Coral’s story – from financial crisis to continued confidence
- deansimpson7
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY NAOMI SINGLEHURST
When Coral’s husband, Lance, was diagnosed with a brain tumour, their daughter was just five days old. He became seriously ill and passed away, leaving Coral alone with their two young children.
A Defence Forces veteran who had previously served in the Royal Australian Air Force, Coral was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggled terribly.
In addition to the enormous emotional toll, Coral faced managing her family’s finances – something Lance had always handled.
Despite holding well-paid jobs over the years, Coral’s childhood and family background meant she had never learned how to manage money.
Gambling was also part of life growing up. After losing her husband, then her mum, dad and brother, grief and loneliness took a heavy toll.
“I was really struggling,” she says. “When I had a life with Lance, I never went gambling because I was happy. It all changed when everything went bad. Loneliness, lack of connection and sadness feed addiction.”
Lonely battle
Before contacting The Salvation Army Moneycare service, Coral’s life reached a dangerous low.
Overwhelmed by debt, addiction and heartbreak, she booked herself into a rehabilitation clinic and began seeing a trauma psychologist and an addiction counsellor.
During this time, money dominated her thoughts. “I would spend every cent I had, plus more,” she says.
Some days, she skipped meals to pay bills. Other days, she sold things she needed just to get through the week. “Addiction means no connection,” she says. “You feel so alone.”
It was Coral’s counsellor who asked whether she would like help with her finances and referred her to Moneycare financial counsellor Lucy.
Financial clarity
Lucy did not start with a money plan (budget). First, she encouraged Coral to track where her money was going. At the time, Coral had two credit cards and other debts.
Determined to change her situation, she reviewed all her bank statements and categorised every item of spending.
“That is when I realised how much I was gambling, and how much I spent on takeaways and bank fees,” she says.
Coral met with Lucy once a fortnight for several months and set herself small tasks. She paused takeaways, cut back on spending, and used two bank accounts so she could see what was happening.
Once Coral understood where her money went, Lucy helped her build a simple money plan she could follow. They worked out weekly amounts for bills, food and everyday spending.
“She wrote it all down for me,” Coral says. “Having it in front of me made it real.”
Changing habits
Simply saving even five dollars a week was now possible and became the start of a new savings habit.
At first, Coral was challenged by the sight of money in her account. “I always felt like I had to spend anything I had,” she says. Lucy worked through that compulsion with her and Coral’s money habits began to change.
“Now, if there is money there, I do not have to touch it. It feels so good when a bill comes out, and I am still in the black,” Coral says.
Coral now has a spending plan, a bills account, real savings and confidence. She has paid for an overseas trip next year.
“I am very happy in my life now,” she says. “My mindset has shifted.”
Coral was supported by Lucy for months. When Lucy felt she was ready, she said, “I think you are okay on your own now.” Coral agrees.
“She spoke to me as a real person and never judged, even when I messed up a few times,” she says. “If I did not have Lucy, I really do not know where I would be now.”
Moneycare Week
At the start of a new year many people think about their finances in light of Christmas spending and the school year dawning. Moneycare Week offers a timely opportunity to share practical tips and resources that help people feel capable and supported.
During the week of 18–24 January 2026, there will be media activity and digital advertising to promote Moneycare Week.
READ MORE: MySalvos Moneycare Toolkit, click here
If you would like to highlight Moneycare Week in your mission expression during January, either physically or digitally, the resources below can help.
Please note: Moneycare has a wide range of resources for the community. Please feel free to share the public-facing Moneycare Financial Resources page with your community: The Salvation Army Moneycare Financial Resources page
