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News Release - Lifeline |
| Posted by Sophie Hickson (sophie) on Nov 12 2008 |
NEWS RELEASE
LIFELINE CRUNCHES MONEY HASSLES WITH FINANCIAL COUNSELLING
DATE RELEASED: WEDNESDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2008
THE credit crunch is being blamed for an increase in Gold Coasters seeking emergency financial advice says Lifeline Financial Counsellor, Maureen Connolly.
She says the high level of inflation and the rising cost of living continues to increase demand for reliable and impartial financial counselling and support.
Ms Connolly says the demands for her service has increased significantly in recent weeks and says there is no typical type of person seeking help.
“I’m seeing everyone from the elderly facing homelessness to former high income earners struggling to meet repayments,” Ms Connolly said.
“This global credit crisis is affecting such a broad number of people and it’s important that when consulted we can help quickly so that people’s financial problems don’t escalate and cause further stress.
“We advise clients how they can get out of the cycle of debt and take control of their situations.
“We also provide assistance through education, problem solving and identifying consumer rights to help people gain better control of their finances,” she said.
Ms Connolly says people having trouble paying off credit card debt, managing mortgage repayments or those who are considering bankruptcy should consider speaking to a financial counsellor.
According to the Queensland Council of Social Services, ten percent of Queenslanders live in a desperate financial situation while another twenty percent are at risk of significant financial hardship.
This means that 1.2 million, or one in three Queenslanders, could benefit from independent, free, professional financial counselling services.
“Lifeline can assist with financial over-commitment, debt recovery through courts and uninsured car accidents,” Ms Connelly said.
“People need to know that there is help out there and that they can be guided through this financially tough time,” she said.
Financial hardship can also have a significant impact on relationships, cause depression or feelings of worthlessness and a sense of being overwhelmed.
To find out more about Lifeline’s free financial counselling or to make an appointment people can phone Lifeline Gold Coast’s Client Services Team on 5539 9922 or email lifeline.goldcoast@lccq.org.au.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Soraya Gonano - Lifeline
5539 9879
0412 995 476
Soraya.gonano@lccq.org.au
Sophie Hickson – HicksonMedia
5591 2556
0405 227 444
www.hicksonmedia.com.au
Last changed: Nov 12 2008 at 11:37 AM
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