Financial planning & support

Managing money is an important aspect of budgeting. There are a variety of financial planning and support options.

The Australian Government has created the moneysmart website which has information on everything from connecting to a financial counsellor, reducing debt, and even understanding how to invest.

Services Australia has a Financial Information Service which is free and can provide education about financial matters. The also host free webinars to help understand different government payments, concessions and special disability trusts. Services Australia has a simple money manager program too which can help people budget.

Good Shepherd offer a range of services to people who live on a low income. Good Shepherd provide No Interest Loans (NILS) for essential goods and services, household relief and vehicles, as well as affordable insurance.

Sometimes even with the best intentions, people can fall behind on payments and find themselves in debt. The National Debt Hotline provides free and confidential financial advice, and step by step guides on how to tackle debts. The National Debt Hotline can be contacted on 1800 007 007 or by sending an enquiry via the online enquiry form. There is also the Mob Strong Debt Helpline which can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to find a financial counsellor and access self-help resources. The Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488. Sometimes the Mob Strong Debt Helpline is busy, so it is best to leave a voicemail and they will call back as soon as possible.

The Financial Right Legal Centre is a NSW based community legal centre, however they offer national wide specialist consumer insurance advice services. If you are seeking insurance advice, you can contact Financial Rights on 1300 663 464.

If you’re in crisis and need financial support, Services Australia can help with crisis and special help payments. For further information on financial support for fundamental needs (such as food, shelter, etc) head to our Emergency Support section of our website.