This is part of the problem for the increasing number of families facing serious financial stress, says Sandra Saker, a financial counsellor with the Salvation Army's Moneycare.

Ms Saker, who is Moneycare's manager for the greater west, said there was a tsunami of debt facing families in western Sydney and people needed to seek help at the first signs of trouble.

She said people had to bite the bullet and see a financial counsellor before things escalated.

"As long as problems are tackled early on people can often come to arrangements with creditors to get some breathing space,'' Ms Saker said.

She said there were hardship provisions under consumer credit laws, a mortgage assistance scheme, vouchers for electricity and other areas of assistance.

Several welfare groups like the Salvos provide free financial counselling services, which advise people on their options and also deal with creditors on their behalf.

Ms Saker said people should seek professional help at the first signs of financial stress. Signs such as juggling bill payments, worrying about whether they could afford a cup of coffee, or using one credit card to pay off another.

The Office of Fair Trading has a list of financial counsellors by area on its website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or can be contacted by phone on 133220.

The website also has plenty of information on debt and financial issues.

There is also a Credit and Debt Hotline on 1800 808 488.

The Office of Fair Trading's website notes that debt problems don't strike without warning and that people usually receive very clear early warning signals.

Early signals include getting a second mobile-phone provider, having three credit cards and applying for a fourth, having no cash left for food after paying weekly debt repayments, and continually receiving late payment or reminder notices.

For more information or to share experiences and survival tips post a comment below.