Neighbourhood Night Studio - Budgeting 101 - The power of forecasting

Do you know where your money is going each month, or are you simply hoping everything works out?

Budgeting 101: The Power of Forecasting is a practical workshop designed to help you understand your finances, plan ahead, and make informed decisions about your money. Rather than looking backwards at what you've already spent, forecasting helps you look ahead and prepare for upcoming expenses, financial goals, and unexpected costs.

In this hands-on session, you'll learn what a budget is, why forecasting matters, and how to create a personalised budget that reflects your real-life income and expenses. Using a simple budgeting tool, you'll map out your financial situation and gain a clear picture of what's coming in, what's going out, and where adjustments may be needed.

Facilitated by Louise McNall, found of Cashflow Confidence Coach, this workshop provides practical, jargon-free guidance backed by more than 20 years' experience in small business financial management and CFO roles. Louise is a Registered BAS Agent, Cert IV Bookkeeper, holds a Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership, and is currently completing a Diploma of Accounting. 

Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop to complete their budget worksheet during the session. Printed copies will be available for those who prefer to work on paper.

Leave with a personalised budget, greater confidence in managing your money, and practical forecasting skills to help you plan for the future rather than react to it.

Neighbourhood Night Studio is a welcoming after-hours program where adults can explore creativity, learn new skills, and connect with others in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment. Sessions are low-cost, wheelchair accessible, and focused on creativity, connection, and wellbeing. To support participation, free dinner and $5 supervised on-site children's activities are provided, making it easier for parents and carers to attend.

This event is part of the HBNC’s Local Learning Network, a series of workshops aimed at introducing Fraser Coast residents to new ideas, skills and friends. This event is Supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services