Cancer Council Pro Bono Program

Crest are pleased to announce that they have recently joined the Cancer Council Pro Bono program. Through the program, people in the local area affected by cancer who cannot afford financial advice are matched with a Crest adviser, who donates their time and financial expertise at no cost.

Cancer can be financially devastating to a family and those diagnosed with cancer often face complex financial issues while battling their illness. In a report prepared for the Cancer Council, the average cost of a cancer diagnosis was estimated to be almost $50,000. Loss of wages and other mounting costs such as treatment, childcare and accommodation leave many patients in desperate need of immediate funds. Research has also revealed significant gaps in access to financial planning services due to cost, stress and sickness. This has placed many patients at risk of losing homes, accumulating significant debt and falling behind on expenses.
A battle with cancer often presents complex financial issues, and with the help of a Crest adviser, solving these issues can be life-changing. Crest financial advisers work with cancer patients and their families by helping them to, among other things:

• Access available Centrelink benefits
• Access their superannuation if possible
• Arrange payment of potential insurance benefits
• Develop a budget and ensure regular family cash flow
• Plan for the financial future of their family.

A diagnosis of cancer can be extremely traumatic and most patients are primarily concerned with getting through their treatment. But bills do add up and quite often patients have to work through important financial issues to make sure they and their family are properly protected during these difficult times

The team at Crest Financial Services are able to offer their services for free to reduce the stress and financial difficulties which can mount for many patients, especially when they lose income from lost work during treatment.

The Cancer Council Pro Bono program is one way families in the local area affected by cancer can restore some peace to their lives during difficult times.

Teaching Kids How to Budget to Become Financially Savvy

David and Libby Koch share their tips on teaching kids about budgeting and developing sound money skills. This video was developed in partnership with the Koch family and Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets. For more information, visit MoneySmart by ASIC at http://www.moneysmart.gov.au.

Mayoral Academic Scholarship

The Crest team would like to congratulate Ruby Stevens on her recent success in attaining a Mayoral Academic Scholarship from Cessnock City Council.

Ruby has been with Crest for over 2 years, parallel to studying a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce Combined Degree at the University of Newcastle. The achievement of this scholarship is highly prestigious and is presented as recognition of Ruby’s dedication to her study and efforts within the local community. Well done Ruby!