Where people in debt get caught out: fee-charging debt firms, collector pressure, ignored bankruptcy notices and missed complaint rights, plus the free official help available.
The most expensive debt mistakes tend to repeat: paying a fee-charging firm for help that a financial counsellor gives free, signing a debt agreement that cannot be kept up, ignoring a bankruptcy notice until the 21 days run out, or paying a collector for a debt that was already statute-barred. These guides describe those failure patterns and what to do instead.
Start with debt help mistakes to avoid. Then read how to spot a dodgy debt management firm, your rights with debt collectors, what to do if you receive a bankruptcy notice, how to complain to AFCA and the directory of free help and official sources.
Everything on this site is general information, not legal or financial advice. Free financial counsellors (National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007) and community legal centres can look at your own situation at no cost.
Mistakes, Failure Cases and Official Sources
How to complain about a refused hardship request, a default, a debt collector or irresponsible lending in Australia, RG 271 timeframes, AFCA's free process and what it can achieve.
Mistakes, Failure Cases and Official Sources
What a bankruptcy notice is in Australia, the 21-day deadline, the $10,000 creditor's petition minimum, how to respond, set aside or negotiate, and what happens at the court hearing.
Mistakes, Failure Cases and Official Sources
What debt collectors can and cannot do in Australia, contact limits in the ACCC and ASIC Debt collection guideline, debt buyers, disputing a debt, and how to complain.
Mistakes, Failure Cases and Official Sources
The most common and costly mistakes Australians make when dealing with debt, from paying debt firms and unaffordable debt agreements to ignoring bankruptcy notices, with what to do instead.
Mistakes, Failure Cases and Official Sources
How debt management and debt help firms are regulated in Australia, ASIC credit licensing and AFSA registration, typical fee models, ten warning signs and how to check a firm.
Mistakes, Failure Cases and Official Sources
Where to get free, independent debt help in Australia — National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007, Mob Strong Debt Help, Legal Aid, AFSA, AFCA, ASIC — plus a brief note on Centrelink debts.
