We Started With a Simple Question

Why is managing money still so complicated for most people?

Back in 2018, three of us were sitting around a kitchen table in Sydney, looking at our own messy spreadsheets and feeling pretty frustrated. We all had decent jobs but somehow still felt like we were guessing our way through budgets, savings, and bills. That conversation turned into quendariqo — not because we had all the answers, but because we wanted to find them together.

Financial education workshop session with participants learning budget consolidation strategies

One-on-one financial consultation demonstrating personalized budget planning approach

Collaborative learning environment where participants share financial management experiences

Our Journey

From Confusion to Clarity

What we discovered surprised us. Most financial advice out there assumes you already speak the language — or it's so generic it doesn't actually help when you're trying to figure out which bill to pay first on Thursday night.

So we built something different. Our programs grew out of real conversations with people who were juggling rent, groceries, student loans, and trying to save something (anything) for later. We tested ideas in community centers across Western Sydney before we ever called ourselves a proper organization.

By 2022, we'd worked with over 800 individuals and families. Each person taught us something new about what actually works when you're trying to get your finances in order. And honestly? We're still learning.

What Guides Us

These aren't corporate values we printed on a poster. They're the principles that came up again and again when we asked ourselves what actually mattered.

Real Talk Only

No jargon. No pretending everything's easy. We explain things the way you'd explain them to a friend — because that's essentially what we're trying to be.

Everyone's Starting Point is Valid

Whether you're refinancing a mortgage or figuring out how to stop overdraft fees, your situation matters. We don't rank financial challenges.

Progress Over Perfection

Financial wellness isn't a destination where everything's sorted forever. It's a practice. Some months you'll nail it. Others you'll barely scrape by. Both are part of the process.

Community Learning Works Better

When someone shares how they finally tackled their credit card debt, everyone in the room gets something from it. We create spaces where those conversations can happen without judgment.

Practical Beats Theoretical

Sure, compound interest is fascinating. But when you need to consolidate three different payment schedules by next week, theory doesn't help much. We focus on tools you can use today.

Your Money, Your Choices

We're here to help you understand your options and build skills. What you actually decide to do with your budget? That's entirely up to you. We're not here to tell you how to live.

Who You'll Meet

The people behind quendariqo come from banking, education, community services, and — most importantly — their own experiences trying to figure this stuff out.

Declan Ashworth

Budget Education Specialist

Spent eight years in retail banking before realizing he enjoyed the "explaining things" part way more than the "selling products" part. Now runs most of our weekend workshops and has an unhealthy obsession with spreadsheet templates.

Sienna Valtonen

Community Program Coordinator

Previously worked in family services and saw firsthand how financial stress ripples through everything else. She's the one who insisted we offer evening sessions because "not everyone works nine-to-five, you know."

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

Our next program intake begins in September 2025. Whether you're curious about a single workshop or want to dive into our full consolidation course, we'd be glad to chat about what might work for your situation.

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