Teresa* is a bright and creative young woman in her early twenties. She lives with intellectual disability. After finishing school, Teresa began volunteering at a local op shop in Geraldton WA, where she enjoys helping others and learning new skills.
Earlier this year, Teresa opted in for Mosaic’s Learn2Adult coaching program via telehealth. She wanted to learn more about managing her money, with a one goal in mind: saving up to buy her own car.
Teresa shared that she sometimes found it hard to understand how to save money. She knew she had regular expenses, like paying for her phone, groceries, netball, and hair supplies. She also liked spending money on things that made her happy, like snacks, art supplies, and clothes from Temu, Shein and TikTok Shop. But she wasn’t sure how to balance all of that with saving for something important.
Getting the basics right
Through weekly coaching sessions, Teresa worked with her Learn2Adult coach Sophie Hope to build her skills and confidence. Together, they talked about the difference between needs and wants. Needs are things we must pay for to live well, like food, bills, and transport. Wants are things we enjoy but don’t always need, like entertainment or shopping.
Once Teresa understood that difference, she started learning how to make a budget. Her coach helped her work out how much money she gets each week, and how much she spends on her needs. Then they looked at her wants, and how much she could set aside for those while still saving.
Sophie created a tailored budget tool for Teresa to manage her expenses and savings. Teresa included all her regular costs, like her phone bill, groceries, netball fees, and hair supplies. She also added her spending on snacks, art supplies, and clothes. She made sure to include money for things that are important to her, such as netball competitions, travel, and holidays.
Exploring car options
Next, Teresa and Sophie researched different types of cars. They looked at how much a good car might cost, and how long it would take her to save up. Teresa was excited to see that with planning and patience, her goal was possible.
The Learn2Adult program helped Teresa feel more in control of her money. She said she now thinks more carefully before buying things, and asks herself, “Do I really need this?” She’s also started putting money aside each week into a savings account and checks her budget regularly to stay on track.
On track to gaining independence
Teresa’s coach shared how proud they are of her progress. “Teresa has worked really hard to understand her spending and saving. She’s taken ownership of her budget and is making smart choices. It’s been wonderful to see her confidence grow.”
For Teresa, the journey isn’t just about buying a car. It’s about gaining independence. Having her own car will help her get to places more easily, join more community activities, and maybe even find paid work in the future.
Mosaic’s Learn2Adult program is designed to support people with disability to build everyday life skills. Delivered both in-person and via telehealth, the coaching is offered flexibly that fits around each person’s goals and lifestyle. You can access the Learn2Adult coaching service via NDIS funding or on a fee-for-service basis.
Teresa’s story shows how small steps can lead to big changes. With the right support, she’s learning how to manage her money, plan for the future, and take charge of her own life.
For families and guardians who are seeking support in helping their loved ones become confident decision-makers, Mosaic offers trusted, reliable, and personalised assistance through the Learn2Adult program. Just like it did for Teresa.
Contact our friendly and resourceful team at 08 9314 8900 or enquire online today to get started on your journey with Learn2Adult.
(*) Name has been changed for privacy.