Building Financial Confidence Through Education

We started Qildron because too many Canadians felt lost when it came to investing. Our goal is simple: make investment knowledge accessible without the jargon or false promises.

Students learning investment fundamentals in workshop setting

How We Got Started

Back in early 2023, a few of us were sitting around discussing how complicated investing felt to most people. The language, the platforms, the endless acronyms. It wasn't that the information didn't exist—it was that it felt designed to keep regular folks out.

So we decided to do something about it. Qildron began as weekend workshops in Saint John, teaching basic portfolio concepts to anyone interested. Word spread faster than we expected. By late 2024, we'd helped over 200 people understand the fundamentals of investing without the usual intimidation factor.

Now in 2025, we're expanding our programs while keeping that same approachable spirit. We're not here to sell you dreams of overnight wealth or guaranteed returns. We're here to teach practical skills that actually help people make informed decisions.

What Guides Our Work

These aren't just words on a wall. They're the principles we use when designing every course and workshop.

Honest Education

We teach what works, acknowledge what's uncertain, and never promise specific financial outcomes. Investing involves risk, and we're upfront about that.

Clarity First

Financial concepts don't need to be complicated. We break down ideas into understandable pieces without dumbing them down or using condescending language.

Practical Focus

Our courses emphasize real-world application. You'll work with actual scenarios, learn to analyze options, and practice decision-making skills you can use immediately.

Long-Term Thinking

We teach sustainable strategies, not get-rich-quick schemes. Building financial knowledge takes time, and we respect that journey.

Astrid Viklund

Lead Instructor

Meet One of Our Instructors

Astrid joined us in spring 2024 after spending eight years working with Canadian investment platforms. She got tired of seeing people struggle with unnecessarily complex interfaces and confusing terminology.

"The thing that frustrated me most was watching smart people feel stupid about investing," she says. "It's not that they couldn't understand it—the system was designed to be opaque. I wanted to be part of changing that."

Her background includes portfolio analysis and risk assessment, but what makes her a great instructor is her ability to explain concepts without making people feel talked down to. She designs most of our intermediate-level courses and leads our quarterly workshops in Saint John.

Outside of teaching, Astrid mentors students working on financial literacy projects and occasionally writes about investment education for Canadian finance blogs.

Our Teaching Philosophy

We've learned a lot about what actually helps people understand investing. Here's what shapes how we design our programs.

Interactive learning session with investment portfolio examples

Start With Real Questions

Every course begins by addressing actual concerns our students have. Not theoretical scenarios, but the stuff keeping people from getting started—like how much money you really need to begin investing, or what happens if you need to access your funds early.

Build Skills, Not Just Knowledge

Understanding concepts is important, but being able to apply them is what matters. Our courses include hands-on exercises where you practice analyzing investment options, comparing fees, and evaluating your own risk tolerance. You leave with capabilities, not just information.

Students working through portfolio analysis exercises

Looking Ahead to 2026

We're planning to expand our program offerings starting in autumn 2025. More workshops, deeper dives into specific investment strategies, and ongoing support for people who want to continue learning.

But the core won't change. We'll keep focusing on clear, honest education that respects your intelligence and time. No hype, no unrealistic promises—just practical knowledge you can actually use.

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