Demand for financial counselling increases

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay has welcomed government funding of $44,296 to support of the Salvation Army’s financial counselling service that visits Teneterfield.
The service which runs three days a week from the Armidale Salvation Army base counsels more than 350 clients a year and provides legal support and mediation where possible.
“We live in a credit crazy society and many people and families get caught up in debt they cannot manage,” Mr Torbay said.
“There is no easy way out of this trap but it has been shown that with expert advice and helpful intervention a good proportion of people learn to manage their finances better.
“The Salvation Army is an ideal intermediary to offer this service because of its track record in helping people negotiate many difficult circumstances.”
Financial Counsellor Sharon Gousteris who delivers the services in the local area said she’s never short of clients.
“Most of the people who come to us have let things go for a long time and they are devastated and in denial when they come for help,” she said.
“We look at the situation and the options available to them and see if they also need to access other services.
“It’s quite an emotional roller coaster but when we start working on money plans together and enter negotiations with creditors they take heart.”
Ms Gousteris said credit is too easy to access and many of her clients had choked themselves with debt without knowing what they were getting into.
“Some learn their lesson and come out of it in the long term,” she said. “It’s very worthwhile having a service like this to help people out of their financial difficulties.
“They come to us in a great big mess and don’t know how to get out of it. We can’t wave a magic wand but we can offer help and guidance.”