ANDREW NELL - MONEY MINDED FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM

Andrew Nell is one of Mission Australia’s unique volunteers that facilities the Money Minded Financial Literacy Program at the Mission Australia Centre in Surry Hills, NSW. The essential goal of the program is to give our participating clients a chance to have an open forum to discuss money issues, provide peer group support and guidance under the umbrella of financial advice.

Andrew’s specific role is to provide resources and information on who to contact and how to deal with the many aspects of finance that most people take for granted. One of the main reasons for the Money Minded program is to empower clients to have the confidence to face their own personal financial situation and take ownership of it whilst also providing them the tools to do so. The Money Minded Financial Literacy Program runs for three weeks on, and three weeks off. Andrew meets with the participants for two hours each week and shares his knowledge on prioritising finances, setting simple budgets, the importance of commitment to a financial contract, and talks about the consequences of not having control one’s financial situation.

Over the course of the program, there is a dramatic shift and transformation in our clients. Their willingness to participate and talk about their own situations increases, their understanding and ownership for their finances develops, and they build the confidence needed to face financial issues.

When not volunteering, Andrew works full time as a Senior Account Manager for Naritas Finance in Sydney. Andrew wanted to do something with his knowledge and expertise and give back to the community to make a difference. Andrew is an exceptionally skilled volunteer, and by volunteering his skills, he makes a big difference to our clients’ lives.

The most rewarding part of volunteering for Andrew is to help make small changes in others’ lives that result in big outcomes. An example of a result that Andrew helped a client achieve was to avoid having to declare bankruptcy. With the knowledge that Andrew shared, this client was able to make an arrangement with his financial institution which inevitably meant that he avoided losing his house and means of accommodation. Volunteers like Andrew help people put their lives back on track, and make positive impacts across the community.

Thanks Andrew!

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