Student Budget Projects
Real financial challenges. Practical solutions. Build your money management skills through hands-on projects that tackle everyday Australian budget scenarios.
Join Our ProgramShare House Budget Challenge
Living with flatmates in Sydney or Melbourne? This three-month project puts you in charge of managing a realistic share house budget. You'll work with actual rental costs, utility bills, and those tricky shared expenses that always cause drama.
- Calculate fair splits for rent, utilities, and groceries
- Build emergency funds for unexpected house repairs
- Navigate different spending habits among housemates
- Create systems that prevent money conflicts
Our autumn 2025 cohort tackled a share house scenario in Brunswick where one flatmate lost their job mid-lease. Students had to restructure the entire budget while keeping everyone housed. That's real-world problem solving.
First Car Financial Planning
Everyone needs wheels eventually, but cars are money pits if you don't plan properly. This project walks you through the entire financial journey — from saving the initial deposit to budgeting for ongoing costs that catch most people off guard.
- Compare loan options versus cash purchases
- Factor in registration, insurance, and maintenance
- Calculate true cost per kilometre ownership
- Plan for depreciation and replacement timing
We use real car yard prices and actual insurance quotes. No theoretical numbers here. Students often discover they can afford a much better car than expected — or realise they should wait another six months to avoid financial stress.
Individual Projects
Some money challenges need personal attention. Individual projects let you dive deep into your specific situation without sharing details you'd rather keep private.
Debt Reduction Strategy
Create a realistic plan to eliminate credit card or student debt
Investment Start-up
Build your first investment portfolio with whatever amount you can spare
Side Hustle Budget
Track income and expenses for your part-time business or gig work
Travel Savings Goal
Plan and fund that Europe trip or interstate adventure
Group Challenges
Working with others brings different perspectives and accountability. Group projects simulate real family or business financial decisions where compromise and communication matter.
Wedding Budget Team
Plan a realistic wedding within a specific budget limit
Holiday House Investment
Analyse a group property investment opportunity
Small Business Launch
Develop financial projections for a startup idea
Family Emergency Fund
Create contingency plans for job loss or medical expenses
Fiona Kirkpatrick
Fiona spent twelve years as a financial planner before switching to education. She noticed that most people only sought advice when they were already in trouble — usually with debt problems or major life changes forcing their hand.
Now she designs projects that teach financial skills before you need them. Her approach focuses on practical scenarios rather than textbook theory. Students work through situations they'll actually face, not hypothetical examples that seem disconnected from real life.
Ready to Start Your Financial Journey?
Our next student project cohort begins in September 2025. Applications open in June, with spots limited to ensure everyone gets individual attention during the program.