Seemingly overnight prices have soared across the board on a range of consumable goods including essentials such as housing, food, fuel and utilities. No one is immune to our current cost-of-living crisis, however some of us are retreating from the reality of it. Whether it’s ignoring the strain on household budgets or pretending that things…
As we enter 2025, Australia continues to grapple with an unrelenting cost-of-living crisis that is pushing individuals and families to the brink. Essentials like safe housing, food security, and basic utilities are becoming increasingly out of reach for many. At The Spiers Centre in Perth’s northern suburbs, we see the human impact of these challenges every day—and we know that real solutions require a collective effort.
Anthea and her three children were living in Yanchep when an investor bought the four bedroom house she was renting and upped her rent by $100 per week. This was not the first rent increase for Anthea and her family. During the 18 months they were living in the home, it had sold twice and…
As we enter 2025, Australia continues to grapple with an unrelenting cost-of-living crisis that is pushing individuals and families to the brink. Essentials like safe housing, food security, and basic utilities are becoming increasingly out of reach for many. At The Spiers Centre in Perth’s northern suburbs, we see the human impact of these challenges every day—and we know that real solutions require a collective effort.
WA’s largest collective of financial counsellors reports its clients are operating on an average household budget deficit of $108 per fortnight. The 2024 data from the Financial Wellbeing Collective shows the fortnightly deficit has increased 52%, up from $71 in 2023. General Manager Helena Jakupovic says increasing costs of living means its clients’ financial position…
As we enter 2025, Australia continues to grapple with an unrelenting cost-of-living crisis that is pushing individuals and families to the brink. Essentials like safe housing, food security, and basic utilities are becoming increasingly out of reach for many. At The Spiers Centre in Perth’s northern suburbs, we see the human impact of these challenges every day—and we know that real solutions require a collective effort.
I love a good budget… yes, yes, I am a financial coach, it goes with the territory but hear me out—budgets have been given a bad rap! Too often, the word ‘budget’ brings up feelings of restriction, deprivation, and guilt. It’s been seen as a tool for punishment rather than empowerment. But in 2025, it’s…
The gender wealth gap remains a significant issue for our society. On average, women earn less than men and often face barriers to accessing financial resources and opportunities. Women also tend to live longer than men, meaning they need to save more to ensure financial stability in retirement. The gender wealth gap can be compounded…
As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, it’s time to reflect on how far we’ve come in the pursuit of gender equality and the empowerment of women. As a financial coach my belief is that having confidence and money provides an opportunity to dive into one of the most powerful aspects of empowerment—financial independence. The power…
The Financial Wellbeing Collective’s Emergency Relief and Food Access Service, delivered by partner agency Anglicare WA, is a central point of access for Western Australians struggling to afford essentials, has experienced a record number of calls to the service in January 2025. ERFAS is a central point of access for Western Australians struggling to afford essentials such…
Recently I had the opportunity to meet with a client who had accessed the services provided by the Financial Wellbeing Collective. I was reminded again of the strength and resilience that people have, and of the brushes of fate that can tip us into hardship. It is not a choice as many would think it…
Chantel and Trey, an engaged couple in their twenties sought financial coaching as they had missed some mortgage repayments and were struggling with feelings of financial instability. Trey had recently transitioned to full-time work after many years of part-time jobs due to university studies. They rarely spoke about money and had very different approaches –…
A man called Paolo was on stage talking to a crowd of low-income workers about how to raise their kids. He was just coming to the end of his speech when somebody stood up to ask a question. “We have just heard,” a worker said, “some fine words from the doctor, but have you ever…
The Financial Wellbeing Collective has taken out the 2024 Business News Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector Award at the recent Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) WA Achievement Awards, recognising the Collective’s innovative approach and dedication to improving the financial wellbeing of Western Australians. Established in 2015 in response to the state government’s decision to…
As a woman in her sixties, she felt she should have known better. As a lawyer she felt she should have recognised the signs. But for Shelley, her experience of financial abuse – like for so many other victim-survivors – were controlling behaviours that started subtly and progressed over time inflicted by her perpetrator. That’s…