Unlocking Financial Freedom: Navigating the Role of Financial Counsellors in Australia

Have you just discovered yourself trapped in an overwhelming mountain of debt?

Are you having trouble with budgeting's intricacies and unaware of how to restore financial control?

Or maybe you're interested in receiving a government grant or refund, but the complicated application process confuses you. You're not the only one dealing with these financial difficulties, so rest easy.

According to a Financial Counseling Australia spokeswoman, the Australian National Debt Helpline has seen a surprising increase in enquiries since January, with call volumes increasing by almost 30% compared to the same period last year.

A sizeable portion of the population is feeling the financial effects of increased living expenses, ongoing inflation, and the threat of rising interest rates. Some families are battling and with their budgets getting tighter, many have found comfort in turning to food charity organisations like a Food Bank.

Accredited specialists known as financial counsellors provide Australians with financial help by way of advocacy and counselling. People must finish a Diploma of Financial Counseling programme, which is provided by seven registered training organisations around the country, in order to start a career as a financial counsellor.

The national voice for the financial counselling industry is Financial Counseling Australia (FCA). A representative for the FCA stated that financial counsellors provide a variety of services, such as:

• assistance in determining which bills must be paid off right away for those who are deeply in debt.
• aid in creating financial plans and budgets that are suited to each person's needs.
• assessing the benefits and downsides of different financial challenge-solving solutions.
• access to eligible grants and incentives made easier for the vulnerable

What is the difference between a financial counsellor and a financial planner?

Financial counsellors must be distinguished from financial planners who have very different skill sets depending on their knowledge and what they have studied.

Financial planners and advisers give advice to people with investable assets, assisting them in making financial decisions.

In sharp contrast, financial counsellors work with people who are struggling to make ends meet or who are burdened with debt and need extra help to seek counselling on how to work their way out of financial vulnerability.

Additionally, financial counsellors offer their skills without charging a fee, in contrast to financial advisers or planners who demand a fee for their knowledge.

In the world of financial planning, having a professional who understands not just the numbers but also the psychology behind financial decisions can make all the difference. At Oasis Financial Planning, our CEO, Stephen Pollard, brings a unique blend of psychology and finance to the table.

A Fusion of Psychology and Finance

Stephen Pollard's background in both psychology and finance sets him apart in the financial planning industry. With deep insights into the human psyche and financial markets, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of what drives financial decisions and how they can impact your future.

A Client-Centric Approach

At Oasis Financial Planning, we believe that the best financial plans are born out of meaningful conversations. That's why we take a client-centric approach, where we prioritize understanding your unique circumstances, goals, and aspirations.

Fee Structure Designed for You

We understand that financial planning should be accessible to everyone. That's why our fee structure reflects our commitment to transparency and client satisfaction. We only charge a fee after discussing the pathways available to you, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the value we provide.

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