How do I deal with multiple debts?
Several debts at once can feel overwhelming, but a clear plan brings them back under control.
This guide helps you
- Get a clear picture of all your debts
- Decide which debts to focus on first
- Make manageable arrangements across creditors
- Avoid taking on costly new debt to cover old debt
- Find free help to pull it together
6 min
You're not alone
Juggling several debts — a card here, a loan there, bills piling up — is exhausting, and it's easy to lose track. The good news is that with a clear list and a simple plan, even a tangle of debts becomes manageable.
This is general information, not financial advice. A free financial counsellor can help you see the whole picture and make a plan — National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007.
Your first steps
Start by getting everything in one place:
- List every debt — who you owe, how much, the payment and the due date.
- Note any debts that are priorities, like rent and utilities.
- Be honest about what you can afford in total each week or fortnight.
Step by step
- Cover essentials and priority debts first.
- Contact each remaining creditor to arrange payment plans, pauses or hardship help that fit your budget.
- Be cautious about new borrowing to pay old debts — it can cost more in the long run.
- Review regularly and adjust as your situation changes.
- Get free advice to keep it all on track.
You can read about terms like consolidation in our glossary.
Good to know
Be careful with 'debt consolidation' or new loans offered as a quick fix — sometimes they help, sometimes they cost more or put your home at risk. A free financial counsellor can help you weigh options without any sales pressure, and you can read more in our help centre.
If it's all feeling like too much, Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 are there.
Key takeaways
- A single clear list makes multiple debts manageable
- Cover priority debts first, then arrange the rest
- Free financial counsellors can help you make a whole-picture plan on 1800 007 007
Frequently asked questions
Should I consolidate my debts into one loan?
Sometimes consolidation helps, but it can also cost more or put assets like your home at risk. Speak to a free financial counsellor (1800 007 007) before deciding, so you understand the trade-offs.
Which debt do I tackle first when I have several?
Generally your priority debts — like rent, mortgage and utilities — come first, then the rest. A financial counsellor can help you set a fair order based on consequences, not just who chases hardest.
Is it OK to make small payments on several debts at once?
It can be, as long as essentials and priority debts are covered. Talk to each creditor about realistic arrangements, and get free advice to make sure your overall plan holds together.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your situation is unique and rules can vary by state and over time — for advice on your circumstances, speak to a free financial counsellor (National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007) or get legal help.
Know your options, know your rights
A free, plain-English guide to dealing with debt in Australia — and the people who can help.