Redefining Money Stories

We started meimfaranaris because traditional budgeting felt broken. Too many rules, not enough room for real life. Our approach blends financial wisdom with creative thinking to help Australians build sustainable money habits.

Creative financial planning workspace with colorful charts and modern tools

How We Started

Back in 2019, Zara was working as a financial planner in Sydney. She kept seeing the same pattern — clients would get excited about budgets, follow them religiously for three weeks, then abandon them entirely.

The problem wasn't discipline or motivation. Traditional budgeting methods just didn't match how people actually live and spend. Life is messy, priorities shift, and unexpected expenses happen.

So we moved to Rockhampton and started experimenting. What if budgeting could be more flexible? What if it accounted for personality types, spending triggers, and real-world challenges?

Today, we help over 2,800 Australians manage their money using methods that actually stick. No perfect spreadsheets required.

Modern financial education classroom with interactive learning materials

Our Teaching Philosophy

We believe financial education should be practical, personalized, and honestly — kind of fun. Here's what makes our programs different.

Real Scenarios

We use case studies from actual Australian households. Mortgage stress, kids' activities, rising grocery costs — we tackle the money challenges you're actually facing, not theoretical examples.

Behavioral Focus

Understanding why you spend is more important than tracking every dollar. We explore spending patterns, emotional triggers, and help you build systems that work with your personality.

Flexible Methods

Some people love spreadsheets. Others prefer apps or even cash envelopes. We teach multiple approaches so you can find what actually sticks long-term.

Community Support

Money conversations can feel isolating. Our learning groups create safe spaces to share challenges, celebrate wins, and learn from others facing similar situations.

Meet the Team

Two financial educators who believe money management should be approachable and sustainable.

Portrait of Zara Brightwell, Lead Financial Educator

Zara Brightwell

Lead Financial Educator

Former bank financial planner with 8 years experience. Zara specializes in helping families navigate major financial decisions and loves turning complex concepts into simple, actionable steps.

Portrait of Marcus Thornfield, Creative Budgeting Specialist

Marcus Thornfield

Creative Budgeting Specialist

Background in behavioral psychology and personal finance. Marcus develops our innovative budgeting frameworks and leads workshops on changing money mindsets.

Interactive financial workshop with participants discussing budgeting strategies

What Drives Us

  • Practical Over Perfect

    A budget that works 80% of the time beats a perfect system you'll abandon. We focus on sustainable habits over flawless tracking.

  • Individual Solutions

    Your financial situation is unique. We adapt our methods to your income, goals, and lifestyle rather than pushing one-size-fits-all approaches.

  • Honest Guidance

    We'll never promise overnight transformations or guaranteed outcomes. Real financial change takes time, and we're here to support you through the process.

  • Ongoing Learning

    Money management isn't a one-time lesson. We provide resources and support to help you adapt your approach as life circumstances change.

Ready to Try a Different Approach?

Our next Creative Budgeting Program starts in September 2025. Limited spots available for small group learning.

Explore Our Programs