months later with updates. One guy bought a car last September without a loan. Another built a ,000 emergency fund by December. Small wins, but they matter.
We're accepting applications through July for our autumn cohort. Projects run for twelve weeks with weekly check-ins. Space is limited to 25 participants so everyone gets actual feedback.