What is Financial Counselling?
Financial Counsellors are non-judgmental, qualified professionals trained to help if you are in financial difficulty. They can provide information, support and advocacy at no cost, for anyone in hardship throughout WA.
Watch Video: What is financial counselling and how can it help you?
What to expect?
Financial Counsellors are non-judgmental, qualified professionals trained to help if you are in financial difficulty. They can provide information, support and advocacy at no cost, for anyone in hardship throughout WA.
Watch Video: What is financial counselling and how can it help you?
What to expect?
- Generally, an appointment is needed to see a financial counsellor.
- Initial appointments usually last for one hour
- Financial counsellors will complete a financial statement. They will ask:
- approximate balance of your outstanding debts or bills
- copies of contracts for any loans you have (or statement). If you are unable to locate this, a financial counsellor can request a copy from your lender.
- evidence of your income (ie: income statements, payslips etc…)
- Financial counsellors will explain your options and rights
- Financial counsellors may contact creditors to negotiate on your behalf
- Sometimes there are insurance policies within the contract you may have been unaware of that can help. There may be issues with the contract itself that may need exploring.
- There is no cost for this service and you may need to see the financial counsellor on more than one occasion.
Do I need a Financial Counsellor?
Anyone can experience money problems. Typically, it’s best to get advice about any financial problems you’re having as soon as they arise. If you have a money-related problem – no matter how big or small – you may consider reaching out to a free Financial Counsellor for help.
The difference between a financial adviser and a financial counsellor – YouTube
Where can I find a Financial Counsellor?
You can visit the National Debt Helpline’s website to find a financial counsellor in your local area or if you’d prefer, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
How does CCLS and Financial Counselling work together?
CCLS provides legal advice on banking and financial matters, which means we can advise you on your legal rights, obligations and options in relation to consumer law or credit law problems you may be facing. CCLS accepts warm referrals from Financial Counsellors on these legal issues.
However, we cannot provide financial advice. CCLS often refers clients to Financial Counsellors for information on budgeting, financial decisions, eligibility for government assistance or other financial services that financial counsellors provide.
Information on our website is provided for information only and is not legal advice. If you would like legal advice, please message us using the form below for a confidential discussion, or scroll down to see other ways to reach us.
If you would like further advice please, please message us using the form below for a confidential discussion, or scroll down to see other ways to reach us.
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