Salvos encourage early intervention this Moneycare Day

The Salvation Army

This year, during ‘Anti-Poverty Week’ (October 11-17), The Salvation Army’s Moneycare is running events across the nation to help everyday Aussies get on top of their finances.

As part of Anti-Poverty Week, Wednesday October 14 is The Salvos National ‘Moneycare Day’.

Moneycare is The Salvos free and confidential financial counselling service, offering in-person or phone assistance to anyone in South Australia.

Sharon Maslen, Program Manager Financial Counselling Services South Australia, is encouraging anyone looking to improve their financial situation to reach out to their local Moneycare for support, utilise the free online resources, or participate in the free webinars running every day during Anti-Poverty Week (12-16 October).

The theme of this year’s event will be ‘Disasters don’t Discriminate’, with The Salvos seeing the devastating financial impacts of the year that has been, from bushfires to the economic turmoil of COVID-19.

“We have seen in the past 12 months the wide-ranging impacts that these disasters have had. They haven’t only impacted the most vulnerable in society but have reached people who never thought that they would ever find themselves in financial hardship. The Salvation Army is encouraging anyone who needs a hand with their finances to get help early, and reach out to a Moneycare financial counsellor,” Sharon Maslen said.

To access the online resources or to register for the free financial coaching webinars taking place at 12.00 noon (AET) each day and 2pm on the Tuesday and Thursday of Anti-Poverty week (12-16 October), visit www.salvationarmy.org.au/antipovertyweek

​The free, 20-minute webinars will help you to master your money essentials, covering topics such as buying your dream car, how to track your money, insurance, navigating loans and getting your finances back on track.

In an average year, The Salvos Moneycare offers financial services to over 13,000 people, helping with financial coaching, counselling, debt help and providing no-interest loans*.

Sharon Maslen said, “This year, particularly as government subsidies begin to scale back, The Salvation Army is anticipating a soaring demand to present to our services, including Moneycare. This is why early intervention is so important, to avoid this avalanche of need to come.”

Of particular concern is the impact of payday loans and rent deferrals, which have been increasingly used during the pandemic, and have potential for severe consequences in the long term.

“People often turn to payday lenders when they are in a time of financial crisis, which has been the case for so many this year through COVID-19. Moneycare financial counsellors can be powerful advocates on your behalf if you are in debt. If anyone has been stung by payday loans, or is considering obtaining one, reach out to Moneycare. We are here to help,” Sharon Maslen added.

/Public Release.