Here’s a concise, practical guide to getting affordable (and often free) financial help in Australia, plus how to find low‑cost paid advice if you need it.

1. Free, confidential financial counselling (first port of call)

• National Debt Helpline — free financial counselling, phone 1800 007 007 (weekdays) and online live chat. They help with negotiating creditors, budgeting and urgent debt issues. (ndh.org.au)
• Financial Counselling Australia / state services — national peak body; helps you find local, specialist or community financial counsellors (no charge). (financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au)
• Government listings — Department of Social Services and AFSA point to free financial counselling services and specialist help (including Indigenous services). (dss.gov.au)

Why start here: financial counsellors are free, independent, confidential and can usually negotiate with lenders or refer you to supports — they don’t sell investments, so they’re safe when you’re in financial stress. (MoneySmart.gov.au)

2. Government and trusted self‑help resources (free)

• ASIC MoneySmart — budgeting tools, calculators, step‑by‑step guides and the Financial Advisers Register (to check advisers). Use MoneySmart to build a plan before paying for advice. (MoneySmart.gov.au)

3. Low‑cost paid advice options (when you need personalised investment/retirement/tax planning)

• Scaled or limited advice: many planners now offer “limited” or “scaled” advice sessions (single issue or hourly) rather than full comprehensive plans — cheaper and faster. Ask for an hourly rate or fixed‑price scope. (Check with any adviser whether they provide limited/scaled advice.) (theaustralian.com.au)
• Compare fees and credentials: always check the Financial Advisers Register (ASIC/MoneySmart) to confirm an adviser is authorised and to see their qualifications and areas of advice. Ask for a written fee quote and a Statement of Advice (SoA) before paying. (ASIC.gov.au)
• Community or university financial planning clinics: some universities and community organisations offer low‑fee or pro‑bono sessions run by supervised students or volunteers — useful for basic planning.

4. If you’re in immediate crisis or feeling overwhelmed

• Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or use their live chat — they can triage urgent housing, utility or creditor problems and refer specialist help. (ndh.org.au)

5. Practical questions to ask any paid adviser (short checklist)

• Are you listed on the ASIC Financial Advisers Register? (Verify online.) (ASIC.gov.au)
• Do you charge hourly, fixed‑fee or percentage? What is the total expected cost for the work I need? (theaustralian.com.au)
• Will I get a Statement of Advice in writing that explains recommendations and fees? (ASIC.gov.au)
• Do you have conflicts of interest or commissions to disclose?

6. Extra supports (special groups)

• Mob Strong Debt Help (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and other specialist legal/financial services are available — MoneySmart and AFSA list these. (MoneySmart.gov.au)

Quick next steps (one‑page action):

1. If urgent or in debt stress: call 1800 007 007 (National Debt Helpline) or use their live chat. (ndh.org.au)
2. Use ASIC’s MoneySmart tools to make a simple budget and note your questions. (MoneySmart.gov.au)
3. If you need paid advice, shortlist 2–3 advisers from the ASIC Financial Advisers Register, ask for an hourly or limited‑scope quote and get a written SoA. (ASIC.gov.au)

If you want, I can:

• draft a one‑page budget template you can use now, or
• draft a short script/email to send to an adviser asking about fees and scope.

Which would you like?