Real People, Real Progress

Building an emergency fund isn't just about spreadsheets and targets. It's about actual people figuring out what works for their lives.

These stories come from folks who've worked with us over the past few years. Different circumstances, different starting points, but all found their way to better financial stability.

Tobias Lindqvist profile

Tobias Lindqvist

Retail Manager, Sydney

Started in March 2023 with basically nothing saved. My approach was a bit unconventional—I used cash envelopes for two months just to understand where money was actually going.

By September 2024, I had three months' worth of expenses tucked away. The thing that surprised me most? It wasn't about earning more. I found about $180 weekly that was just disappearing into stuff I didn't really care about.

Now in 2025, I'm sitting on five months of coverage and honestly sleep better. Not because everything's perfect, but because I know a car breakdown won't derail my rent.

Declan O'Sullivan profile

Declan O'Sullivan

Freelance Designer, Brisbane

Freelancing means inconsistent income, which makes emergency planning weird. Some months I'd make great money, others felt like a drought.

Started with morivexario in June 2024. Their percentage-based approach made more sense than fixed amounts—save more when you earn more, pull back when things are tight.

By January 2025, I had enough to cover six months of baseline expenses. That's rent, food, essentials. It changed how I negotiate with clients—I can actually say no to projects that don't fit now.

How Progress Actually Looks

This tracks one client's experience over 18 months. Not a straight line, which is pretty typical for most people we work with.

1

Months 1-2: The Reality Check

Spent six weeks just tracking spending without changing anything. Found $240 weekly going to takeaway meals, subscription services that hadn't been used in months, and impulsive online shopping. Set up a separate account specifically for emergency savings—keeping it out of sight helped resist the temptation to dip into it.

2

Months 3-6: Building Momentum

Started with $75 weekly transfers. Hit the first milestone of $1,000 in late month four, which felt significant—enough to handle most unexpected bills without stress. Gradually increased to $120 weekly as income stabilized. Had one setback when a dental emergency required $850, but the fund covered it without touching credit cards.

3

Months 7-12: Adjusting Strategy

Reached two months of expenses by month nine. Started exploring higher-interest savings options to maximize growth without locking funds away. Adjusted contributions during a quieter work period—dropped to $60 weekly for two months, then resumed full pace. The flexibility prevented abandoning the plan entirely during tight times.

4

Months 13-18: Sustaining Success

Hit the four-month coverage mark in month 16. The psychological shift was real—financial decisions became less stressful because there was actual breathing room. Now maintaining a five-month buffer while redirecting additional savings toward other financial objectives. The emergency fund sits there, quietly doing its job, which is exactly what it should do.

Financial planning workspace

Small Business Owner

Built seven months coverage over 20 months while managing variable revenue streams

Career development discussion

Recent Graduate

Established three-month buffer within first year of employment through automated savings

Financial consultation meeting

Single Parent

Created four-month safety net while managing childcare costs and mortgage payments

Start Your Own Financial Journey

We're enrolling for our autumn 2025 program starting in September. It's a practical, six-month course that adapts to your actual situation—not some theoretical ideal.

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