Seek Financial Assistance – There are non-profits and government programs that can help people in tough times, especially with medical diagnoses. Organizations like the National Debt Helpline or Financial Counselling Australia can provide free advice and may help you with options to negotiate repayments.

Consider Community Support – If you’re comfortable, local community groups sometimes run support funds or donation drives for people going through a tough time. Even reaching out to see if there’s any short-term assistance could make a difference.

Any update poster? I hope life is looking up for you now. What a tough time you’ve had.

You might be able to negotiate with them due to compassionate grounds. You most likely signed a contract and they might not want to offer you any alternatives. I hope you can get this sorted out.

Personally I would just let the items go. It sounds like you’ve had enough to deal with without adding unnecessary debt to it. If the piece of jewellery was a family heirloom however & you are desperate to get it back maybe you could make an agreement to pay it off or hopefully negotiate a more reasonable payout for it.

I’d speak to a financial counsellor and ask for their advice or call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

It sounds like you have had an awful year.

I would say goodbye to the bag and sunnies and see if you can come to a repayment plan to redeem the jewelry but only if it is sentimental to you. If not, I’d see if you can cancel your debt by leaving the items with them. You probably need to swallow your pride and see a financial counsellor to help you work through a budget going forward. Centrelink should be able to provide a free service I think, or there are other places like MoneySmart who may be able to help advise you. Get whatever free advise you can to sort your finances out – see if your bank can hold back on fees/interest/home payments etc – contact people you have bills with and get whatever extensions you can so you can make repayments and avoid late payment fees which only make things worse. I hope this next year is better for you!

Hopefully you have kept a record of when you contacted them (date, time, who you spoke to or kept messages/ emails you sent so that you have proof that you contacted them.

See if they have a payment plan, see what the interest rates are. if a bank will give you a loan for a lesser interest rate, for a longer term etc, get a loan.

Can you contact them and arrange a payment plan. That would have you making regular payments but take the stress off you having to pay it all.

I don’t really have any advice on how to deal with them but I just wanted to say I’m so sorry to hear about the year you’ve had! I hope things start getting better for you! Sending love!

I’m not totally sure what you did .. sold items to Cash Convertors or got a loan from them or something else???..Perhaps read the small print on the Cash Convertors website and see if there is any way to redeem the items you want? or cancel the loan???? maybe you can negotiate.something with the store because of COVID situation. I wont suggest selling other items to get money (unless perhaps that is an option?).

Can you get a personal loan from a bank? You wouldn’t need a large amount of money, the interest rate would be lower, and your precious things would be safe.

That is terrible that they sold it as you could understand if you hadn’t let them know what was happening, maybe you need to ask to speak to the manager about it?

If the jewellery is sentimental, perhaps focus just on getting that back and let the bag and glasses go. They’re just things and can be replaced. I’d suggest finding a financial councillor for assistance with your budget and see if you can make a plan together to pay off your debt. A lot of things can be broken down into weekly payments so make it easier to manage, including electricity and gas bills. Most providers will make payment arrangements if you call and let them know your circumstances. Your food budget can be reduced if you’re willing to get back to basics as well. A great YouTube channel called @SarahLovesFood has some great, tasty, healthy budget recipes. I wish you all the very best.

Most places will allow you to do a payment plan and stop dreaded late fees going onto your bill. Otherwise ring your local State Ombudsman and ask their advise. Explain your circumstances also.

If you have an accountant, maybe you could ask them about any subsidies available / best way to implement a payment plan?

Aw bless, what a lot of adversities !! Do you have a close circle of family and friends ? Maybe you could share your situation and set up a Go-fund-me page ?