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.

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.

If you’d like to contribute to financial counsellors and their work, you can click here to support them.

Or if you’re interested in becoming a financial counsellor yourself, you can go here to learn more.