Help Brings Hope to Manage Financial Stress

23 April 2024
Help Brings Hope to Manage Financial Stress

Phil Grinter, Junction Financial Counsellor
Locals in the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island are being helped to manage their budgets, understand debt traps and overcome financial stress amid cost-of-living pressures through support from Junction’s Financial Insight and Navigation Service (FINS).
The program delivers financial counselling, education, advocacy and advice across the region. The initiative is part of the Department of Human Services’ Financial Wellbeing Program.
Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said rising prices are putting unprecedented pressure on household budgets impacting individuals and families, many who were already extremely vulnerable.
“We are seeing more people than ever before with high bills, threats of utility disconnection –people struggling to put food on the table,” Ms Palumbo said. “This puts enormous stress on every aspect of someone’s life including their health.”
“We are equipping people with the knowledge and skills to make positive decisions, get on top of their debts, manage their income and expenditure to improve their circumstances and ultimately, their wellbeing.”
FINS is delivered by two part-time qualified professionals including a financial counsellor and financial capability worker.
Junction financial counsellor Phil Grinter said while he hoped to support people before they reached crisis point, sometimes “that’s easier said than done.”
“For a range of reasons, people’s circumstances can be very complex and things can get out of control quite quickly."
“The first thing is we sit down, get to know a person’s whole situation, look at any debts they have, prioritise the debts and options available such as applying for financial hardship,” he said.
“Often, we will advocate on their behalf to reduce these burdens. Along with below average income, unmanageable debt can make it impossible for people to get into a stable position. We can’t work miracles but the earlier we can support someone the better the chance of making a real difference.”
Since September 2024, Junction has also partnered with Teen Challenge SA as part of its Living Free addition recovery program, run out of Strathalbyn.
Mr Grinter, who has been a financial counsellor for 26 years, said Living Free clients often had accrued debt in the throes of their addiction and were experiencing homelessness.
“Being debt free after exiting drug rehabilitation gives clients a fresh start and removes a key stressor that can possibly lead to a relapse,” he said.
“Knowledge is power and what we want to do is educate people so they can take control of their finances and build capacity into the future.”
Mr Grinter said “providing hope” was core to his work.
“The worst position for someone to be in is when they can’t see a way out,” he said. “I am continually inspired by people’s courage, resilience and endurance.”
So what’s the best advice to anyone overwhelmed by their financial situation?
“Get help as soon as you possibly can,” Mr Grinter said. “When you are dealing with debt, contact the companies’ financial hardship team, and get some assistance from a financial counsellor. Act as soon as you realise there is a problem.”
For a direct referral to the program contact Junction’s Goolwa office on 8392 3060 or email fins@junctionaustralia.org.au or the Kangaroo Island Community Centre on 8553 2809.