Rethinking Financial Education Through Behavioral Science
Our approach combines cognitive psychology research with practical budgeting methods, creating learning experiences that stick beyond the classroom.
The Mindful Money Method
Back in 2019, our founder Zelda Hartwell noticed something troubling while working as a financial counselor in Melbourne. People understood budgeting concepts perfectly during sessions, but struggled to apply them consistently at home.
This observation led to extensive research into behavioral economics and habit formation. We discovered that traditional financial education focuses too heavily on logic while ignoring the emotional triggers behind spending decisions.
Our methodology now integrates mindfulness techniques with practical budget tracking, helping learners recognize their financial patterns before they become problematic habits.
Our Evolution
The Observation Phase (2020-2021)
We spent eighteen months shadowing financial counselors across Victoria, documenting the gap between what people learned and what they actually did with money. The patterns were startling – even financially literate individuals made emotionally-driven decisions that contradicted their knowledge.
Dr. Casper
Thornfield, Behavioral Research
Lead
Prototype Development (2022-2023)
Working with a small group of volunteers, we tested various approaches to budget education. The breakthrough came when we started incorporating meditation-style exercises into financial planning sessions. Participants reported feeling more aware of their spending triggers and more confident in their choices.
Raven Blackstone,
Curriculum Designer
Scaling and Refinement (2024-Present)
After validating our approach with larger groups, we've been refining the content based on diverse feedback. Our programs now address the specific challenges faced by different demographics, from recent graduates managing student debt to families navigating childcare expenses.