Why We Approach Money Differently
Most financial advice treats every month the same. But your expenses don't work that way—and neither should your planning. We help people build money strategies around the actual rhythms of their lives.
Started From a Simple Question
Back in 2019, I was sitting across from a client who'd just blown through their emergency fund. Again. Third time that year. She wasn't reckless—she was dealing with the reality that school fees hit in January, car rego in March, and the aircon died during a February heatwave.
Traditional budgeting advice told her to save the same amount each month. But her actual life had these massive seasonal swings. That disconnect is what got me thinking differently about financial planning.
Now we work with families across Australia who've figured out that aligning money decisions with the calendar—rather than fighting against it—makes everything easier. Not perfect. Just more manageable.
How We Think About Financial Seasons
Pattern Recognition
We look at when your money actually moves. Tax time. School holidays. Insurance renewals. Christmas shopping. Then we build plans around those predictable peaks instead of pretending they don't exist.
Buffer Building
The goal isn't eliminating seasonal expenses—that's impossible. It's about creating breathing room before they hit. We help you identify which months are naturally leaner and use those for preparation rather than panic.
Realistic Timelines
Quick fixes don't work with money. Our programs run from six months to a year because that's how long it takes to see full seasonal cycles and adjust accordingly. Shortcuts just set people up for disappointment.
Who Does This Work
Siobhan Kilpatrick
Senior Financial Education Consultant
I spent twelve years in traditional financial planning before realizing most people don't need complex investment portfolios—they need help managing the seasonal chaos of normal life. These days I run workshops and work one-on-one with people who are tired of feeling behind every time a big expense rolls around. My specialty is helping dual-income families coordinate their financial seasons when two different work schedules create overlapping pressure points.
What Guides Our Teaching
Real Numbers Over Theory
We don't teach abstract concepts. Every workshop uses actual Australian household data—what things cost, when expenses typically hit, how much buffer most families need. You'll work with realistic scenarios, not textbook examples that assume everyone earns the same and spends uniformly.
No Shame About Starting Points
Some people come to us with three months of expenses saved. Others are working through credit card debt. The seasonal approach works regardless—it just looks different depending where you're starting. We're not here to judge your past decisions. Just help you make better ones going forward.
Ready to Try a Different Approach?
Our next seasonal planning program starts in September 2025. Twelve months of structured learning, seasonal check-ins, and practical tools you'll actually use. Or reach out if you've got questions about whether this makes sense for your situation.