Plan ahead to avoid the New Year credit crunch

In the months after Christmas our financial counsellors hear from hundreds of Victorians struggling with Christmas debt. Their credit card bills have arrived and the cost of presents and festivities,...
October 9, 2013

Will consolidating my debts help?

Key message Get advice about all your options before: taking out a new loan to pay all your existing loans taking out a loan to consolidate your debt For free, independent and confidenti...
June 30, 2013

Cancelling a direct debit on a statement account

Key Message: You can cancel a direct debit from your bank account (not a credit card); Get advice about the consequences of not paying a debt before you stop payments. What is a direct debi...
June 30, 2013

Debt collection – your right to stop contact

Key Message: A creditor or debt collector must not contact you about a debt if you tell them in writing not to contact you about the debt. However, the debt collector can make a genuine threat of...
June 30, 2013

Water debt

[box type="note" icon="none"] Use this information sheet if You are having problems paying your water bill Your water business is demanding that you pay more than you can afford You want to kno...
September 27, 2012

Electricity and gas debt

Use this information sheet if: you are having trouble paying your electricity or gas bill; or you want information about payment arrangements and your rights. You do have rights under the E...
September 26, 2012

Home Repossession

[box type="note" icon="none"] Use this Fact Sheet if: You are being pursued for payment of a debt; and You are threatened with court action to take possession of your home or other house or land....
September 26, 2012

Debt Collection – Seeking Compensation in VCAT

Use this factsheet if you: are being hassled by a debt collector think that a debt collector or a creditor might be acting unfairly or unlawfully want to seek compensation for the distress...
September 26, 2012

What if I have been sued for a debt?

Key message Act quickly to get advice if you have been sued for a debt in the Magistrate’s Court of Victoria. The Magistrates Court Process If the amount owed is $100,000 or less, a creditor...
June 11, 2012

Do I have to pay an old debt?

Key Messages: There are time limits for taking legal action.  This means that your debts may become too old for a creditor to successfully take legal action against you. Get advice before maki...
March 20, 2012