Financial Counselling
Financial stress can stem from being in debt or not being able to manage your expenses and this could affect your overall health and relationships. Seeking assistance from a free Financial Counselling service can assist in reducing this stress.
We provide information, options, advice, support, assistance and advocacy for people in financial difficulty or experiencing problems with debt.
For example, you might be facing some of these issues:
- behind on your rent or mortgage
- receiving threatening letters or harassment by debt collectors
- facing debt recovery through the courts
- disconnection notice for utilities, such as gas, electricity, phone (etc.)
- uninsured car accidents
- ATO or Centrelink debts
- unable to pay minimum monthly payments on credit cards or loans
- overcommitted with debt
- trouble paying fines
- worried about your car/home being repossessed
- contemplating or facing bankruptcy
We will support you in standing up for your rights with credit providers, debt collectors and more. Our Financial Counsellors have the experience and knowledge to assess your situation and offer options and strategies for those in financial difficulty.
Financial counsellors provide free, independent, and non-judgemental advice. They do not provide advice on property settlements, investments and/or superannuation or assist in obtaining credit, but can help you with debt issues, and any problems relating to your treatment by credit providers, unjust contracts and financial hardship.
See if you reside in a funded area
Thanks to Federal Government funding, if you live in a funded area, you can access free financial counselling from Better Place Australia. We are able to support people with money problems in many suburbs across Melbourne and Geelong. To see if you live in a funded area, check your suburb here.
If you do not reside in a funded area, you can access free financial counselling through the National Debt Helpline (NDH) here.
Unfortunately, we can not provide emergency payments of any kind. Please consider No Interest Loans from Good Shepherd if you are in need of fair and affordable credit for essential goods and services.
Our services are currently available to Victorian residents only.
Learn more
Read the Examination of Financial Hardship, Debt and Poverty Amongst 1900+ Users of the Better Place Australia Financial Counselling Service. Part of the research of Centre for Better Relationships (CBR).
CBR is the research arm of Better Place Australia.
