We Started With a Simple Question
How can everyday Australians build better financial habits without feeling overwhelmed?
Back in 2019, our founder Elspeth Riordan noticed something troubling. People with decent incomes were still struggling. Not because they earned too little, but because managing money felt complicated and intimidating. The financial world seemed designed for experts, not regular folks trying to get ahead.
So we built penkarioslo differently. Instead of dense jargon and complicated spreadsheets, we focus on practical steps. Real strategies that fit into actual lives. Our team works with individuals and families across New South Wales, helping them find opportunities they've been missing.
Today, we're still asking that same question. And we're still finding new answers.
How We Got Here
Six years of learning, adapting, and growing alongside the people we serve.
The Beginning
Started as a small consulting practice in Rouse Hill. Three clients, endless coffee, and a conviction that financial planning shouldn't require a finance degree to understand.
Local Expansion
Opened our first proper office space. The pandemic taught us that remote consultations work, but there's still value in sitting down together with a cup of tea and talking through real numbers.
Education Focus
Launched our learning program after countless clients asked similar questions. We realized teaching foundational concepts helped people make better decisions independently.
Community Partnerships
Partnered with local community centers to offer free workshops. Financial literacy shouldn't be limited to those who can afford private consultations.
Looking Forward
Developing new resources for younger Australians navigating their first serious financial decisions. The challenges change, but the need for clear guidance remains constant.
Who's Behind penkarioslo
Elspeth Riordan
Founder & Lead Consultant
Elspeth spent twelve years working in corporate finance before realizing she was solving the wrong problems. The numbers always added up perfectly on paper, but they rarely reflected what people actually needed in their daily lives.
She left that world in 2019 to start penkarioslo. Her approach is straightforward. Sit down with someone. Understand what they're actually trying to achieve. Then build a plan that makes sense for their situation, not some textbook scenario.
When she's not consulting, you'll find her volunteering at the local community garden or hiking around the Blue Mountains. She believes the best financial decisions come from understanding what genuinely matters to you, not chasing arbitrary benchmarks.
What Guides Our Work
We're not interested in maximizing returns at any cost. Instead, we focus on helping people build financial systems that actually work for them. Here's what that means in practice.
- Honest Assessment We won't pretend there's a magic solution. Sometimes the answer is "you need to earn more" or "this will take longer than you'd like." Honest conversations lead to better outcomes.
- Practical Steps Big goals break down into small actions. We help you figure out what to do next week, not just dream about five years from now.
- Learning Focus Our best success stories are people who eventually don't need us anymore. We teach you how to make these decisions yourself over time.
- Local Understanding The Australian financial landscape has its own quirks. Superannuation, HECS debt, property market realities. We know the local context matters.
- Life Changes Your financial plan should adapt when your life does. New job, growing family, unexpected challenges. We build flexibility into everything we recommend.
Where to Find Us
We're based in Rouse Hill, tucked into a quiet corner of the Market Lane complex. The office might be small, but we've got comfortable chairs and decent coffee. Most consultations happen here, though we're flexible if you prefer meeting remotely.
- Shop CR174/10-14 Market Ln, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
- Phone: +61455212710
- Email: help@penkarioslo.com
- Available Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm
Our next learning program starts in September 2025. If you're interested in building stronger financial foundations, reach out and we'll send you the details.
Get In Touch
Personal Consultations
One-on-one sessions tailored to your specific situation and goals.
Learning Workshops
Group sessions covering fundamental financial concepts in plain language.