Meet Tania, FUSA’s new Financial Counsellor
I met FUSA’s new Financial Counsellor Tania at the coffee van for a quick chat about her new role, what financial counselling actually involves, and why students shouldn’t wait until things feel impossible before reaching out.
Words by FUSA
Tania joins FUSA with several years of experience in financial counselling and community support, including previous roles with UnitingCare and Anglicare. In those roles, she supported people dealing with a wide range of financial stress, including bills, debt, Centrelink issues, budgeting and unexpected hardship.
Tania has only been in the role for two weeks, but she has already noticed how much Flinders students are trying to manage at once. Some students are living away from home for the first time, some are supporting families, some are working while studying, and others are navigating sudden financial stress.
Her role is to offer students a calm, confidential space to talk through what is happening and get practical support without judgement.
Students can come to Tania for help with a wide range of money worries. This might include struggling to pay rent, bills, groceries or transport costs, dealing with debt, understanding Centrelink payments, managing unexpected expenses, or trying to make a limited income stretch further.
But students do not need to know exactly what kind of help they need before booking an appointment.
“Studying can be an exciting time,” she says, “but it can also come with a lot of pressure, especially when you’re trying to balance rent, food, transport, work, placements and study. I’m here to help students understand their options and feel more in control of their situation.”
Appointments with Tania are free, confidential and non-judgemental. Students do not need to have everything perfectly organised before they come in. Bills, letters, Centrelink information or bank statements can be useful, but they are not required to start the conversation.
In an appointment, Tania will talk through what is happening, what feels most urgent, and what options may be available. Depending on the situation, she can help with budgeting, debts, referrals, advocacy, emergency support options or understanding financial systems.
One of the main things Tania wants students to know is that they do not have to wait until things are at crisis point before reaching out – Money stress can affect study, health and wellbeing, so getting support early can make a real difference.
Tania encourages students to reach out if they are avoiding bills, missing rent, skipping meals, relying on credit cards or buy now pay later services, borrowing money regularly, or feeling anxious every time they check their bank account.
Students should also get in touch if they receive letters about debts, fines, overdue payments or Centrelink issues and are not sure what to do next.
FUSA’s financial support service is here to support students through financial stress, whether the issue feels big, small, urgent or hard to explain. If money is starting to feel overwhelming, you do not need to figure it out alone. Learn more here.