Free support to manage your debts

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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 Ltd5.0

Based on 49 reviews

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Nicholas Walker

I really don’t know where to start. I was in debt and had no idea how to fix the problem.
I’m really grateful I came across Way Forward, and the awesome work they achieved to put me on the right financial track and eventually pay all my debts. What a huge achievement and weight off my shoulders. Thanks guys. You rock!!

Response from the owner:Thanks Nicholas. You rock is a great tribute! Fiona

toni McCurley

Thank you way Forward for assisting me when going through a hard time financially and working on my behalf to negotiate my financial situation.
Kind regards Toni Sheveleff

Response from the owner:Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review Toni. I'm glad we could help. Fiona

Vicki Cooper

It’s hard to know where to start with writing this review because there are not enough words to express how thankful I am to Chetan and Way Forward.
At the end of 2025 I thought I would never be rid of my debt and that I would struggle for the rest of my life. My mental health was at its lowest and it was impossible to see an end.
Thankfully, a financial counsellor at Lifeline suggested I contact Way Forward.
From the first call I made, through to then end, I was treated with dignity, empathy and respect. Chetan explained the process clearly and kept me informed throughout. I never felt any judgement from Chetan, only support and empathy.
I feel like a massive weight has been lifted and that I will have a future. I can’t thank Chetan and Way Forward enough for helping me when I thought I had no way out.

Response from the owner:Thanks Vicki. A lot of people feel the same way - that there is no way out. But there is and I'm so glad we could help you through what has been a tough time. I'll let Chetan know how much you appreciated his help. Fiona

Anand Chudasma

Fantastic organisation and very helpful people for the debt solution. Thanks Chetan all the help and support.

Response from the owner:Thank you Anand. I'll let Chetan know and it will make his day.

A M

I am so grateful to Nicole and the Way Forward Team. Nicole was very professional, helpful and gave regular updates. My worries and burden lightened up because of your assistance. Thank you 🙏

Response from the owner:Very pleased to hear that. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Fiona

Jason Fort

Incredible experience

Response from the owner:Good to hear.

Anna Biljana (Anna81Angel)

Just signed up with Way forward to help me waive my debts and their grabby interests, now all my debts under one easy fortnightly payment, without interests, would definitely help me get my head around, get more money for groceries and feel more comfortable week by week knowing I will return money I owe, but not 3X that amount for their interests and unknown charges.
I have learned my lesson not to get involved with any other financial services but a bank itself.
Highly recommend Way Forward, amazing customer service, understanding and polite, clear communication and they deliver what they promise.

Response from the owner:Thanks Anna. I'm glad we were able to help and that things are looking up for you. Fiona

Jay

35K in the hole, 15 calls a day fom debt xollextors

These guys sorted it all out

Yes it took a while, but seriously , they are a group of finicial advisors doing this as volunteers

Managed to instantly write of about 5000 of debt and negoitated with cresitors, stopped all intrest payments etc etv

If you are stuggling with debt, i could not recommend them more highly

Ask fod Ritchi, he waa assignes fo my file, man ia alegend, i sleep so much easier now that all my financial shit has been pought under control

Response from the owner:Hi Jay, thanks for the review and I'm glad that your finances are now under control. Ritchie is a legend! We are actually funded by donations, which is why our service is free (so our staff are paid, not volunteers). We're a not for profit charity. We wish that creditors would get back to us faster, but it can take a while. Fiona

FionaM

I cannot recommend this service highly enough. The staff were amazing and negotiated with my creditors to freeze my interest payments, while securing a debt repayment plan based on my financial capacity to pay it off. If your are struggling with your debts, give them a call, you have nothing to lose.

Response from the owner:Hi FionaM, thanks for the review. And very good advice. Fiona

Samantha Walker

After leaving my marriage I found myself in a bit of a bad spot financially.
Way forward helped me get back on my feet and plan for my future
Thank you

Response from the owner:Hi Samantha, thanks for the review and really pleased that you're back on your feet. And with plans. All the best with them. 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

Why we are different

Way Forward is always a better option than for-profit debt management firms.

	Way Forward	Other debt management firms
Not for profit, registered charity
Set up fee	$0	$$$$$ (Can be thousands of dollars)
Ongoing fees	$0	$$$$$ (Can be thousands of dollars, often a % of the debt)
Debt reduction	100% of what you pay goes toward your debts	You need to pay the debt management firm first, and what is left over goes toward your debt
Funding sources	Voluntary donations from creditors (we are modelled on StepChange in the UK)	Client fees

I have to say Way Forward has changed my life for the better. I am so very grateful. The fortnightly deduction to pay my creditors has been a huge emotional relief and I believe I am nearly out of the red. I will NEVER get myself in any financial trouble ever again.

SueWay Forward client

I cannot express enough thanks to Way Forward for all you did. My stress and anxiety about my financial situation has completely disappeared and I am managing my finances better than ever before.

AdelaideWay Forward client

Way Forward has been life-saving for me.

JamesWay Forward client

I honestly can’t thank you enough!! Having this outcome is the biggest weight lifted for me and my family! Actually, an understatement. We still don’t know what’s ahead for us but knowing this cloud is gone is absolutely incredible! Thank you so very much!!!! ❤️

RacquelWay Forward client

Video explainers

When should I ask for help? Is bankruptcy an option? Can I access my superannuation early? What is debt consolidation?

CEO, Fiona Guthrie answers your questions in fast, informative 2 minute videos. More videos will be added regularly to support people in financial stress.

Watch

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