The Budget Lab is designed for everyday people who find money a bit overwhelming and just want clear, practical guidance—without the cost of a financial advisor. If you've ever felt unsure about where your money’s going or how to get on top of it, you're not alone—and you're exactly who we’re here to support.

We work with students learning to manage their income, single parents balancing tight budgets, freelancers dealing with unpredictable pay, and couples wanting to feel more in control together. No matter your stage of life or income level, we’re here to help you feel confident with your money—without the stress or the jargon.

We offer several services to suit different needs:

• The Starter Scan: A one-time, 90-minute financial check-up where we help you clarify your goals, create a budget, and understand your financial position.

• The Deeper Dive: The Starter Scan, plus a second 90-minute session to implement your plan and set up automated systems for bills, savings, and more.

• The Goal Getter: A 6-12 month check-up to track your progress, reassess your goals, and adjust your financial strategy.

• The Debt Detox: A tailored program to help you manage and reduce your debt, with a personalized repayment plan and budget adjustments.

Check out our Services and Pricing page for more information.

At The Budget Lab, we believe that getting help with your money shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. That’s why our services are intentionally priced to be truly affordable—no subscriptions, no upselling, and absolutely no hidden fees.

We offer simple, flat-fee options that give you real value without locking you into ongoing costs. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, navigating irregular income, or just want to make smarter financial decisions, our goal is to keep support within reach for everyday people.

You can check out our Services & Pricing page for a full breakdown, or get in touch for a personalised quote based on what you need—no pressure, just practical help.

At The Budget Lab, we understand that who is managing your money can be a challenging decision. We believe our points of difference are:

• Personalised advice: Tailored budgeting strategies for your lifestyle and income.

• Accountability: Regular check-ins to help you stay on track (as required)

• Time-saving: We do the hard work of setting up tools, tracking, and adjusting.

• Motivation & mindset help: Can coach you through emotional spending patterns or habits.

• No pressure on Products/subscriptions: As we are not regulated by ASIC, we cannot provide you with any specific product advice, therefore all the decisions of specific places your money sits is entirely up to you.

Booking a session is easy! Simply go to the Home page, fill out the form at the bottom of the page, call us or send us an email and we will be in contact with you to book your first appointment.

For your first appointment, it's helpful to have the following documents and information:

• Income details (e.g., payslips, bank statements)

• Current budget (if you have one)

• Details of any debts (credit cards, loans, etc.)

• Superannuation balance (if applicable)

• Regular expenses (e.g., rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance)

• Any financial goals or priorities you want to discuss

Having these documents ready will help us make the most of your session and ensure we provide you with tailored advice. If you're unsure what to bring, don’t worry—we’ll guide you through the process!

Unlike traditional financial advisers who offer comprehensive investment advice and product recommendations, The Budget Lab focuses on giving you the tools and knowledge to manage your money effectively. We provide affordable, practical budgeting strategies and cash flow advice, designed to help you avoid financial stress and take control of your finances.

Financial advisor services in Australia typically cost between $3,000 to $12,000 AUD upfront, with ongoing fees of $3,000 to $6,000 AUD.

In Australia, financial counsellors hold a diploma and provide free, confidential support for people in financial hardship, helping with debt negotiations, legal rights, and creditor advocacy.

The Budget Lab differs by focusing on prevention—helping you create a budget, manage cash flow, and reach savings goals before financial hardship arises. If needed, we can refer you to a financial counsellor for further support.

We do not provide personalized investment or product recommendations, as we are not licensed financial advisers. However, we offer practical advice on budgeting, debt management, and cash flow, helping you build a solid foundation for your financial future. If we believe you would benefit from investment advice, we can refer you to a trusted financial adviser.

Great question! At The Budget Lab, we believe financial knowledge is power—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. During your session, we’ll walk you through key concepts like budgeting, cash flow, and goal setting in a way that’s easy to understand and tailored to your situation.

We also include helpful tips, resources, and tools in your Financial Wellness Report so you can continue learning at your own pace. If you're eager to dive deeper, we can point you toward trusted websites, books, and podcasts to expand your financial confidence even further.

To get started, here are some reliable resources for you to take a look at:

The ASIC MoneySmart website is a free, government-run resource designed to help Australians make informed financial decisions. It’s especially useful for:

• Budgeting tools and calculators (like budget planners, mortgage calculators)

• Clear, unbiased information on topics like superannuation, credit, debt, loans, insurance, and investing

• Guides for major life events, such as buying a home, losing a job, or having a baby

• Scam alerts and safety tips to protect your money

• Support for all life stages—whether you’re just starting out, planning for retirement, or trying to get out of debt

  https://moneysmart.gov.au/

• The Financial Basics Foundation is an Australian not-for-profit that helps young people (ages 12–24) build essential money skills. It provides free, curriculum-aligned resources for schools, students, parents, and employers, covering topics like budgeting, saving, tax, and investing. Tools like the interactive ESSI Money Game and ready-to-use lesson plans make financial literacy more engaging and accessible for classrooms and individuals alike https://financialbasics.org.au/

• The Ecstra Foundation is an Australian not-for-profit focused on improving financial wellbeing. It funds education programs, community initiatives, and research to help people build money skills, make informed financial decisions, and access support. Key offerings include school workshops, grants for community organisations, and resources that promote financial inclusion and resilience https://www.ecstra.org.au/