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If you’re in debt, you aren’t alone.
Worryingly, household debt figures have been steadily on the rise due to the great Australian dream of owning a home.
“Australian household debt has steadily risen over the past three decades as more of us aim to own homes and continue to rely on products such as car loans and credit cards,” reports comparison website, finder.com.au.
Thankfully, if you are currently struggling financially there is one thing you can do “right now”.
Claire Tacon from the National Debt Helpline told Claire Hooper from ABC podcast The Pineapple Project, “If you’re in debt right now, the best thing you can do is call the national debt helpline on 1800 007 007 and speak to a qualified financial counsellor about your rights and your options.”
The National Debt Helpline is “a free independent government-funded service that helps people who are in financial hardship, people who cant’ afford to pay their bills and debts, and gives information about rights and options,” Tacon explains.
As well as a coming up with a plan of action, Tacon says people also feel a sense of relief after calling the helpline.
“It takes a lot of courage to call us,” Tacon explains. “Often you can hear the nerves in their voices but you can hear what a relief it is to speak to a financial counsellor who is totally non-judgmental and on their side…”
The National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007
For more information on how to take control of your finances listen to the ABC’s new podcast, The Pineapple Project.
Listen to The Pineapple Project here.
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