Life moment
Money trouble
Debt, hardship and free help. Here's what to read and work out, in the order that helps most.
Your reading list
Super and big life events
How parental leave, separation, buying a first home and tough times can affect your super, and the rules for early access.
2Cutting your bills and the cost of living
Practical ways to lower your power, phone, insurance and grocery costs, plus where to find concessions and help if bills get on top of you.
3Spotting and avoiding scams
How common scams work, the warning signs to look for, the new scam protection laws, and exactly what to do if you've been scammed.
4Buy now pay later: how it works and the new rules
Buy now pay later is now regulated as credit. Here's how it works, what protections you have, and how to stop small plans adding up.
5Investment scams, finfluencers and getting real advice
Spot investment scams, judge money tips on social media, and check that a financial adviser is licensed before you pay for advice.
6How credit scores and credit reports work
What's on your credit report, how your credit score is worked out, how to get your report for free, and how to fix mistakes.
7Credit cards and the minimum repayment trap
How credit card interest works, why paying only the minimum can keep you in debt for decades, and simple ways to take back control.
8Personal loans and car loans
How personal and car loans work, why the comparison rate matters, which fees to check, and the traps to avoid at the car yard.
9Refinancing your loan
How refinancing works, when it can save you money, the costs to check, and how to work out whether switching is worth it.
10Getting out of debt and getting hardship help
A step-by-step plan for tackling debt, how to ask lenders for hardship help, where to get free advice, and the paid "debt help" traps to avoid.
Need to talk to someone now?
Free, confidential help: National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 · Services Australia 132 300 · Lifeline 13 11 14