Evolving together - Katrina Samios’ journey with the Financial Basics Foundation

Katrina Samios’ journey with the Financial Basics Foundation started just two years after its inception. In 2004, she consulted with the charity and was inspired by a shared deep commitment to programs and initiatives that empower young people to be the best they can be.

In 2011, she was appointed as CEO and director of the foundation. While a lot has changed in that time, her drive and commitment to improving the financial well-being of Australians has remained.

Not just about numbers

Samios first became involved in financial empowerment after seeing how many young Australians were entering adulthood without even the most basic money management skills. “Too many were learning about credit cards, debt and budgeting the hard way – through costly mistakes,” she reflects.

In Samios’ view, financial literacy as more than just numbers. “It’s empowerment, confidence and creating opportunities for a better future.”

She believes that advocacy, education and collaboration are all key to making meaningful change. She has immense appreciation for the educators and community leaders who are on the front lines, ensuring young Australians have the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial futures.

Samios’ vision is clear. She wants to see financial literacy recognised as an essential life skill for all young Australians, with structured comprehensive personal finance education embedded in every school nationwide.

Transforming financial futures

Founded in 2002, the Financial Basics Foundation is one of Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisations delivering high quality independent financial education resources to build the financial capability of young Australians.

The foundation has reached over 80% of all Australian secondary schools, providing resources to teachers and students alike. In 2024 alone, it provided resources to 1,365 community organisations and educators. Moreover, its digital resources get as many as 872,100 views.

Looking beyond statistics, the impact of the foundation is seen in the personal stories of young people who have transformed their financial futures. 

Samios recalls one example where, after completing one of the foundation’s lessons on credit cards, a student stopped their parents from signing up for a high-interest loan they could not afford. “These moments remind us of why financial literacy matters – it’s about giving young people the tools to take control of their future.”

“When a young person gains control over their finances, they gain control over their future,” she asserts.

Evolving together

Samios describes her involvement with the Financial Basics Foundation as an incredible journey, both professionally and personally. Working in the not-for-profit sector has reinforced her belief in the power of education to create lasting change.

When Samios first got involved in 2004, the challenge was how to get financial literacy on the radar. Now that the importance of financial literacy is more widely recognised, she is focusing on scaling the foundation’s impact, ensuring resources remain engaging and relevant, as well as advocating for financial education to be prioritised by schools.

With the shifts in the sector and the growing recognition that financial literacy is not just nice to have but a necessity, Samios declares, “This has strengthened my resolve to push for systemic change, ensuring financial education is prioritised at all levels.” She adds, “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that meaningful change takes persistence.”

After more than 20 years with the organisation, Samios is more committed than ever to ensuring every young person in Australia has access to the financial education they deserve. “I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this work. Helping to empower young people to build brighter futures is something worth fighting for,” she says in closing.