Managing the pressures of farming
[Table of Content]
What are Rural Financial Counselling Services?
Rural financial counselling is a free service for farmers to assist them with financial aspects of the farm business.
Why are rural financial counselling services important for farm family businesses?
Financial counsellors can help primary producers, small rural businesses and individuals in rural areas with the following issues:
- Assessment of current financial position and cash flow budgeting
- Reviews of contracts and loan applications with lending institutions
- Communication with lenders and facilitation of meetings with financial institutions
- Information on government assistance schemes
- Information on, and referral to, Centrelink and other professional counselling services
- Assistance with family decision making in relation to your rural enterprise,
- including succession planning
What does rural financial counselling include?
The rural financial counselling service is free and independent of financial institutions, welfare agencies or government.
It’s convenient-
A financial counsellor is able to meet you where you live or on your property. The service does not stop with one meeting- financial counsellors provide ongoing services that can adjust to changing circumstances.
It’s confidential-
Information given to the financial counsellor is treated in the strictest confidence. The financial counsellor is able to help the family identify and assess the available options.
You make the decisions-
It is ultimately up to the family to choose which option is right for them. With that option as the basis for action, the counsellor will be able to help with information and guidance.
Where can I find a rural financial counselling service?
See the following page for National and State Rural Financial Counsellor services that will lead you to a counsellor in your area.