For debt, financial stress, and the anxiety that comes with it. Practical support and honest conversation, without judgment about how you got here.
Money problems come with a particular kind of shame that keeps people quiet for far too long — hiding statements, avoiding calls, not telling their partner. That silence is usually what makes things worse, not the numbers themselves.
Almost everything here is more fixable than it feels at 2am.
What people talk about here
Debt that’s grown past the point where you can see the top of it. Cost of living outpacing income. Hiding money trouble from a partner or family, and how to finally say something. Rebuilding after a job loss, illness, separation or a business that didn’t work. Dealing with debt collectors and knowing what they can and can’t do. Hardship arrangements with banks and utilities, which are far more available than most people realise. And the constant background hum of financial anxiety, which is exhausting in its own right.
Support beyond the forum
A financial counsellor is free, independent, and not the same thing as a financial adviser. They negotiate with creditors on your behalf and cost nothing:
- National Debt Helpline — free, independent financial counselling. Call 1800 007 007.
- Moneysmart — Australian Government financial guidance and tools (ASIC).
- Lifeline — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention counselling. Call 13 11 14.
- Beyond Blue — financial stress affects mental health too. Call 1300 22 4636.
Financial stress is strongly linked to suicidal thinking. If it’s got that dark, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — money problems are solvable in ways that can be hard to see from inside them.
How to use this category
Nobody here is a licensed financial adviser and nothing posted is financial advice. This is a space for experience and encouragement — the free financial counsellors above are the people who can actually act on your behalf.
Please don’t promote investments, lending, credit repair, or debt management services. People in financial distress are heavily targeted, and anything resembling a pitch will be removed.