Where Do You Go for Financial Help?

Understanding Financial Coaching, Advice, and Free Services

If you’ve ever felt lost when it comes to your finances, you’re not alone. Whether it’s budgeting, planning for retirement, or tackling debt, knowing where to turn for help can be overwhelming.

The good news? There are plenty of options, each tailored to different financial needs. From financial coaching to professional financial advice to free financial counselling services, there’s a path forward for everyone.

So, where should you go for help?

Let’s break down what each service does, who it’s for, and how to choose the right one for you.

1. Financial Coaching: Your Personal Financial Guide

What It Is:
Financial coaching is like having a personal trainer—but for your finances. Coaches help you build strong financial habits, clarify your goals, and keep you accountable for reaching them. Think of them as your biggest cheerleader when it comes to budgeting, saving, and managing money.

What They Do:
A financial coach won’t tell you what shares to invest in or which superannuation fund to choose. Instead, they work with you on the basics: creating a realistic budget, setting up savings goals, tackling debt, and transforming the way you think about money. It’s all about building long-term habits that will set you up for future financial success and education on financial concepts and your options.

Who It’s For:
Financial coaching is ideal for anyone looking to improve their day-to-day money management skills. Whether you want to get out of debt, save for a big goal, or simply have better control over your finances, a coach will guide you through the process. If you’re seeking accountability and motivation to stick to a financial plan, this could be the perfect fit.

2. Financial Advice: Tailored Strategies from the Experts

What It Is:
When you need specific, professional guidance, financial advice is the way to go. Licensed financial advisers can help you with more complex areas of your financial life, from investments to retirement planning to insurance.

What They Do:
Financial advisers create tailored strategies based on your unique financial situation. They can help you figure out how much you should be investing, where you should be putting your money, and how to best protect your wealth with the right insurance products. It’s a more formal service, heavily regulated to ensure that the advice is in your best interest.

Who It’s For:
Financial advice is for people with more complex financial needs—those who are looking to grow wealth, plan for retirement, or need expert guidance on their investments or superannuation- generally once you’ve got your day to day foundational money management sorted. If you’re serious about building long-term financial security and need advice on specific products or strategies, a financial adviser is the go-to.

3. Free Financial Counselling Services: Support in Tough Times

What It Is:
Sometimes, life throws financial curveballs that leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. That’s where free financial counselling services come in. These services, often offered by non-profit organisations and government agencies, provide free support to help people manage financial crises.

What They Do:
Financial counsellors are trained to help you navigate financial hardship, from managing debt to negotiating with creditors to accessing government assistance. They can’t recommend specific financial products or give investment advice, but they are experts in helping people regain stability. And the best part? It’s completely free.

Who It’s For:

Free financial counselling services are generally available to people experiencing financial hardship. This could be due to job loss, mounting debt, health issues, or any other financial challenge. In Australia, many services are offered through non-profits, community organisations, and government agencies, such as the National Debt Helpline. If you’re struggling to pay bills, rent, or manage debt, you may be eligible for support.

Not Sure Which One is Right for You?

It can be tough to know exactly which kind of help you need, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you’re taking steps to improve your financial situation.

If you’re not sure whether you need financial coaching, advice, or perhaps eligible for free counselling, don’t be afraid to reach out. A quick chat with any of these services we help you figure out what kind of support is right for you and get you moving in the right direction.

Your financial future starts with the choices you make today. So, why not start now?