Salvos call on Aussies to do a 'financial health check'

Set yourself up for Christmas and beyond this year

The Salvation Army's Moneycare service is urging Australians to take a fresh look at their financial situation in the wake of the end of financial year and reset ahead of the final 6 months of the year.

Moneycare is The Salvos' free and confidential financial counselling service, which supports thousands of people with debt, financial burdens, and instability.

As Aussies face the brunt of the current cost of living crisis, and many are about to face the impending mortgage cliff, more people have been turning to The Salvation Army for financial and emotional support as they look to survive.

Moneycare has seen a significant increase in people connecting with their service, requiring support in areas such as mortgage repayments, utility bills, buy now, pay later schemes and more.

Kristen Hartnett, the National Head of Moneycare, says that the end of financial year is the perfect time to do a mid-year health check on your finances and set yourself up for success.

"Christmas is a special time for so many, but for others it can be a financially stressful and emotional season. There is no better time than right now to be planning for end of year activities, including Christmas, summer holidays, back to school activities and much more", Kristen Hartnett said.

"We need joy, connection and celebration, so what can we do to ensure we enjoy these activities as we end 2023? We need to be intentional and thoughtful, remembering that the perfect Christmas, summer holiday and budget, does not exist, and that our 'Christmas expenses&' need to cover more than just the 25th of December."

Moneycare has great tips and hints for all Aussies this July to help reset and plan ahead of the end of the year. Some of these include:

• End-of-year celebrations
  • Planning in advance so events are affordable and taking into account your values
  • Automate as much as you can so you can relax and do the things you enjoy
• Christmas Day
  • Each person buying one gift 'Kris Kringle' style, rather than individual gifts
  • Ensuring the focus is on people rather than things. Think about whether there is one person extra that you can invite and include in your Christmas Day celebrations
  • Opting for handmade decorations
• Summer Holidays
  • Asking yourself 'What is one thing we can do weekly during the holidays that we can afford?'
  • Make a list of affordable and free things to do in your local area with the family

"The Salvos also want to encourage anyone who is needing support right now, or anytime in the lead-up to the end of the year, to please reach out to The Salvation Army for support. We have services like Moneycare around the country that are there to help. Don't suffer in silence and don't wait until it is too late, please reach out to The Salvos," Kristen Hartnett said.

If you or someone you know needs support from The Salvation Army, or for more information, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).