Getting financial help in Australia is not the easiest task and for most people, talking openly to someone else about your finances is understandably a daunting process. Thankfully in Australia, we have a fantastic solution to this, in our hard-working financial counsellors. They’re the people who can listen to your financial issues, propose solutions and even advocate on your behalf to banks and debt collectors.
The role of a financial counsellor isn’t always very well understood, so in this article, I aim to break down exactly what they are, how they can help you and where you can go to get in contact with them.
You can also learn more in this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast.
What are financial counsellors and what do they do?
According to Financial Counselling Australia, “financial counsellors are qualified professionals who provide information, advice and advocacy to people in financial difficulty. Their services are non-judgmental, free, independent and confidential. Financial counsellors are based in community organisations throughout Australia, from large charities to smaller community centres, as well as local government agencies.”
It’s important to distinguish financial counsellors from financial advisors, as they provide very different services. Financial advisors are generally concerned about your investments, insurances and financial future and will charge a fee, however, financial counsellors are focused on helping you get out of debt and manage your current financial issues, and will not charge you for their services. Financial counsellors also don’t receive any payments or commissions from third parties for their services and are funded by both the Federal and State governments.
What situations might a financial counsellor be able to assist you with?
Financial counsellors in Australia have knowledge and experience around the credit, bankruptcy and debt collection laws, concession frameworks and industry hardship practices. Financial counsellors are also trained in negotiation and counselling and are able to offer you the support you need and advocate on your behalf.
According to Financial Counselling Australia, financial counsellors may be able to help you to:
- understand which debts are priorities
- develop budgets and money plans
- understand the pros and cons of different options to manage financial issues
- access grants or concessions
- negotiate with creditors
- access dispute resolution services
- understand your rights and access legal help.
How do you get in contact with a financial counsellor?
The easiest way to get in contact with a financial counsellor in Australia is by calling or starting to chat to the National Debt Helpline. They’ll then be able to assess your current situation, and start providing you with the tools and help you need to deal with your finances.
I hope this article helped you understand a little of what financial counsellors do in Australia and how they can help you! Remember, the National Debt Helpline is a free government-funded service, that you can call anytime on 1800 007 007 or by visiting their website.
Resources
- Financial counselling explained (and how it can help)
- Find a financial counsellor: call 1800 007 007 or find one in your area
- Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- BeyondBlue: call 1300 22 4636
- Rural financial counsellors: call 1300 771 741
- Small Business Support Line: call 1800 413 828
- Financial Counselling Australia – National Voice for Financial Counselling
- Financial counselling explained (and how it can help)
- BeyondBlue: Financial Wellbeing Hub
- MoneySmart: Managing Debt
- Financial Abuse – National Debt Helpline
- COVID19 Financial Survival Guide – National Debt Helpline
