What is Moneycare Week? Explainer

12 hours ago2 min read

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE

Throughout this Moneycare Week, we are sharing resources and information about the free and confidential support The Salvation Army provides to those experiencing financial challenges.

The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service supports thousands of Australians each year who find the burden of increasing costs and financial strain too much to bear alone.

“Moneycare Week is for everyone – whether someone’s living under the poverty line or feeling financial strain regardless of their income.”

What is Moneycare Week?

Moneycare Week is a time for The Salvation Army to encourage Australians to take a fresh look at their financial situation and identify areas where stress and strain could be alleviated, and to seek help where needed.

Salvation Army research found that during the last Christmas period, more than 34 per cent of Australians used credit cards and 17 per cent used buy-now, pay-later schemes to cover the cost of Christmas. Sadly, more than six per cent of Australians borrowed money, and more than eight per cent sold personal belongings to try to afford Christmas expenses.

Moneycare Financial Inclusion Project Officer Bee Orsini said money influences almost every aspect of our lives. When it brings peace, security, stress or fear, it impacts not just wallets but everything. She also said Moneycare Week isn’t just for one particular group of people who are struggling.

“Moneycare Week is here to empower people to take small steps that can make a big difference in their financial confidence,” Bee said.

“Moneycare Week is for everyone – whether someone’s living under the poverty line or feeling financial strain regardless of their income. It’s about discovering the support and possibilities that can help shape a confident and hopeful present and future.”

More than just numbers and spreadsheets

Additionally, Bee said Moneycare Week wasn’t just about budgets or bank accounts. It was also about stepping back and asking the bigger questions, such as, “Are my money goals bringing me joy and fulfilment, or is there a new way to approach my financial worries?”

“Through Moneycare Week, we’re providing tools and events to build financial resilience – not just for the community, but for our own people too,” Bee said.

“Normalising Money Conversations, our internally focused initiative, ensures that Salvos personnel have access to ongoing support. Upcoming projects like ‘Supercharge Your Future’ (focused on superannuation) are designed to empower our team to navigate their own financial journeys with confidence.”

Moneycare provides free online tools and resources, as well as financial counsellors who are experts at getting finances back on track. If you would prefer to speak to someone anonymously, you can do so via live chat on the Moneycare website here or call 1800 722 363.