Financial counselling

Many people go through financial difficulties at some stage, and it can be hard to see a way out. The good news is, we offer a financial counselling service to give you the specific expertise and support you need.

Due to significant increased demand for financial counselling, we need to draw your attention to the fact the we have an extended wait time for any new clients. As a result we are unable to see new clients within an eight-week period.

We suggest that you call one of the following services that may be able to assist you:

The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free and confidential advice from professional financial counsellors who may be able to help should you need urgent assistance. The helpline is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Catholic Care Brookvale – 8425 8700
Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury in Gordon – 9498 8805 (may offer Zoom)

Please note we are actively seeking ways to decrease wait times and we hope this to be rectified in the near future.

Financial hardship can happen to anyone

People experience financial issues for many reasons: unexpected job loss or income reduction, failure of a business, relationship breakdown, “bill shock”, or natural disaster. It doesn’t matter what age group or income bracket you fall into; no one is immune!

Whatever the cause, we are here to find a solution

Lifeline Northern Beaches has expert financial counsellors who are trained to help you understand your situation, and find a way out. Education is a key part of what we do: we believe that by empowering people to become financially knowledgeable, we can help them manage better now and in the long term.

How we help

During financial counselling sessions, we help clients to prepare a money plan, learn more about their rights and obligations, explore their options, and discover how to voice their negotiations with creditors or other authorities.

We look at all options to try to avoid bankruptcy, and will advocate on behalf of clients when necessary. In some case we will refer clients on to legal, accounting or government services (and as a last resort, we can help complete bankruptcy papers).

How do people find us?

Clients are referred to us by telephone Crisis Supporters, face-to-face counsellors, social workers, creditors, doctors, solicitors, the internet, and the Australian Financial Security Authority. We also run community education sessions to help encourage greater financial knowledge amongst the greater community.