About Financial Counselling

Financial Counselling

 

Financial counselling is a free, confidential and independent service that can help you manage your debts and get your finances back under control. Financial counsellors are qualified professionals who offer practical advice and options to help with debts and money problems.  

Financial counsellors have specific knowledge about credit, bankruptcy and debt collection laws, social security entitlements, grants and concessions, industry hardship obligations and how to access free dispute resolution through industry ombudsman schemes. 

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A financial counsellor’s job is to listen to your story, understand your financial situation, and advise you on your options. They will not judge you or your situation.  

With your permission, they can also act on your behalf and negotiate with creditors and other organisations.  They may also provide you with a referral(s) to an appropriate service for additional help. 

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Financial counselling services are provided by not-for-profit, community-based services across Australia. Financial counselling is free and financial counsellors do not recommend specific credit products or debt services.  

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If you think you might like help, please get in touch with a financial counsellor today. 

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Financial Counsellors can help by:

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• Providing information on credit laws, the debt recovery process, bankruptcy and other legislation  

• Exploring your circumstances and providing options and information for change and improvements  

• Providing information about your consumer rights  

• Making referrals to other community, health and legal services where appropriate  

• Developing a money plan/workable budget  

• Completing a full assessment of your financial situation by exploring your income, expenses, assets and liabilities  

• Helping you to prioritise your debts and expenses  

• Assisting to lodge complaints to external dispute resolution schemes  

• Advocating and negotiating with your creditors  

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Financial Counsellors DO NOT:

• charge fees  

• complete tax returns  

• Provide material or monetary aid  

• Provide individual legal advice  

• Recommend specific loan or banking products  

• provide investment advice  

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Financial Capability

 

If you want help with general money skills, like saving for a goal, paying bills on time, making a personal budget, or addressing spending ‘leaks’ then you can work with a Financial Capability worker or Financial Coach to build your money skills.  

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Free financial capability and coaching services are provided in the ACT (and surrounds) by Care and Moneycare.