ABOUT US
Financial Counselling Hunter Valley Project has been providing a free financial counselling service to the Upper and Lower Hunter for the past 30 years. Our team of experienced financial counsellors are qualified and accredited members of the Financial Counselling Association of NSW & Financial Counselling Australia.
We provide a non-judgmental, empathetic & client centred approach to our work. We assist with referrals, exploring options to manage debt, developing budget skills & provide advocacy with creditors & other appropriate agencies. We are funded by the Office of Fair Trading NSW & Department of Community & Justice.
AREAS WE COVER
Financial Counselling Hunter Valley Project Inc. operates in the following areas:
Newcastle, Port Stephens Shire including Raymond Terrace, Maitland, Dungog, Singleton, Cessnock, Muswellbrook, Scone, Murrurundi and Merriwa.
WHAT IS FINANCIAL COUNSELLING?
Financial Counselling Hunter Valley Project Inc. provides a free, independent and confidential financial counselling service to assist people experiencing financial difficulty. Our financial counsellors work with clients to help them manage and break the cycle of debt and take control of their finances.
To speak with one of our Financial Counsellors please call 0249 338 999.
A financial counsellor:
- is a qualified professional who provides information and options, who acts without a conflict of interest, and advocates for people in financial difficulty.
- will help you put together a budget to assist you in obtaining a clear understanding of your financial situation.
- will provide you with information about the options you have available to address your financial challenges.
- can advocate or negotiate on your behalf with creditors, government agencies and others.
- is a skilled professional, bound by a Code of Ethical Practice to deliver the best outcomes for their clients.
- has an extensive knowledge of the National Credit Code & various hardship polices with credit providers, debt collectors, utilities companies & other organisations you may find yourself owing money to. These policies help us to assist you to find the most appropriate course of action to resolve your financial issues.
- operate under a licensing exemption from the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) subject to strict conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Treat your personal information in a confidential manner.
- Listen and support you through periods of financial stress.
- Explore your options and assist you to manage your finances.
- Empower you to make positive changes over the long term.
- Advocate and negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
- Provide information and referrals for a range of issues you may be experiencing.
- Provide information and support through the bankruptcy process.
- Assist you in developing money management skills.
- We will not tell you what to do.
- We don’t provide investment advice.
- We don’t provide material aid, loans, or finance.
- We don’t provide legal aid.
- We don’t have all the answers or a magic wand.
- We don’t receive any payments or commissions from third parties for their services.
- We must have appropriate qualifications and training.
- We must be eligible for membership of Financial Counsellors Association of NSW.
- We don’t do tax returns or provide taxation advice.
- We don’t provide debt consolidation services.
- Mortgage repayment issues
- Rental contracts
- Payday lenders
- Credit card debt
- Personal loans
- Inform you of your available financial hardship support options and the steps needed to access them
- Negotiate on your behalf with creditors to assist with navigating their requirements
- Act as the authority on your account, temporarily receiving communications from your creditor on your behalf
- Provide workable budgets
- Bankruptcy information & assist you through the process
While we always aim to improve our client’s financial circumstances, there are limitations to what we can do. If you’re unsure if our services will be able to assist you, call the relevant office number to find out more.
Advise/Recommend Products and Services such as:
- Legal decisions
- Investment decisions
- Recommend credit products
- Recommend banking services
- Crisis and emergency assistance
- Appointments run for 1. 5 hours to ensure a thorough understanding of the person’s situation.
- There is no charge for our service.
- All client information is confidential.
- Appointments can be conducted in person or over the phone.
- You will be asked to provide a brief description of your situation to assist the financial counsellor in preparing for your appointment.
To assist the financial counsellor in their efforts to assist you, we ask for the following information. But if you are unable to immediately provide all of this, please still call us to make an appointment. During your appointment the financial counsellor can advise on exactly what is needed for your particular financial issue.
- A current Centrelink Income Statement and/or copies of your latest two payslips.
- Account statements for all bank accounts.
- Letters of demand threatening legal action for non-payment of an account.
- Rental Contracts.
- Payday Lender Statements.
- Statement of Claim.
- Household budget or if you do not have a clear picture yet, prior to your appointment start keeping a list/diary of your spending each week or fortnight. You might list items like groceries, takeaway, expenses related to children, alcohol, cigarettes, petrol, vehicle costs, lotto.
CONTACT US
FCHVP’s team of financial counsellors offer outreach services at community and neighbourhood centres throughout the upper and lower Hunter on a rotating schedule. Where possible we will try to match you with a counsellor that will have availability to meet with you in person as close to you as possible.
Office
P: (02) 4933 8999
F: (02) 4933 8988