Free support to manage your debts

Find out if we can help you.

Way Forward is a not-for-profit organisation that has helped hundreds of Australians become debt free.

We put in place affordable debt management plans for people experiencing long-term financial hardship. We are funded by donations and our services are free for our clients.

Excellent

Way Forward Debt Solutions Ltd4.8

Based on 59 reviews

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rachael stewart

2 days ago

I am so happy with the support I received Very informative, respectful and practical This has supported me to now make life not only manageable but also a little more flexible

Mark Ellbourn

3 days ago

Chetan was so helpful and made organizing an agreement with my debtors ,i cant recommend Way Forward more ,other companies charge thousands based on your debt ,way forward is free and in my opinion a lot more profession

Response from the owner:Thanks for the review Mark. Yes, there is a big, big difference between Way Forward and other companies. Being free is one of them. Being professional is another. I'll let Chetan know about the review. Fiona

Shezan Sh

3 days ago

Thank you Cheetan for all the assistance! Thank you Way Forward

Response from the owner:Thank you for the review Shezan. I'll pass on your thanks to Chetan. Fiona

Peung Sai

7 days ago

Way forward way of life.. way to get me out of my stress.. I don’t want to be a bad person who can’t pay debt but way forward have helped me sort this out .. very helpful and friendly.. Thank you Nicole you are my life saver …

Response from the owner:Thanks Peung. I'm glad we can help and I'll let Nicole know that you appreciated your help. Fiona

Kerry

7 days ago

Thank you for your support 🙏

Response from the owner:A pleasure. Glad we could help. Fiona

robbyn g

2 weeks ago

So well done Chetan. I was not the nicest/easiest person to work with. I was angry annoyed and frustrated but you stayed calm and patient through this whole experience. In the end you reduced my debt by half and I am now in a very affordable payment plan. I would recommend Cheetham and way forward without hesitation. Thankyou for all your help

Response from the owner:Thanks for leaving a review Robbyn. I'll let Chetan know and I'm glad we could help. Fiona

Queen Trader

1 month ago

Chetan is an absolute asset to this not-for-profit organisation. He kept his word with every appointment made from the day dot and was professional and respectful with each interaction. Being a single mum with financial issues is difficult enough and Chetan assisted without judgement and made the whole process easy. First payment to come out next week and hoping everything will go smoothly but just wanted to say a big shout out and thank you again. I hope your management acknowledges your hard work and professionalism. Thank you again.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback and those lovely words about Chetan. I will let him know - and yes, we are lucky to have him. Fiona

kathrine Johnson

1 month ago

Very easy to use. Great customer service. Highly recommend

Response from the owner:Thank you Kathrine. We launched a digital tool on our website a few months ago and a new client portal, so that should make it easier as well. Fiona

Sir Patchykins

2 months ago

If I could give them a zero, I would! Operator was absolutely heartless and would not assist me in helping with debt relief. Doesn’t matter how much we struggle with cost of living and facing homelessness.

Response from the owner:Hello, I'm sorry to hear that you are unhappy. As I don't know your name, I can't check our records to understand the detail. However, we don't promise that we can help everyone. As our website explains, the clients we can assist need to have some money left over after living expenses so that we can make an offer to their creditors. If we can't help, we will usually suggest that a person ring and speak to a free and confidential financial counsellor on the National Debt Helpline. Their number is 1800 007 007 and their website is ndh.org.au Fiona

Feel Good Fitness Coaching

2 months ago

The Way Forward Team are so amazing, the highest level of support, professional manner to negiotate on my behalf with debtors, their excellent communication, the ease to contact their staff at anytime. I strongly recommend this company to anyone, I'm so appreciative on their help throughout a stressful time in my life THANK YOU Way Forward team, you were awesome

Response from the owner:Thank you for letting us know about your experience. I'm really glad we could help. Fiona

How we help

Four simple steps

1. Understand your situation
We’ll clarify what you owe and create a budget.
2. Negotiate with creditors
We’ll talk to your creditors on your behalf. Calls from debt collectors should stop.
3. Create an affordable plan
We’ll put in place an affordable debt repayment plan.
4. Make one regular payment
Make one payment to us and we’ll distribute to your creditors. Enjoy peace of mind.

GET STARTED

Who we help

“Life doesn’t always go as planned. We’re a small team of passionate professionals that really make a difference. For many people, talking to Way Forward can be life-changing.”

Fiona GuthrieCEO, Way Forward

You have a regular income (wages or salary)

Your financial situation is unlikely to change

You have some money left over after living expenses (but before debts)

You-have-some-money-left-over-after-living-expenses-1

Helpful tools

Take the first step towards financial freedom with our simple, easy-to-use planning tools.

Free budgeting tool

Our simple budget planner helps you track your income and expenses, so you can stay on top of your daily spending with confidence.

Learn more

Repayment calculator

See how changing your payment amounts can affect how long it will take to pay off your debts.

Get a clearer picture of your situation and what may be manageable.

Learn more

Video explainers

Short videos about common debt topics and issues.

Learn more

“I can finally sleep at ease knowing I can afford to pay my debt off stress free.”

Relief / Hope

“The best part of dealing with Way Forward is not being judged.”

Respect / Non-judgmental Support

“Way Forward has changed my life.”

Life Change / Emotional Impact

“I can spend more time with my family and go back to what we used to do.”

Family / Everyday Life

Supported by

Thriving Communities Partnership - Connect. Collaborate. Impact.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.

About Way Forward: Who is behind Way Forward?

Way Forward Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit charity set up to help people who are struggling with debt. We are supported by the major banks (who provided seed funding in 2018), as well as a number of other financial institutions in Australia. We also have close links with a number of community service organisations, who were also involved in decision-making when we were being set-up.

Our team of financial hardship advocates are independent and help our clients find a sustainable way forward with their debts.

About Way Forward: Is Way Forward really free?

Yes, our debt management services are completely free of charge. We don’t take commissions, we don’t add fees and 100% of what you pay goes directly to reducing your debt. Our ongoing funding comes from donations from the major banks and a number of other financial institutions. Our list of supporters is directly above these FAQs.

Getting Started: What are the eligibility criteria for Way Forward?

We can help people who are experiencing long-term financial hardship and want to repay their unsecured debts (such as credit cards, personal loans, buy now pay later accounts, payday loans, wage advances etc). You will need to have some income left over after essential living expenses in order for us to make a repayment offer to your creditors.

It is unlikely we can assist people whose sole income is from Centrelink, as they generally do not have sufficient funds for debt repayments after living costs.

Each client’s situation is assessed individually to make sure a Way Forward plan is the right fit. Our services are not means tested – if we can help you, our services are always be free.

Your Debts: Does Way Forward offer debt consolidation?

We don’t provide loans or debt consolidation products. Rather than consolidating your loans, we consolidate your payments. We negotiate with your creditors so that you can make one affordable regular payment through Way Forward, which we then distribute to your creditors on your behalf. This payment comes out of your account the day after your payday, making it easier to manage your money.

Your Debts: Which debts can Way Forward help with?

We help by putting in place a payment plan for your unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans, buy now pay later accounts, payday loans, wage advances etc. We deal with your creditors on your behalf to set up your plan.

For secured debts such as mortgages or car loans, or with tax debts, we will include these payments in your budget, but we don’t make payments to these creditors on your behalf.

The Process: How long does it take to set up a debt repayment plan with Way Forward?

Once we have the information we need from you, most plans are set up within about six weeks. The timing can vary depending on how quickly your creditors respond and confirm arrangements.

The Process: What impact will an arrangement via Way Forward have on my credit report?

Entering into an arrangement with Way Forward may be noted on your credit report. Different creditors record the information in different ways: some creditors will close your account while others record it as a hardship arrangement (however, this cannot be used in calculating your credit score).

The impact of an arrangement with Way Forward will generally be far less serious than default listings or ongoing missed payments, and it shows creditors you are taking responsible steps to repay your debts. See our credit reporting page for more details.

Supporting people to find the

Way Forward Debt Solutions is a registered charity in Australia –  ABN 20 628 702 821

Australian Credit Licence 516657
Australian Financial Services Licence 516657

Free support to manage your debts

How we help

1. Understand your situation

2. Negotiate with creditors

3. Create an affordable plan

4. Make one regular payment

Who we help

Helpful tools

Free budgeting tool

Repayment calculator

Video explainers

Supported by

Frequently asked questions

Supporting people to find the

Quick links

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