Financial Foundations Program
Most Australians learn to budget month-by-month. But what if you could think five years ahead? Our program teaches you to build budgets that actually work for the long haul, not just the next pay cycle.
We've spent years figuring out what makes financial planning stick. Turns out, it's not about complicated spreadsheets or denying yourself everything you enjoy. It's about understanding where your money goes and making intentional choices that align with what you actually care about.
Experience
18 Years
Learning From People Who've Been There
Darren Vaillancourt spent the first decade of his career helping high-net-worth clients. Then he realized something: the principles that work for managing millions also work for managing modest incomes. The real difference is just scale and patience.
He's been teaching financial planning since 2014, always focusing on practical tools rather than theory. His students often mention how he breaks down complex concepts using everyday examples.
Rosamund Eccleston
Behavioral Finance Specialist
Rosamund joined the program in 2020 after working as a financial counselor in Western Sydney. She focuses on the emotional side of money management and helps students identify patterns that keep them stuck.
What You'll Actually Learn
We've structured this program around four key phases. Each builds on the previous one, so by week fourteen, you'll have a complete financial system that works for your specific situation.
Understanding Your Money Story
Weeks 1-3
Before you can change anything, you need to know where you're starting. We'll map out your current financial reality without judgment.
- Tracking spending without spreadsheet overwhelm
- Identifying your actual fixed and variable costs
- Understanding psychological spending triggers
- Creating baseline financial snapshots
Building Your Five-Year Framework
Weeks 4-7
This is where long-term thinking starts. You'll learn to balance immediate needs with future goals in a way that doesn't feel restrictive.
- Setting realistic financial milestones
- Allocating resources across time horizons
- Planning for irregular expenses that derail budgets
- Building flexibility into long-term plans
Adapting When Life Changes
Weeks 8-11
Life rarely goes according to plan. We'll work through real scenarios and teach you how to adjust without abandoning your entire system.
- Handling unexpected expenses and income changes
- Rebalancing priorities when circumstances shift
- Maintaining progress during challenging periods
- Using setbacks as learning opportunities
Maintaining Your System
Weeks 12-14
The final phase focuses on sustainability. You'll develop habits that keep your financial plan running without constant attention.
- Creating quarterly review processes
- Automating routine financial tasks
- Recognizing when to seek professional help
- Teaching financial principles to family members
Classes meet Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at our Castle Hill location. We keep groups small so everyone gets individual attention.
Ask About Upcoming Sessions
What Past Participants Tell Us
We track progress through participant surveys conducted six months after program completion. The patterns we see are encouraging, though individual experiences vary based on starting points and personal circumstances.
87%
Still using their budget system after one year
73%
Report feeling more confident about financial decisions
64%
Have established an emergency fund for the first time
91%
Would recommend the program to someone they know
The next cohort begins in September 2025. If you're interested, reach out soon because we limit enrollment to maintain the quality of instruction.