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Money doesn't always stretch as far as you need it to. It’s also not something everyone is taught to manage, and it can take time to figure out what works for you.
The good news is there are supports that can help you build your skills, get advice or access financial help for everyday expenses. The options below can help you get started.
MoneySmart Australia
MoneySmart is a trusted Australian Government website with information, tools and support across many different areas of your financial life, including:
- Banking and budgeting
- Loans, credit and debt
- Investing and planning
- Super and retirement
- Insurance
- Scams and online safety
- Community resources
It’s a good place to build your financial skills at your own pace, especially if you're not sure where to start.
Services Australia (Centrelink)
Centrelink provides financial support from the Australian government. What you might be eligible for depends on your situation, like whether you're studying, working, looking for work, caring for someone or managing a health condition.
A good place to start is with the Payment Finder. It can help you figure out what support you might be able to access and what to do next.
You can also find out more by:
- calling 132 850 (Youth and students' line)
- visiting a Services Australia service centre
- speaking with a Service Australia social worker
- contacting the Centrelink Indigenous Call Centre
You can access translated information or ask for an interpreter at any time, either over the phone or when visiting a service centre in person.
You can find out more about what payments are available and how to apply in this YouthNav guide.
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is an online directory that helps you find local support services across Australia. You can search based on your location and what you need help with, like:
- food relief and emergency groceries
- housing and homelessness support
- financial help and financial counselling
- health and mental health services
- domestic and family violence support
- legal advice and other community services
You can also filter for services that understand your culture or community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander services and multicultural or language-specific support.
mind & money
National Debt Helpline
The National Debt Helpline (NDH) is a not-for-profit service offering free, confidential phone and webchat support for people with money or debt concerns.
People reach out to the NDH for all sorts of reasons, from falling behind on bills or repayments to dealing with debt collectors, accessing emergency financial support, or navigating changes that have impacted their finances.
When you contact the NDH, you'll speak with a qualified financial counsellor. Financial counsellors don't sell products, and you don't have to be in crisis to reach out. Their role is to support you to feel more in control of your money.
A session might involve:
- talking through what’s going on for you and what’s feeling the most urgent
- getting a clearer picture of your income, expenses and any debts
- exploring entitlements, concessions, grants and No Interest Loans available
- working out your next steps, including what to prioritise
- support contacting banks, landlords or service providers if needed
If you need ongoing or face-to-face support, they can also connect you with a local financial counselling service (also free).
The NDH website also has step-by-step guides on topics like staying on top of your bills, what to do if you fall behind, how to negotiate payment plans, and understanding your rights and support options.
Financial hardship teams
If you’re finding it hard to keep up with bills or repayments, many banks and service providers have financial hardship options to support you.
Financial hardship means you’re unable to make your usual payments because your situation has changed, like a drop in income, unexpected costs or ongoing cost of living pressure. This might include things like loan repayments, credit cards, rent or energy and phone bills.
A good first step is to contact your bank or service provider and ask to speak directly with their ‘financial hardship team’. You can explain what's going on and work with them on a plan. They may be able to offer temporary changes such as reduced payments, payment pauses or more time to pay.
Debt collectors
Debt collectors are people or companies that contact you to recover money you owe on a bill or loan, usually after it has been overdue for some time.
Being contacted by a debt collector can be stressful, but there are rules they must follow, and you have rights.
You don’t have to agree to anything straight away. It’s ok to take your time to understand the debt, check it’s correct and consider your options before responding. It's good idea to contact a free financial counsellor, like the National Debt Helpline, to support you through this.
Mental health support
It’s common to feel anxious, overwhelmed or stuck when you're under financial pressure. You might notice things like trouble sleeping, constant worry, feeling tired, avoiding calls and bills, or finding it hard to think clearly about what to do next.
Avoidance is a common stress response, and financial pressure can impact your ability to concentrate and make decisions.
Reaching out for support can help you gain some clarity, feel less alone and feel more confident taking the next steps with your finances.
You could try:
- Checking in with family or someone else you trust about what’s going on, even if you’re not sure what help you need yet.
- Breaking tasks into smaller steps, like opening one bill, replying to one message or making one phone call at a time.
- Asking service providers if you can communicate by email if phone calls feel more stressful.
- Speaking with your GP if stress or anxiety is affecting your sleep, mood or daily life.
- Reaching out to a headspace Centre or contacting eheadspace if money stress is impacting your mental health or wellbeing.
- Introducing some tips for a healthy headspace to support your wellbeing while you work through financial stress.
Financial Basics Foundation (Youth Hub) - self-paced courses, videos and fact sheets designed to help young people build real-world money confidence.
Youth Law Australia – free legal advice for young people aged 12-25.
Mission Australia – a national community organisation providing homelessness, housing and financial support services for young people and families.
Wellmob – social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Get support with headspace Work & Study
If you're aged 15 – 25, headspace can help you develop the skills and confidence to reach your work or study goals.
headspace Work & Study programs are free to access online or in-person at over 50 of our headspace centres.
Disclaimer
The information in this document is for general information only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the issuer, headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Ltd (“headspace”). headspace is not a financial adviser. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the information in this document relates to your unique circumstances. headspace is not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided directly or indirectly, by use of the information set out in this document.
The headspace Content Reference Group oversee and approve resources made available on this website.
Last reviewed 20/07/2026.
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