Our Journey in Financial Education
From a simple idea in 2018 to helping thousands of Australians build stronger financial foundations through practical budget education and accessible learning resources.
The Beginning: A Kitchen Table Vision
meridoxavon started when Zelda Fortescue, a community financial counselor in Wagga Wagga, noticed a troubling pattern. Families were struggling not because they lacked income, but because nobody had taught them practical money management skills.
Working from her kitchen table, Zelda began developing simple, jargon-free educational materials. She tested these with local families, refining each lesson based on real feedback from people managing tight budgets.
First Breakthrough
By December 2018, our pilot program with 15 local families showed an average 23% improvement in their monthly savings within three months. This wasn't about earning more money – it was about understanding where money actually goes.
Expanding Beyond Wagga Wagga
The pandemic changed everything. Suddenly, families across Australia needed financial guidance more than ever. We pivoted our in-person workshops to online formats, discovering that digital learning actually made our content more accessible.
By mid-2021, we had developed our signature approach: breaking complex financial concepts into everyday language and practical steps that anyone could follow, regardless of their income level or education background.
Regional Expansion
Launched online programs reaching rural and remote communities across NSW and Victoria
Community Partnerships
Collaborated with local libraries and community centers to host free budget workshops
Resource Development
Created downloadable budget templates and tracking tools used by over 3,000 households
Growing Impact and Recognition
Last year marked a significant milestone as we launched our comprehensive online learning platform. What started as simple PDF worksheets evolved into interactive modules that adapt to each learner's pace and circumstances.
We partnered with Octavia Bramwell, a former banking professional who brings years of experience in financial planning, to develop advanced modules on debt management and long-term financial planning.
2024 Achievements
Served over 8,500 individuals through our programs, with 87% reporting improved confidence in managing their household budgets. Our completion rates consistently exceeded 75%, well above industry standards for online education.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
We're launching specialized programs for young adults, small business owners, and families planning major life changes. Our goal isn't to make anyone wealthy overnight – it's to give people the tools and confidence to make informed financial decisions that align with their values and circumstances. Because understanding money shouldn't be a luxury reserved for those who already have it.