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The Consumer Coach

The Consumer Coach

Written by: Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
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The Consumer Coach: Your Pandemic Financial Survival Guide.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia is launching a new radio series dedicated to supporting consumers during the current pandemic.

The economic upheaval triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic is causing global shockwaves. In just five months, Australia has witnessed widespread panic among consumers, millions of jobs lost, plummeting stock prices, and drastic declines in household consumption.

In amongst the chaos, many are finding it challenging just to understand the fast-changing legislation and Government support, let alone reap the benefits.

In an effort to support the financial wellbeing of Australians the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia has partnered with the Ecstra Foundation to equip Australian consumers with the support, advice, and access to resources they need to make financial decisions during the pandemic.

Each episode of the ten-part series will focus on a different area of financial interest. Episode 1 centres around unemployment, exploring themes like ‘You’ve lost your job – what happens now?’ and how to navigate the various government agencies to access financial assistance.

Hosted by Walkley award-winning writer, editor and broadcaster, Jeff Sparrow, listeners will hear insights from financial experts, personal stories from those hardest hit, and representatives from specialist agencies and volunteer-run services like the Australian Unemployed Workers Union.

The Consumer Coach is brought to you by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, supported by the Ecstra Foundation and heard across Australia on the Community Radio Network.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this online series is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

2026 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Careers Economics Personal Success Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • Helping those most in need during COVID 19

    Helping those most in need during COVID 19
    Aug 6 2020

    This week we meet three inspirational CEOs of organisations helping those most in need during COVID 19.

    Coping during Covid is hard enough if you’re an Australian resident but imagine being new to the country, struggling with the language, no job and no family support.  We learn how an organisation in South Australia is helping these vulnerable people.

    And we talk to the head of a wonderful exchange program specifically for women, with resources and programs to help with any curveball life throws.

    To wrap up the series, the CEO of Ecstra talks about the work of all associations who collaborate with Ecstra to help build financial wellbeing across the nation.

    Guests:  

    • Deb Stringer – CEO of Australian Refugee Association
    • Julie Kun– CEO of WIRE (Womens Information Referral Exchange)
    • Caroline Stewart – CEO of Ecstra

    Credits:

    • Presenter: Jeff Sparrow
    • Producer: Anita Gibson
    • Editing and Sound Design: Alex Smith
    • Production Management Team: Vicky Rouse and Abe Killian
    • Music: ‘Shot Down’ by Brooke Taylor

    The Consumer Coach, your pandemic financial survival guide is brought to you by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, supported by the Ecstra Foundation and heard across Australia on the Community Radio Network.

    Disclaimer: The information provided on this online series is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Moving forward when your credit cards have reached their limit and a new interest-free loan “Household Relief”

    Moving forward when your credit cards have reached their limit and a new interest-free loan “Household Relief”
    Jul 30 2020

    If you’ve maxed out your credit cards just paying for the basics, we have an expert with some suggestions on how to get back on track. 

    And there’s a great new resource easily available from Good Shepherd – a new No-Interest Loan “Household Relief” which involves no credit check and could help you minimise those fast-growing debts. 

    If you’ve found, like many city dwellers, that you can work from home, have you considered moving to a regional area?  Managing COVID seems easier outside the cities and you could save money and have a healthier lifestyle. We discuss the real cost, pros and cons of life in the country.

    Guests:  

    • Taylor Blackburn – financial expert at Finder.com
    • Megan McAlpine – GM Economic Wellbeing & Enterprises at Good Shepherd
    • Simon Kuestenmacher – Director of Research at The Demographic Group.

    Credits:

    • Presenter: Jeff Sparrow
    • Producer: Anita Gibson
    • Editing and Sound Design: Alex Smith
    • Production Management Team: Vicky Rouse and Abe Killian

    The Consumer Coach, your pandemic financial survival guide is brought to you by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, supported by the Ecstra Foundation and heard across Australia on the Community Radio Network.

    Disclaimer: The information provided on this online series is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Cashless payments, hardship clauses in your health insurance and what it’s like to have COVID

    Cashless payments, hardship clauses in your health insurance and what it’s like to have COVID
    Jul 22 2020

    Not everyone who has contracted COVID-19 has had a negative experience. In this episode we hear the story of a Sydney DJ who was among 42 guests at a NSW wedding who contracted the virus.

    The advent of COVID-19 has accelerated the shift towards a cashless society but not all consumers have access to digital payments. We learn about the potential effects on the economy of a totally cashless society. 

    And did you know about the ‘hardship’ clause in your private health cover?  Consumer experts CHOICE have looked at the fine print across the five biggest health fund providers.

    Guests:  

    • Daniel Rowntree – Sydney DJ
    • Mark McCrindle – Social Researcher
    • Dean Price – CHOICE Health Campaigner

    Credits:

    • Presenter: Jeff Sparrow
    • Producer: Anita Gibson
    • Editing and Sound Design: Alex Smith
    • Production Management Team: Vicky Rouse and Abe Killian

    The Consumer Coach, your pandemic financial survival guide is brought to you by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, supported by the Ecstra Foundation and heard across Australia on the Community Radio Network.

    Disclaimer: The information provided on this online series is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
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