We started because most financial advice felt unnecessarily complicated

Back in 2019, a group of financial planners sat around a small office in Parramatta and realized something. The people who needed financial education the most were the ones least likely to get it.

Money conversations shouldn't require a finance degree

Most people don't wake up thinking about diversified portfolios or compound interest calculations. They think about whether they can afford the mortgage increase. Whether they should refinance. How to save for their kids' education without sacrificing retirement.

We started celaviontrae because we saw a gap. Not in fancy investment strategies or complex tax optimization, but in basic, honest financial guidance that respected people's intelligence without drowning them in jargon.

Since 2019, we've worked with over 2,400 individuals and families across New South Wales. Some were completely new to budgeting. Others had been managing money for decades but wanted to understand their options better. What they all shared was a desire for clarity.

Financial planning session with documents and calculator on wooden desk

What actually matters to us

These aren't aspirational values on a poster. They're how we've operated since day one, and they shape every conversation we have.

Plain language first

We explain concepts in everyday terms. If something sounds like it belongs in an economics textbook, we rework it until it doesn't. Financial literacy starts with understanding, not memorizing terminology.

Realistic expectations

There are no magic formulas or overnight transformations. Good money management is usually a series of small, sensible decisions made consistently over time. We focus on what actually works, not what sounds impressive.

No pressure tactics

Your financial situation is yours to manage. We provide information, perspective, and options. You make the decisions. We've never believed in pushing people toward products or strategies that don't genuinely fit their circumstances.

The people behind the lessons

Petra Kallenberg portrait

Petra Kallenberg

Education Director

Petra spent 11 years working in community banking before joining celaviontrae. She developed our core curriculum and has a particular interest in helping people understand mortgage structures and refinancing options. Outside work, she's usually hiking somewhere in the Blue Mountains.

Darren Blackwood portrait

Darren Blackwood

Financial Literacy Advisor

Darren joined us in 2021 after working as a financial counselor with families experiencing debt stress. He specializes in budgeting frameworks and debt management strategies. He's also surprisingly good at explaining superannuation without making people's eyes glaze over.

How we actually teach this stuff

  • Start with your actual situation We don't use generic examples. Your income, expenses, goals, and constraints are unique. Our programs begin by understanding where you are right now, not where a textbook says you should be.
  • Break down the concepts that matter Not every financial topic is relevant to everyone. We focus on what applies to your circumstances, whether that's understanding home loans, managing cash flow, or planning for major expenses.
  • Practice with real scenarios Theory is useful, but application matters more. We work through actual financial decisions using realistic numbers and situations, so you understand how concepts translate to action.
  • Build confidence through repetition Financial literacy isn't a single lesson. It's developed over time through repeated exposure and practice. Our programs include follow-up sessions and ongoing resources to reinforce learning.
Group financial education workshop with participants reviewing materials
Individual consulting session with financial documents spread on table
Close-up of financial planning tools and budget spreadsheets

Ready to understand your finances better?

Our next group program starts in September 2025. Individual consultations are available throughout the year. Let's talk about what makes sense for your situation.

Get in Touch