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Financial counselling
Melbourne Counselling Service, of the Salvation Army, provides free financial counselling for anyone experiencing financial difficulties and affected by gambling harm.
Gambler's Help Financial Counselors understand that money problems can happen to anyone. Our financial counsellors will listen and offer confidential, non-judgemental support and information.
How can a financial counsellor help me?
Melbourne Counseling Service Financial Counselors are members of the Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVIC).
They are able to:
- Help you to assess, consolidate and manage debt
- Work with you to set financial goals and create a budget
- Negotiate with creditors on your behalf about repayment arrangements
- Check if you're eligible for government support
- Help you apply for hardship variations on existing loans
- Explain the risks of bankruptcy or accessing your super early and guide you through the alternatives available
What kind of issues can a financial counsellor help me with?
- Budgeting issues - trouble keeping up with bills and other financial commitments
- Contact from debt collectors
- Repossessions or evictions
- Default notices
- Utility disconnections
- Court issues and fines
- Centrelink issues
- Bankruptcy
- Tax debt
What should I bring to an appointment with a financial counsellor?
To allow a Gambler's Help Financial Counsellor to establish a full picture of your finances, you need to bring the following information to your first appointment:
- Details of income (such as pay slips or Centrelink statements)
- Current bank statements
- A list of all your debts
- Copies of (or information about) all your loan agreements
- Details of current and outstanding bills
- Copies of (or information about) any court documents you have received
What MCS financial counsellors are unable to assist with
Unfortunately, a Gambler's Help Financial Counsellor program does not provide certain services.
We are unable to help you with:
- Organising debt consolidations
- Providing investment or taxation advice
- Providing emergency relief, money or accommodation