Financial Counselling

Q: Is financial counselling really free?

Yes. Wesley financial counselling is completely free, with no fees and no catch. We're a not-for-profit service, so cost is never a barrier to getting the support you need.

Q: What should I do if I receive demand letters, disconnection letters, or legal notices relating to debts or outstanding bills.

Contact our financial counselling team and book an appointment. Our counsellors will help you navigate the next steps.

Financial Wellbeing Support | Financial Counselling | Secondary Image 1

Who it’s for

Wesley Financial Counselling is free, confidential and non-judgemental support for anyone in Australia facing financial difficulty, at any stage of life. It’s for you if you’re:

Facing financial hardship or rising debt
Trying to understand and manage a budget
Worried about bills piling up
At risk of missing an essential bill
Unsure about your legal responsibilities for a debt.

Our support services

When you contact a Wesley Financial Counsellor, you can expect compassionate, personalised support. Here’s what we provide.

We’ll work with you to build a realistic budget, so you get a clear view of where you stand.

We’ll walk you through your options in plain language, so you can make confident choices. Our qualified counsellors can help you deal with debt collectors, explain what bankruptcy involves, and connect you with other support or financial education services when you need them.

Understand how money stress can affect your health and relationships, and where to turn after events like job loss, family and domestic violence, or a natural disaster. Learn more.

Learn more

We can speak with creditors, government agencies and other parties on your behalf, taking the pressure off you.

What financial counselling can do for you

Money pressures can feel relentless. Our financial counselling helps you take back control. You’ll get:

Where else to get help

If you need a financial counsellor outside Wesley Mission’s service areas, or specialist support, these free services can help:

National Debt Helpline – free, confidential advice for people struggling with debt (1800 007 007).

Small Business Debt Helpline – free advice for small business owners and sole traders (1800 413 828).

Rural Financial Counselling Service – free counselling for farmers, fishers, foresters and related small businesses (1300 771 741). [add official RFCS link before publishing]

Mob Strong Debt Help – free legal advice and financial counselling on money matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (1800 808 488).

FAQs

What is a financial counsellor?

A financial counsellor is a free, independent professional who helps people facing financial difficulty. They’re non-judgemental, empathetic problem-solvers. They’ll listen to your situation, lay out the options available to you and walk alongside you as you find a way forward.

Am I eligible for financial counselling?

If you’re struggling to manage your finances, or spending more than you earn, you might be eligible. A Wesley Mission financial counsellor can sit down with you and build a plan to reduce your financial stress if eligible for counselling, contact us to find out if you are.

What support can I receive?

A Wesley Mission financial counsellor can help you:

develop a budget
build strategies to manage your money more effectively
advocate with creditors on your behalf
set up payment plans with creditors
check you’re receiving the correct payments and entitlements
get referrals for other support you need.

Financial counsellors don’t provide financial aid, but can refer you to services like emergency relief.

Will I need to provide personal information and who has access to this?

Yes. During the assessment, we’ll ask for supporting documents to verify your identity and current circumstances. All personal details are stored securely and are only accessible to relevant financial counselling staff.

Is financial counselling really free?

Yes. Wesley financial counselling is completely free, with no fees and no catch. We're a not-for-profit service, so cost is never a barrier to getting the support you need.

What's the difference between a financial counsellor and a financial adviser?

A financial counsellor helps you deal with debt and financial hardship, and the service is free, independent and confidential. A financial adviser (or planner) helps you invest and grow your money, usually for a fee. Financial counsellors don't sell products or earn commissions, so the guidance you get is always in your interest.

Can you help with gambling-related debt?

Yes. Many of our locations offer financial counselling for people affected by gambling harm, whether it's your own gambling or someone else's. We'll help you understand your options and take practical steps forward, without judgement.

What should I do if I receive demand letters, disconnection letters, or legal notices relating to debts or outstanding bills.

Contact our financial counselling team and book an appointment. Our counsellors will help you navigate the next steps.