Marcus Fenwick
Program Director
Spent 15 years working in community education before joining us in 2020. His approach? Make finance boring enough to be useful but interesting enough to remember.
Our Journey in Financial Education
Started in 2019 with a simple goal: help everyday Australians take control of their finances without the jargon or complicated formulas. Just practical knowledge that actually works.
How We Got Here
2019
The Beginning
Started with weekend workshops in a shared office space in Brisbane. Five people showed up to that first session. We talked about grocery budgets and subscription audits for two hours.
2021
Expansion Phase
Moved to Mackay and launched our first structured program. About 80 participants joined that year. We learned more from their questions than any textbook could teach.
2023
Digital Transition
Introduced online modules after getting requests from regional areas. Turned out people in Cairns and Darwin had the same budget challenges as folks in Sydney. Who knew?
2025
Looking Forward
Working on specialized modules for different life stages. Retirement planning looks different at 55 than it does at 30. Our autumn 2025 program will reflect that reality.
What Matters To Us
Real Numbers
We don't sugarcoat it. If your spending habits need adjustment, we'll say so. But we'll also show you exactly how to fix it, step by step.
No Sales Pitch
You won't find us pushing investment products or credit cards. We teach budgeting skills, period. What you do with those skills is completely up to you.
Practical First
Theory is fine, but we focus on what works in actual households. Like how to negotiate better rates with your internet provider or why batch cooking saves money.
Long-Term Thinking
Quick fixes rarely stick. Our programs run six to twelve months because lasting change takes time. Most participants see meaningful improvements after month four.
The People Behind The Programs
Trevor Ashford
Lead Instructor
Former small business owner who learned budget management the hard way. Now he teaches others to avoid the mistakes he made. His sessions always run over because people have questions.
Where We're Headed
The financial landscape keeps changing. Inflation hits differently now than it did five years ago. Energy costs aren't what they used to be. We're adapting our curriculum to match these shifts.
By late 2025, we'll introduce specialized tracks for different demographics. Young professionals need different strategies than families with kids or retirees on fixed incomes.
We're also exploring partnerships with regional community centers. Budget education shouldn't require living in a major city. Everyone deserves access to practical financial knowledge.
