After leaving a financially abusive relationship, Amanda* was feeling lost as she navigated the rental market and took control of her own finances for the first time alone.
With the unpredictable hours of part time work, Amanda struggled to find a private rental and organise and budget for utilities and other bills.
That’s where our financial counselling services came in.
“It’s been a huge help to me,” Amanda says.
“People don’t know that these services are available and here to help people and women who may have come out of relationships and don’t know how to manage their finances.
“Knowing that these services are here for people to come and talk to somebody is huge because sometimes you don’t know where else to turn.”
Financial counsellor Ruth (pictured above) is just one of the amazing AnglicareSA counsellors helping clients gain the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their finances.
Ruth helps clients develop budgets and can contact creditors and financial institutions on their behalf. Her priority, however, is empowering clients to work towards a stable financial future.
“I always say the happiest day of my life is when I never see a client and the reason I’m not seeing them is because they know how to control the things that they want to,” she says.
“But at the same time, they know when to come back to talk to a financial counsellor, or come back to us for other support services if they need to.”
AnglicareSA Community Financial Services Manager Astra Fleetwood says recent rate rises and cost of living increases have heightened demand for financial counselling services.
“We are seeing more demand for our financial services this year following record rent, petrol and grocery increases,” she says.
“Daily, we have to refer people to other agencies who provide the same financial services as we do.”
With interest rates expected to keep rising, Ms Fleetwood says the advice from financial counsellors is to seek help early.
“Families and couples already struggling with mortgage stress have no option really – if they sell, they won’t be able to find anything cheaper to rent or buy with house prices so high,” she says.
“Our advice would be re-negotiate your mortgage, reduce payments or pay interest-only and have that conversation early.
“See a financial counsellor who can help – we know the laws and legislation.”
Financial counselling is available to anyone. For more information, visit us here.
*Name and identity have been changed to protect privacy