Debts, fines and buy-now-pay-later
Money and bills · 4 min read
Start with the debts that can take something away from you — rent, power, car. Fines and credit cards can wait a week. Almost nothing has to be paid in full today.
Sort them into two piles
- <strong>Urgent:</strong> rent or mortgage, power and water, car if you need it to work or to be safe.
- <strong>Can wait:</strong> credit cards, personal loans, buy-now-pay-later, most fines.
Fines can usually be paused or worked off
Every state has a hardship process for fines — a payment plan, a pause, or in some cases doing unpaid work or a program instead. Losing a licence over unpaid fines is avoidable and worth acting on early.
Do not borrow to pay debts
Payday loans and "no credit check" lenders will make next month worse. A financial counsellor can get you a better outcome for free.
Debt triage checklist
- List every debt and who it is with
- Mark which ones can take something away from me
- Ring the urgent ones first
- Ask each for hardship
- Book a free financial counsellor
- Ask about a hardship option on any fines
- Do not take out a new loan to cover an old one
Who to call
- National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007 — Free, independent financial counsellors
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This is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice — the rules differ between states and territories.
Not an emergency service
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For family and domestic violence support any time, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).