Why I Became a Financial Counsellor
When I first started my career in finance, my father had one piece of advice for me:
“Just make sure you don’t become a wanker … look after the battlers, son.”
Neither of us would have imagined I’d go on to write two national #1 bestsellers … and his words have always stayed with me.
So one Date Night, when my wife Liz asked me: “You’ve sold a million copies of your book … what’s next?”
I answered her:
“Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about that … and I think I’d like to go to … TAFE?”
Liz just stared at me blankly.
I took a swig of my pompous craft beer for courage, and told her my plan:
I wanted to become a not-for-profit financial counsellor, to help disadvantaged Australians.
So when a father of four gets diagnosed with terminal cancer and can’t pay his bills … he’ll sit down with me.
So when a mother grabs her kids and flees her husband in the middle of the night (with zero cash) … she’ll sit down with me.
So when a young kid with $6,000 in Nimble loans is feeling depressed and suicidal … they’ll sit down with me (and I’ll take on that bunny by the scruff of the neck).
It’s meaningful work … and it’s desperately needed.
“So”, said Liz, “you’re using your D-grade celebrity status to fight for these people?”
“Yes! I mean … sure … honey.”
Well, in 2020, I got my financial counselling qualification — and it’s what I do now.
Yet not only do I work as a financial counsellor … I also advocate for them.
I’m a founding donor of Financial Counselling Australia, and I’ve contributed my own money to fund financial counsellors.
After all, a study by Adelaide University found that every $1 invested in financial counselling delivers a $5 return to the country.
“Every $1 invested in financial counselling delivers a $5 return to the country”
If you’re in financial hardship, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 and talk to or set up an appointment with a community-based, not-for-profit financial counsellor. They’re free, they’re confidential and they’re the unsung heroes of the financial world.
