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.
Living on a low, fixed income, June and Kevin* were already carefully managing their finances when serious illness changed everything. Ongoing medical needs gradually drained their savings and superannuation, leaving the couple overwhelmed and exhausted, with little capacity to recover on their own. As older renters in the private rental market, their financial position became…
It’s Valentine’s Day week. You’re wondering if your partner is planning something expensive. They’re anxious about whether you’ll feel pressured to match their gesture. Maybe you’re both avoiding the conversation entirely. Silently calculating, second-guessing, feeling guilty before a single gift is even exchanged. Sound familiar? Valentine’s Day has a unique way of exposing the money…
The festive season is here – lights are twinkling, carols are playing, and scammers? Well, they’re working harder than Santa on Christmas Eve. While we’re busy spreading positive festive cheer around financial wellbeing, the fraudsters are spreading fake deals, phishing links, and sob stories to lure you in. Scams are becoming harder and harder to…
Black Friday has arrived, and with it comes the familiar assault on our senses: inbox flooding with “FINAL HOURS!” emails, countdown timers ticking away, and bold promises of savings we simply cannot miss. But while retailers celebrate record sales, there’s a question worth asking: what is this annual shopping frenzy actually costing us in terms…
It’s 10 PM on December 26th, and you’re lying awake doing mental math. The credit card total. The overdraft. The gifts that felt necessary but now feel excessive. And that familiar knot in your stomach that whispers: ‘Why didn’t I say something earlier?’ Every January, millions of us promise ourselves: ‘Next year will be different.’…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of everyday life. Tools like ChatGPT are so widely used that some people are even turning to them as alternatives to therapy sessions or financial coaching. But as this new way of managing our lives becomes more common, have we truly considered the risks of replacing traditional, person-centred…
On World Food Day (16 October), the Financial Wellbeing Collective (FWC) and Foodbank WA are drawing attention to the alarming rise in food insecurity across Western Australia, with 94% of emergency relief provided by FWC Partners over the past five years directed toward food assistance. “When families call our Emergency Relief and Food Access Service…
October is ADHD awareness month — a time to highlight both the challenges and strengths of living with ADHD. ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affecting brain executive functions like concentration and impulse control. ADHD comes in all shapes and sizes, and in our line of work, one…
At the heart of Communicare is a powerful aspiration: a nation where every person is safe, included, and connected. As a for-purpose organisation, Communicare has built a strong reputation for genuinely caring about the people it supports. Their work centres on advocating for social and economic inclusion, empowering people to participate fully in their communities,…
If you’re carrying personal debt right now, you’re far from alone. A recent Canstar report found that more than one in three Australians are living with personal debt (not including a home loan). For those who do have debt, the average amount has jumped a staggering 145% in just one year — from $6,200 to…
Resilience isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a vital skill for navigating life’s inevitable challenges. Whether you’re facing emotional hardship, health struggles, or financial adversity, the way you respond can shape your future. At its core, resilience is built on how we navigate adversity, and philosophy offers timeless wisdom to guide us through. The dichotomy of…
Free Wills Fortnight is here, and until September 15, you can have your will written for free with Safewill. Backed by lawyers. No hidden fees. No stress. If you’ve never written a will, you’re not alone. Many Australians delay or avoid it altogether, often due to misconceptions about what a will is, how much they cost and who needs one….
At the heart of every strong community is a network of support, compassion, and connection. One of the Financial Wellbeing Collective’s valued partners, The Spiers Centre (TSC), exemplifies this ethos through its inclusive and person-centred approach to community services. The Spiers Centre is a beacon of hope for individuals and families navigating financial hardship, domestic and…
Many people delay their tax return because of fear, uncertainty, or mental overload. As behavioural specialists would suggest, reframing your mindset can make a big difference. Try thinking of tax time as a check-in on your financial health — just like an annual health check-up. It’s not just about getting a refund or paying a…