Understanding Money Through Psychology

We've spent years studying how people really think about money — and what actually works when it comes to changing financial habits that stick.

How We Started Asking Different Questions

Back in 2019, I kept seeing the same pattern with financial education programs. People would learn budgeting techniques, understand compound interest, even master spreadsheets — but six months later, they'd be back to their old spending habits.

That's when we realized the missing piece wasn't knowledge. It was psychology. Most people already know they should save money and avoid impulse purchases. What they need is help understanding why their brain works against these goals and how to work with that reality instead of fighting it.

So we started building programs that treat money decisions like what they really are — emotional choices that happen to involve numbers.

What Guides Our Work

These aren't just nice words on a wall. They're the principles that shape every decision we make about curriculum, teaching methods, and student support.

Psychology First

We start with understanding why people make the money decisions they do, then build practical solutions around those insights rather than expecting people to change their fundamental nature.

Realistic Progress

Small, sustainable changes beat dramatic overhauls every time. We focus on helping people build financial habits they can actually maintain long-term.

Judgment-Free Learning

Everyone has different relationships with money based on their experiences. We create space for people to explore their financial patterns without shame or criticism.

How We Approach Financial Psychology Education

Our method combines behavioral science research with practical application. Here's how we structure learning experiences that actually create lasting change.

Pattern Recognition

Students first learn to identify their existing money patterns without trying to change anything. This awareness phase helps people understand their triggers and decision-making processes.

Psychological Context

We explore the emotional and cognitive factors behind financial decisions. This includes understanding how stress, social pressure, and past experiences influence current money choices.

Gradual Implementation

Students practice new approaches in low-stakes situations first, building confidence and refining techniques before applying them to larger financial decisions.

Long-term Support

Change takes time, especially with deeply ingrained habits. We provide ongoing resources and check-ins to help students maintain progress and adapt strategies as their lives change.

The People Behind the Programs

Our team combines academic research in behavioral psychology with practical experience helping people navigate real financial challenges. We're educators, researchers, and former financial advisors who believe psychology is the key to sustainable money management.

Carver Lindstrom

Director of Educational Development

Carver specializes in translating complex psychological concepts into practical learning experiences. Before joining araogorankera, he spent eight years developing behavioral change programs for financial institutions across Australia.

Britta Caldwell

Psychology Program Coordinator

Britta focuses on creating supportive learning environments where people feel safe exploring their financial behaviors. Her background in cognitive psychology helps students understand the mental processes behind their money decisions.

Ready to Understand Your Money Psychology?

Our next program cohort begins in September 2025. We work with small groups to ensure everyone gets the individual attention needed for meaningful progress.

Learn About Our Programs