Understanding Money in Real Terms
Inflation affects every Australian household differently. Our program helps you see through the numbers and make informed decisions about your finances.
Since early 2020, the relationship between prices and purchasing power has shifted dramatically. What worked five years ago might not serve you well today. This isn't about complex economic theory—it's about practical knowledge you can actually use.
What People Get Wrong About Rising Prices
Comparing Today to Yesterday
Most of us instinctively compare current prices to what we remember paying. But memory is unreliable, and it doesn't account for wage changes or product quality shifts.
We teach you to track real value using accessible tools. No complicated spreadsheets—just clear methods that take five minutes a week.
Believing Official Rates Tell Your Story
The RBA's inflation figure is an average. Your personal inflation rate depends on what you actually buy. A family with two kids faces different pressures than a retired couple.
You'll learn to calculate your own inflation rate based on your spending patterns. It's eye-opening and surprisingly straightforward.
Waiting for Things to Go Back
Many people delay financial decisions hoping prices will return to previous levels. But deflation rarely happens in healthy economies, and waiting often makes things harder.
We focus on adapting to current conditions rather than hoping for change. Better to adjust your approach than lose opportunities waiting.
Who Teaches This Program
Our facilitators have spent years helping Australians understand financial shifts. They're not theoretical economists—they're people who've navigated these challenges themselves.
Ewan Blackwood
Consumer Price Analysis
Ewan worked in retail banking for twelve years before shifting to financial education. He's helped over 400 families recalibrate their budgets during significant price fluctuations. His approach is direct and gets to the point quickly.
Dougal Wexford
Household Economics
Dougal spent years as a financial counsellor in western Sydney. He understands how inflation hits differently across income levels. His sessions focus on practical adjustments that don't require sacrificing everything you enjoy.
How the Program Works
Understanding Real Value
We start by breaking down what inflation actually means for your wallet. Not the textbook definition, but what it looks like when you're buying groceries or paying utilities.
- How to measure your personal inflation rate
- Why some prices rise faster than others
- The difference between nominal and real costs
- Reading between the lines of price changes
Adjusting Your Budget Framework
Most budgets fail because they're too rigid. When prices shift, you need a framework that bends without breaking. This section is about building flexibility into your financial planning.
- Creating category buffers for volatile expenses
- Identifying which costs you can control
- When to renegotiate and when to walk away
- Building a realistic emergency buffer
Making Decisions Under Pressure
Rising prices create urgency. Should you buy now or wait? Is that deal actually good? This phase helps you make clearer decisions when everything feels uncertain.
- Evaluating true cost versus sticker price
- Recognizing genuine value in a shifting market
- Timing major purchases strategically
- Avoiding panic decisions that cost you later
Long-Term Thinking in Uncertain Times
The final section looks ahead. How do you plan for big goals when you can't predict next year's prices? We work on building adaptable strategies rather than rigid five-year plans.
- Protecting savings from erosion
- Adjusting retirement expectations realistically
- Teaching kids about money in inflationary times
- Building financial resilience for whatever comes
Next Session Starts October 2025
The autumn program runs for eight weeks with evening sessions. Classes are small—typically fifteen to twenty participants—so everyone gets individual attention.
Format: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, starting October 14, 2025. Sessions are also recorded for anyone who can't attend live. Materials stay accessible for six months after completion.