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…
On the eve of Homelessness Week, WAs largest collective of financial counsellors reports client rates of homelessness doubling in the last 5 years. 4% of the Financial Wellbeing Collective’s financial counselling clients are experiencing homelessness, while a further 8% are at imminent risk of homelessness, with both rates doubling since 2019. Mostly affected are women….
When I was 14, my Dad died suddenly after a 3 month struggle with Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukaemia. My mum, a widow at 36, was now the sole carer and provider for a 7 month old, a 3 year old and a teenager. With Dad’s death and no paid maternity leave, our family had no income….
In an age full of financial advice and self-help strategies, I still found myself unsure of where I was going and what I needed to do to help improve my financial health. So when I was offered the opportunity to take part in a financial coaching program through Keystart, and delivered by the Financial Wellbeing…
This week our Bunbury office celebrated its 5th anniversary. Taking calls from all over Western Australia, our Bunbury superstars work in our Hardship Utility Grant Scheme Service Centre. They help the WA community stay connected to essential utility services and assess applications for utility grants. Together with our Armadale team, they supported over 13,000 Western…
A one-of-its-kind program that improves the financial outlook and wellbeing of its Western Australian participants has been recognised nationally when it took out the 2024 Advancing Equity Shared Value Award in May. Delivered by the Financial Wellbeing Collective, in partnership with Keystart, the financial coaching program demonstrated it achieves equitable outcomes and meaningful social impact…
With the cost of living burden far-reaching across society, Financial Counsellors are assisting new and emerging clientele experiencing financial strain, including higher income households. Price increases to essential commodities including housing, groceries, petrol and utilities has fueled a cost of living crisis that has made the role of a Financial Counsellor imperative. Serving those in…
At a time when cost of living pressures are hitting hard, an industry leading collaborative network of not for profit organisations, government and corporates are working together to help build financial resilience and wellbeing in the Western Australian community. The Financial Wellbeing Collective is powered by 12 partner organisations all united in its mission to…