Way Forward

Way Forward is temporarily unable to process our clients’ usual payments.

If you are an active client or creditor of Way Forward, please refer to the email communication you have received regarding how we are managing client payments until usual arrangements can resume.

Please visit our website update below for more information: https://wayforward.org.au/statement-from-way-forward-re-cyber-incident/

If you are currently experiencing financial hardship there are a range of helpful resources on our website, including a budgeting tool.

You can also contact a free and confidential financial counsellor on the National Debt Helpline for 1800 007 007.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us on 1300 045 502 or [email protected].

R U OK? Day is today, Thursday 10 September, but checking in matters EVERY day.

Life's ups and downs don't wait for a calendar date. That's why R U OK? has free resources to help you keep the conversation going all year round.

Did you know:
- 9 in 10 people who were asked "are you OK?" felt grateful, cared about, and supported.
- 1 in 3 people underestimate the difference that simple question can make.
- 1 in 4 of us hesitate to ask, even when we sense someone's struggling.

If someone's been on your mind lately, trust that instinct. You don't need the perfect words. This video guides you through how to support a friend, a family member or a work colleague: https://vimeo.com/976180726?fl=pl&fe=sh

What matters most is genuine care and listening without judgement.
Ask R U OK? Any Day.

Ask R U OK? Any Day Regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you can help prevent small things from becoming big things. By checking in regularly, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re som...

Financial Hardship.

Sometimes it happens suddenly and unexpectedly. A serious illness. A relationship breakdown. Losing your job. A drop in income.

And other times, it happens slowly. Credit card balances grow, BNPL payments add up, the cost of living increases, or you simply take on more commitments than your income can comfortably manage.

At Way Forward, we see every day, how people can find themselves struggling financially. Of the people we support, overcommitment is by far the most common reason for financial hardship.

The important thing to remember, is that financial hardship doesn't define you, and you don't have to face it alone.

Way Forward has simple, practical resources to help you take the first steps towards getting back on track, including budget planners, quick information videos and money tips.

Start your financial recovery journey: https://wayforward.org.au/tools-support

What is the definition of a father?

A father isn’t simply someone who gives you life. He is someone who gives you love, guidance, strength and the confidence to find your own way.

A father can be a dad, a stepdad, a grandfather, a mentor, or someone who simply chose to be there when you needed them most.
As the saying goes, “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”

This Father’s Day, we celebrate the fathers who have shaped our lives, stood beside us through the good and difficult times, and reminded us that we are never alone.

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and those who carry that role in our hearts.

On 19 August, Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino announced important reforms aimed at better protecting Australians from harmful practices that can put their retirement savings at risk.

The changes include stronger anti-hawking laws and new licensing requirements for lead generators who advertise and contact people about switching their super.
As this ABC News article shows, the consequences when things go wrong can be devastating. Around 12,000 Australians were affected by the collapse of the Shield and First Guardian funds, involving more than $1 billion in retirement savings.

For some people, the journey began with something as simple as clicking on an online ad offering to “check” their super, followed by contact from a telemarketer and a referral to a financial adviser.

Scam Awareness Week was last week and it is another reminder to be cautious about unsolicited approaches or online advertisements involving your money or superannuation.
Stop. Check. Protect.

ABC News article
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-19/telemarketers-the-target-of-government-crackdown-super-switching/107045422

'It was devastating': Superannuation lost to dodgy switching schemes Unlicensed telemarketers who cold call and make unsolicited approaches to consumers to convince them to switch their super will be banned under long-awaited reforms.

The NAB Australian Wellbeing Survey Q1 2026 found that young Australians aged 18–29 have stronger intentions to save than any other age group.

An ABC News article looking at the money habits of Gen Z shows that good financial habits can come from education and the example set by family and friends — but also from making simple, practical changes to the way we manage our money.

One concerning finding is that many young people are turning to social media and AI platforms for financial information and advice. While these can be useful starting points, the information isn’t always accurate or appropriate to a person’s circumstances.

The good news? Small changes, good information and a few simple habits can make a real difference.

Read the full ABC News article here:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-01/gen-z-money-habits/106894802

NAB Wellbeing Survey Q1-2026: https://business.nab.com.au/content/dam/nab-business/NAB%20Wellbeing%20Survey%20Q1%202026.pdf

How Gen Z sees money and how it drives their spending and saving Social media and 'finfluencers' are just some of the ways Gen Z are learning about money in a changing financial world.

It’s Scams Awareness Week. 24 - 28 August.
Australians are becoming more alert to scams, but scammers are also becoming increasingly sophisticated. With the sheer volume of scams, (and how convincing they can look), it’s sometimes difficult to spot one until it’s too late.

Whether it’s a phishing scam, romance or investment scam, identity theft or another type of fraud, the advice is simple:
Stop. Check. Protect.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t let anyone rush you. Take your time, check that the person or organisation is who they say they are and, if you’re unsure, don’t respond.

Scamwatch has useful information on how to protect yourself, recognise the warning signs and report a scam.

Find out more: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/stop-check-protect

From Gambling Addiction to Recovery: Luke Bateman's Powerful Story

Former Canberra Raiders NRL player Luke Bateman has shared his deeply personal journey of gambling addiction in ABC's Australian Story, revealing how a habit that began as part of team bonding at just 18 years old spiralled into a devastating addiction. Despite earning around $400,000 a year, Bateman lost approximately $500,000 through gambling, eventually reaching a point where he could not afford groceries and relied on his family for support.

Determined to rebuild his life, Bateman stepped away from professional football and returned to regional Queensland, working in remote logging camps to remove himself from gambling triggers while paying off his debts. Reading also became an unexpected but vital part of his recovery.

Today, Bateman is a passionate advocate for gambling reform and speaks openly about the harms of gambling addiction, encouraging stronger protections for Australians. His story highlights that gambling harm can affect anyone, regardless of income or success.

Watch the ABC video to hear Luke's inspiring story, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0pb8JRVMtI&t=67s

Read Way Forward's article on why gambling has become a national shame and where people can seek support: https://wayforward.org.au/gambling-a-national-shame/

- Are you in financial stress?
- Do you require FREE financial hardship support?
- Are you employed but struggling to meet your commitments?

Find out if we can help you. Go to www.wayforward.org.au and click GET STARTED. That one click could help you get your finances back on track and help ease the burden of financial stress. There is a Way Forward. www.wayforward,org,au

Five Simple Shopping Rules to Help You Spend Smarter

Impulse spending can quickly derail even the best budget, especially with the ease of online shopping and tap-and-go payments.

If you've ever bought something you didn't really need, you're not alone.

This practical ABC News article shares five simple strategies that can help you pause before making a purchase, reduce unnecessary spending and build healthier money habits over time.

The five key takeaways include:
• Pause before making a purchase.
• Set clear spending limits.
• Shop with a plan.
• Avoid common spending triggers.
• Build long-term money habits that last.

Whether you're trying to save more, reduce debt or simply make your money go further, these straightforward tips are well worth the read.

Read the full article here:

Struggling to save? Here are five ways to curb your impulse spending If you'd rather be saving than shopping, but are struggling to switch gears, there are ways to change your habits.