Most problems that stop people from regaining control over their finances can be overcome. It is important to make sure that all the legal consequences are fully considered for the person who owes the money, their family, and anyone who may have acted as a guarantor or co-borrower.

Taking control of our finances may mean making some changes. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand available.  This area of our website gives you the opportunity to complete a budget plan using handy hints on how to go about it.  It provides easy to follow information on the road to take after you've prepared a budget, if your expenditure exceeds your income.  This site also provides valuable resource information in relation to free legal and financial counselling services, concession entitlements and funeral assistance.

If the task of controlling your finances seems too overwhelming, or if you want to explore more options for handling your financial situation, you may wish to access the free services provided by the Families SA Financial team. You can contact them through a Families SA District Centre.

Help is free

If you are having financial trouble and are finding it hard to make ends meet Families SA can provide free, confidential financial counselling.

Who needs it?

There are lots of reasons for people to seek financial counselling.

You might be:

• Behind in loan or credit repayments
• Faced with a sudden drop in income due to job loss or other misfortune
• Unable to pay rent or mortgage
• Unsure about a contract you have signed
• Unfairly treated by traders or creditors
• Facing court action because of debts
• Considering bankruptcy

How can financial counselling help?

Our financial counsellors can help you explore options and make informed choices to help sort out your money worries.

They can:

• Help you deal with your creditors about your debts
• Help you if you think you have been unfairly treated as a consumer or borrower
• Tell you about you entitlement to pensions, benefits, concessions and grants
• Give you information on consumer rights, repayment plans with creditors and refinancing loans
• Help you work out a budget, suggest ways to handle debts, and give information about bankruptcy and the alternatives

financial counsellors also work to prevent financial trouble occurring, by talking to community groups, helping with community projects and running courses in personal money management.

Where to get help

Telephone or visit your nearest Families SA District Centre.