It plays a role in every part of life – from our health and wellbeing to our closest relationships.
And when we find ourselves struggling financially, the impact is often much deeper than an unbalanced budget.
People in Australian communities are struggling with money.
Financial challenges are the leading cause of distress impacting Australia’s mental health and wellbeing (Beyond Blue, 2024).
Nearly 3.5 million Australian households experienced food insecurity in 2025 (Foodbank, 2025).
People with poorly met financial needs are nearly 7x more likely to be persistently lonely (Ending Loneliness Together, 2024).
Access to services and opportunities is not evenly distributed across society, meaning those with the greatest need face the most significant barriers to support (ASIC and Beyond Blue, 2022).
What do we mean by ‘financial struggle’?
Financial struggle captures the full spectrum of difficulty someone may experience in relation to money – distress, hardship and struggles of the heart.
While everyone can struggle with money, some people can be at greater risk of the devastating relational, physical and emotional impacts of financial distress and hardship, including single mothers, Indigenous Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, older people, and younger people.
involves chronic stress, anxiety, or overwhelm related to money – fear of bills, mounting debt, or financial obligations that feel impossible to meet. It can cause isolation and a lack of confidence to see a way forward.
is the point at which financial pressures become unmanageable. It involves having difficulty paying bills and repayments on loans and debts, and meeting basic needs such as housing, food and healthcare.
can include wrestling with how we view and use money, battling mindsets of scarcity rather than generosity, consumerism rather than simplicity and individualism rather than extending hospitality in community.
Changing this story takes all of us.
No single solution will solve financial distress and hardship in Australia – but together, God’s people can make a powerful difference.
As a collective movement of churches and Christians, each small move we make – be it practical help, financial mentoring, or acts of hospitality – moves the dial on systemic change.
Will you step into this story?
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Claire Ince
Claire Ince
Claire Ince