Way Forward

26/05/2026

Who can you trust?
New data from the ABS shows that only 50 per cent of Australians agreed that most people can be trusted, down from 61 per cent in 2020 and 55 per cent in 2019.

Trust in the healthcare system, police and justice system also declined.

Find more interesting insights from this release of the General Social Survey. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/general-social-survey-summary-results-australia/2025

If you are struggling to meet your financial commitments or need support, help is available. There is support and there is a way forward.
Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 ndh.org.au
Way Forward 1300 045 502 wayforward.org.au

23/05/2026

Women are feeling the squeeze.

New data from the ABS shows that just over 34 per cent of Australians often felt rushed for time, similar to 33 per cent in 2020, but down from 40 per cent in 2019. On average, women continue to feel the strain more than men, with 38 per cent reporting they felt rushed for time compared with 30 per cent of men.

The latest ABS General Social Survey shows shifting wellbeing, evolving community ties and changes in how we support one another.

If you are struggling to meet your financial commitments or need support, help is available. There is support and there is a way forward.
Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 ndh.org.au
Way Forward 1300 045 502 wayforward.org.au

Full report here:
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/general-social-survey-summary-results-australia/2025

19/05/2026

Our social ties are shifting.

New data from the ABS shows that 53 per cent of Australians had weekly in-person contact with family or friends living outside their household in 2025. This was higher than the 42 per cent in 2020 during COVID-19 but lower than the 68 per cent in 2019.

If you are struggling to meet your financial commitments or need support, help is available. There is a way forward.
Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 ndh.org.au
Way Forward 1300 045 502 wayforward.org.au

Full report here:
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/general-social-survey-summary-results-australia/2025

17/05/2026

How did Australians really feel in 2025?

New ABS data paints a concerning picture of growing financial pressure across the community.
More households experienced financial stress in 2025, with increases in:
• cashflow problems;
• drawing down savings; and
• financial exclusion compared with 2020 and 2019.

Around one in four households reported experiencing a cashflow problem in the previous 12 months.

At Way Forward, we’ll be watching closely to see how the Federal budget affects households struggling with bills and debts - because behind every statistic is a person trying to make ends meet.

Full report here:
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/general-social-survey-summary-results-australia/2025

If you are struggling to meet your financial commitments or need support, help is available. There is a way forward.
Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 ndh.org.au
Way Forward 1300 045 502 wayforward.org.au

14/05/2026

Prioritising Debt

In this 2 minute video, CEO of Way Forward, Fiona Guthrie explains the difference between priority and non-priority debts. Some debts – such as rent, mortgage payments and essential utilities - can quickly affect your home or day-to-day life if they aren’t paid.

Other debts can often be managed through affordable repayment arrangements.
Understanding which debts to deal with first can help reduce stress and put you back in control.
Remember, There is a way forward. www.wayforward.org.au
https://youtu.be/oRL2W0x5oT4?si=EVBsTA7SObcFHdWj

In this informative 2 minute video, CEO of Way Forward, Fiona Guthrie explains that there are debts you need to prioritise as they can quickly affect your li...

10/05/2026

Way Forward extends warm wishes to all mothers, foster mothers, guardians, carers and grandmothers for a wonderful Mother’s Day.
May your day be filled with love.

07/05/2026

Not everyone feels ready to talk about money worries straight away. That’s understandable.

To help, we’ve created a library of short, easy-to-watch Video Explainers (2–3 minutes each) you can explore in your own time.

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝.𝐨𝐫𝐠.𝐚𝐮/𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨-𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

When you are ready to take the next step, we’re here to help — free, confidential and without judgement.
There is a way forward: www.wayforward.org.au

Some of the videos you may find helpful are:
• Feeling ashamed about debt
• Debt Collection – What are your rights?
• When should I ask for help with my debt?
• Can I access my super early?
• Gambling – There is a way forward
• Can’t pay your debts? Here’s what to say.
• Secured and unsecured debt – what is the difference?

03/05/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰.

If you’re having trouble meeting your home loan repayments, you can ask your lender for a financial hardship arrangement.
If an arrangement is agreed and you keep up with the revised repayments:
• Your repayment history will show as up to date during that period.
• A note that you were in hardship will appear on your credit report, but the reason is not included.
• This hardship information stays on your report for 12 months after the arrangement ends.

Importantly, a hardship arrangement cannot be used in calculating your credit score, but lenders may take it into account when assessing future applications.
Lenders are required under the credit laws to consider requests for hardship assistance.

Need help?
The National Debt Helpline offers free, independent advice from qualified financial counsellors: 📞 1800 007 007

If you are struggling with household or personal debt, Way Forward may be able to help. Way Forward is a free not-for-profit service.

Find out more here: www.wayforward.org.au or watch our helpful short videos here: www.wayforward.org.au/video-explainers

30/04/2026

Nearly half of Australians with debt are struggling to keep up with repayments, yet many still aren’t asking for help.

A 2024 report from ASIC’s Moneysmart found that 47% of adults with debt (around 5.8 million people) faced repayment difficulties over the past year, driven by cost-of-living pressures, reduced income and unexpected expenses.

Lenders are legally required to consider requests for support from people experiencing financial hardship.

More than half of Australians don’t realise they’re entitled to assistance, while others are unsure where to go or whom to trust.

Stress, shame, and feelings of failure further deter people from seeking help, with many experiencing anxiety and loss of sleep.

Misconceptions also persist, including fears about higher costs, credit score impacts or limited support.

Key points about asking for help:
• You have a legal right to request financial hardship assistance from your lender
• Contact your bank or lender early if you’re struggling with repayments
• If you’re unhappy with the response, make a complaint to the lender
• Escalate unresolved issues to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority

If you would like to know more or are seeking support:
National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
Way Forward Debt Solutions: www.wayforward.org.au

20/04/2026

Buy Now Pay Later being used by Australians to make ends meet

Research from Way Forward shows that people in financial hardship turn to to pay for essentials. But remember: if you're struggling to pay bills, using BNPL will likely make your financial situation worse.

The research found:
- 80 per cent of people in hardship said they had used BNPL.
- 38 per cent of people using BNPL had used it for essentials.
- 63 per cent of those using BNPL have accessed 2 or more providers.

Full article here: https://wayforward.org.au/balancing-act-how-financially-vulnerable-people-are-using-bnpl-to-dig-their-way-out-of-debt/

Resources:
Watch our short video on BNPL here: https://youtu.be/fdRyfvw_QdI
Check out what can be done to start addressing this growing issue:
Way Forward’s BNPL Resource Page: http://ow.ly/7AZr50Kyrmj