Master Budget Essentials Together

Join a community of like-minded learners where collaboration drives success. Our peer-to-peer approach makes complex financial concepts stick through real conversations and shared discoveries.

Learning That Actually Connects

Small Study Groups

Work with 4-6 peers on real budget scenarios. You'll tackle monthly challenges together, share wins and setbacks, and learn from different perspectives on money management.

Peer Mentoring

Everyone brings something to the table. Maybe you're great with spreadsheets but struggle with savings goals. Your study partner might be the opposite. That's where the magic happens.

Real-World Projects

No fake scenarios here. Work on actual budgeting challenges facing group members. Create emergency funds, plan major purchases, and navigate debt reduction strategies together.

Collaborative learning environment with students working together on budget planning exercises

How It All Fits Together

Six months of structured learning with flexibility to dive deeper into what matters most to your financial situation.

1Foundation & Assessment

Months 1-2: Getting Your Bearings

We start by figuring out where everyone stands. No judgment, just honest assessment. You'll learn the basic vocabulary of budgeting and get comfortable with numbers that might feel overwhelming right now.

Income tracking and categorization
Expense analysis and blind spots
Goal setting with your study group
Basic budgeting methods comparison

2Building Your System

Months 3-4: Creating What Works

This is where things get practical. You'll build a budget system that fits your actual life, not some perfect theoretical version. Your peers will help you spot what you're missing and celebrate what's working.

Emergency fund strategies
Debt management approaches
Savings automation techniques
Monthly review processes

3Advanced Strategies

Months 5-6: Fine-Tuning and Growth

Now you're ready for the nuanced stuff. Investment basics, major purchase planning, and handling financial curveballs. Your study group becomes your ongoing support system for bigger money decisions.

Investment basics and risk tolerance
Major purchase planning
Income fluctuation management
Long-term financial planning
Jaxon Brierly, lead financial education instructor

Jaxon Brierly

Lead Instructor

Former bank manager turned educator. Spent 12 years helping people dig out of financial holes before realizing prevention beats cure every time.

Deep Dives That Matter

Why the Snowball Method Isn't Always Right

Everyone talks about paying off smallest debts first for motivation. But what if you're disciplined enough for the avalanche method? We'll run the numbers on your actual situation and see which approach saves you more money in the long run.

Beyond the Three-Month Rule

The standard advice is three to six months of expenses. But gig workers, seasonal employees, and people with chronic health conditions need different strategies. Here's how to build an emergency fund that actually fits your risk profile.

Budget Creep and Lifestyle Inflation

Got a raise recently? Most people just spend more without thinking. We'll show you how to capture that extra income for your goals instead of letting it disappear into daily expenses you won't even remember next month.

Your Financial Community Starts Here

Learning budgeting doesn't have to be lonely. Connect with people facing similar challenges and build relationships that extend beyond the program.

Monthly Meetups

Virtual coffee chats where you can share wins, ask questions, and get advice from peers who understand your situation. No agenda, just real conversations about money.

Goal Accountability

Partner with someone working toward similar financial goals. Check in weekly, celebrate milestones, and help each other stay on track when motivation dips.

Resource Sharing

Found a great budgeting app? Discovered a high-yield savings account? Share discoveries with your cohort and learn from their finds too. Knowledge compounds faster together.

Ready to Start Learning Together?

March 15, 2025

Application Window Opens

Submit your interest and tell us about your financial learning goals. We'll use this to create balanced study groups with complementary strengths and challenges.

April 10, 2025

Group Formation

Meet your study group members and instructor through a virtual introduction session. Get familiar with the platform and set group expectations.

May 1, 2025

Program Launch

Six months of collaborative learning begins. Weekly group sessions, monthly expert workshops, and ongoing peer support through our community platform.

October 31, 2025

Graduation & Next Steps

Celebrate your progress and plan your ongoing financial journey. Many groups choose to continue meeting informally for ongoing accountability.

Zara Coldwell, program coordinator

Zara Coldwell

Program Coordinator

Duration: 6 months
Group Size: 4-6 people
Weekly Commitment: 3-4 hours
Format: Virtual + Materials
Get Program Details