Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 406,189 students across 1,408 schools, delivering financial education and providing young Australians with fundamental money management skills.
Talk Money has grown to become the largest free, face-to-face financial education initiative offered in schools nationwide since launching in 2022.
Caroline Stewart, CEO of Ecstra Foundation, says the program’s outstanding success and expansion has delivered positive results for Australian schools.
"We are incredibly pleased with the continued growth and influence of Talk Money on students' financial literacy since launching this initiative. The results in our 2024 Impact Report reinforce the ongoing need for better access to financial education and resources for schools. In the last school year, we reached 128,779 students across 585 schools, delivering 3,092 interactive workshops in metropolitan and regional areas across Australia. The program continues to expand in 2025, and has now reached an impressive total of 406,189 students since launching, as at 31 March 2025.
“Our 2024 results also show a significant increase in key learning areas, including a 44 per cent boost in students' confidence in managing money, a 30 per cent improvement in their ability to discuss financial matters, and a 38 per cent rise in their determination to reach financial goals,” she says.
“These figures underscore the effectiveness of the Talk Money workshops in providing young people with the decision-making skills they need for their financial futures."
Talk Money’s strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity is paying dividends with 31 per cent of workshops delivered in lower socio-educational advantage (ICSEA) schools, and 22 per cent delivered in regional and rural areas. The rate of returning schools has also more than doubled in a year, with 56 per cent of participating schools rebooking multiple classes across different year groups.
"The significant increase in returning schools highlights the value educators place on financial education and the role Talk Money plays in supporting teachers with relevant and engaging resources for use in the classroom.
“Our 2024 rural and regional outreach included 376 roadshow workshops, reaching 15,143 students across 91 schools. This underscores our commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their location or background, have access to high-quality financial education.”
The program's curriculum-aligned workshops cover topics relevant to different age groups. Years 5 and 6 focus on open conversations about money. Years 7 and 8 explore responsible spending and effective saving strategies. In Years 9 and 10 students learn how to make money work, including understanding workplace rights, tax and superannuation essentials.
Dr Tracey West, Ecstra Foundation’s education manager, also commented, “Students often report a much greater understanding of how small financial choices can accumulate and significantly impact their future. The program encourages students to actively pursue savings goals and creates a learning environment where students not only grasp financial concepts but also find the experience enjoyable and relevant to their lives. The workshops equip them with practical skills and the confidence to navigate the financial landscape, setting them on a path toward greater financial well-being.
"Financial education goes beyond simply learning about money; it's about building those life skills and confidence to navigate and make well-informed financial decisions at all ages. Talk Money is instrumental in helping Australian students think and talk about money at home, at school and with their peers and to set them on a lifelong learning path," Dr West says.
