Budget Preparation Training Program

Learn practical budgeting skills that actually work for Australian households and small businesses. Our six-month program starts September 2025.

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What You'll Learn

Foundation Skills

Start with the basics that make sense. We cover real income tracking, expense categorisation, and building a realistic picture of where money goes.

  • Income documentation and verification
  • Expense tracking methods that stick
  • Understanding fixed versus variable costs
  • Building your first budget framework

Planning Techniques

Move beyond spreadsheets. Learn forecasting methods, seasonal adjustments, and how to plan for irregular expenses without panic.

  • Quarterly budget projections
  • Seasonal expense planning
  • Emergency fund calculations
  • Cash flow forecasting basics

Small Business Budgets

Different rules apply when you're running a business. We look at GST planning, expense allocation, and separating personal from business finances.

  • Business expense categories
  • GST tracking and planning
  • Cash versus accrual methods
  • Quarterly BAS preparation

Review and Adjustment

Budgets need regular maintenance. Learn when to adjust, how to spot problems early, and what changes actually matter.

  • Monthly variance analysis
  • Identifying budget drift
  • Making strategic adjustments
  • Long-term budget evolution
Participants working through budget planning exercises during workshop session

How We Actually Teach This

Forget sitting through lectures about theoretical budgeting. Our approach uses real scenarios from Australian households and businesses operating right here in Queensland.

Weekly Sessions

Two-hour workshops every Thursday evening, with recordings available if you miss one.

Real Case Studies

Work through anonymised budgets from local businesses and families with similar challenges.

Personal Practice

Build your own working budget throughout the course with feedback at each stage.

Group Discussion

Small cohorts of twelve participants allow for honest conversations about financial challenges.

Students reviewing budget documents and financial planning materials during practical exercise

Who Teaches This Program

Three practitioners who've spent years working with budgets in different contexts. No academic theories here, just people who do this work daily.

Instructor portrait

Callum Ashworth

Small Business Finance

Ran a carpentry business for eight years before moving into financial planning. Knows exactly where business budgets fall apart because he's been there.

Instructor portrait

Rhiannon Blackwell

Household Budgeting

Former bank manager who saw too many families struggle with basic planning. Specialises in realistic budgeting for irregular incomes and unexpected expenses.

Instructor portrait

Fergus Thorburn

Budget Tools and Systems

Software background with a focus on practical financial tracking. Teaches multiple methods so you can find what actually works for your situation.

Next Program Starts September 2025

Six months of practical training. Twenty-four weekly sessions. Limited to twelve participants per cohort.

Applications open May 2025. We prioritise Bundaberg and Wide Bay region residents, but remote participation is available.

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