Monthly Conversations About Money and Mind
We host online sessions where people share real experiences navigating their financial decisions. Not lectures – just honest discussions about why we spend, save, or avoid money conversations altogether.
These sessions run once a month, usually on Thursday evenings. We keep groups small because we've learned that genuine conversation happens when everyone has space to think out loud.
Coming Up in 2025
When Your Partner Spends Differently
One person tracks every dollar. The other sees money as something to enjoy now. We'll talk about navigating these differences without judgment or resentment.
Reserve Your SpotGuilt, Shopping, and Why We Buy Things
That purchase you regretted the next day. The online cart you filled at midnight. We're exploring what happens emotionally right before we spend money we hadn't planned to.
Reserve Your SpotGrowing Up With Too Much or Too Little
How your childhood shapes your adult money habits. Whether you had plenty or went without, those early experiences still influence how you handle finances today.
Reserve Your SpotSessions You Can Watch Now
If you missed previous conversations or want to revisit topics, recordings are available. We edit these minimally – they capture the actual discussions, including pauses and tangents that often lead somewhere interesting.
Why We Avoid Looking at Bank Statements
Recorded May 2025
Financial avoidance is incredibly common, yet people rarely talk about it. This session explored what makes us shut down around money information.
Request AccessKeeping Up Appearances While Falling Behind
Recorded March 2025
The pressure to maintain a lifestyle that looks successful, even when finances are strained. Participants shared stories about image versus reality.
Request AccessWhen Saving Feels Like Punishment
Recorded January 2025
Some people associate frugality with deprivation. We discussed reframing saving as something other than self-denial.
Request AccessWho Facilitates These Conversations
Ingrid Valtonen
Financial Psychology Facilitator
I've spent twelve years working with people who struggle with money – not because they lack knowledge, but because emotions get tangled up with finances. My background includes behavioural economics research and years of client conversations that taught me more than any textbook.
These sessions aren't therapy, but they're also not traditional financial education. I create space for people to examine their patterns without feeling judged. Sometimes the most helpful thing is realizing you're not the only one who feels completely irrational about money.
I live in Bendigo with my partner and two remarkably expensive rescue dogs. Outside these sessions, I consult with community financial counselling services across Victoria.
Join People Rethinking Their Money Stories
Our webinar community includes people from different backgrounds, ages, and financial situations. What connects everyone is curiosity about why we do what we do with money.
Safe Space
No one's judging your financial choices or trying to sell you products
Real Talk
Participants share actual experiences, not hypothetical scenarios
Ongoing Access
Recording library available to anyone who's attended at least one session