Free online tool helping thousands of Australians support their financial wellbeing and mental health

Published: 19 August 2025

Article submitted by: Beyond Blue (Opens in new tab)

With cost-of-living pressures causing increased distress, Beyond Blue and Financial Counselling Australia have launched a free online tool to support people with their financial wellbeing and mental health.

The Money and Mental Health Quiz (Opens in new tab) allows people to better understand where they sit on a financial and mental wellbeing scale — ranging from ‘Critical’ to ‘Doing well’ — and be linked with advice regarding immediate actions they can take as well as free resources and support.

At the end of the short quiz, users will be provided with support tailored to their level of financial stress. This may include resources for budgeting, saving and understanding how to manage money. The advice may include immediately contacting a financial or mental health counsellor.

A self-guided Wellbeing Action Tool is also available to help users plan wellbeing actions that work for them and set goals. Other mental health, work stress, financial stress information is available as well as stories from others who have experience similar stresses.

Financial stress takes a major toll

A recent study by Beyond Blue found that financial pressure was the leading cause of distress for nearly half (46%) of all respondents. Distress over financial pressure was even higher for those aged 25-34 (65%), 35-44 (59%) and 45-54 (53%). Overall, women had higher than average distress from financial pressure (51%).

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said people experiencing financial stress are significantly more likely to experience mental health challenges.

“Financial stress can take a major toll on our mental health, and declining mental health can make it harder to manage our finances. It creates a downward spiral that can be difficult to break out of without support,” said Ms Harman.

“Stigma and shame around financial distress is also a big issue. We hope this tool will help those who are struggling feel like they are not alone and encourage them to reach out for support sooner and before they hit crisis point.”

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman hopes this tool will help those who are struggling.

Since the tool launched in November 2024, nearly 10,000 people have completed the Money and Mental Health Quiz, which was co-designed with people who experience financial stress and mental health.

Case study

New South Wales small-business owner Jeremy knows all too well the impact financial pressures can have on mental health. After making some big investments coupled with a change in policy that affected how his business could operate, Jeremy was left in a very vulnerable position.

“I felt very exposed, I lost clarity, I lost interest in sleeping and eating, and everything became stressful. I started to clam up and stopped talking to people, while physically the anxiety felt like a heavy pain in my chest that affected every aspect of my life.

At one point, Jeremy feared losing his business and “stayed in bed and hid, not being able to face the world.”

“It was all-consuming, when things are ticking along you don’t notice the big bills, but when you’re under financial stress you don’t stop thinking about them, for example, you’re constantly checking your bank account.”

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

Beyond Blue’s Support Service (Opens in new tab) is available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 and via web chat or email.
The National Debt Helpline (Opens in new tab) provides free, independent and confidential help from trained financial counsellors on 1800 007 007 or via webchat.
The Money and Mental Health Quiz (Opens in new tab) can be accessed on Beyond Blue’s website.

Last reviewed: October 2025