Family Works helping local people through financial mentoring, advocacy and the foodbank.

Cheryl, one of our highly experienced financial mentors, has helped hundreds of people concerned with their finances, budgets, debt and spending.

While their stories are always personal and often sad or uncomfortable to share, they all have a common thread, and that is people who are ready to take control of their situation to work towards achieving a better financial space.

Cheryl helps her clients by listening to the issues they are facing, and then talking through the options available to them. Although these clients often arrive in desperation, they leave able to make informed choices about their future, understanding how to take control of their finances.
Amy* (not her real name) was one such client. Amy has a young child and had been involved in a relationship which was financially harmful. Amy needed urgent help to get herself back on track but felt she had no one to turn to.

Amy found her way to PSO, and Cheryl was able to refer her to the foodbank for temporary support. Cheryl was then able to talk Amy through all her options to get her financial future back on track. “This was life changing for her!” Cheryl explained. “We help the client to do it themselves, which gives them the tools to make the best-informed decisions”.

After working together for almost a year, Amy was thrilled to finally be in a better financial position and to have the burden of financial stress removed going forward.

Amy expressed her gratitude, “I appreciate everything you have supported and helped me achieve this year. I am starting 2023 with no financial stress. If it wasn’t for you I would have not achieved this. Honestly, you’re amazing at what you do, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Amy* – Financial Mentoring client
* Name and image changed for privacy reasons (photo: iStock)

6 Tips from our Financial Mentors

Financially it can be really challenging at the moment, so here are 6 tips to help you stay in control of your finances

Stick to the essentials – do you really need the item or is this more of a want?
Do a budget (and keep it real, it’s only for you) and regularly review it.
Plan ahead for expenses e.g. school needs, birthdays, a car warrant and even next Christmas!
Think carefully before taking on new debt – including Afterpay (late payments are expensive), so do explore ALL your options.
Don’t get caught up in online or special deals – is this really saving you money?
There is no quick fix for debt – so make a plan to get in control of your financial situation.

If you need help with your finances, you are not alone! Contact us to see one of our Financial Mentors on freephone 0508 396 678.