For women recovering from domestic, family and sexual violence, achieving financial stability can be a critical part of building strong foundations for a future where they have greater choice, independence and opportunity.
That’s where Tiffany McCormick, the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s Financial Capability Worker, plays an important role. The service is delivered in partnership with the Zahra Foundation, whose expertise in financial empowerment for women is nationally recognised.
Tiffany works alongside women at the Centre to understand their financial situation, explore options and develop practical strategies for moving forward. She understands that many women arrive carrying complex life experiences, and that financial challenges are often just one part of a much bigger picture.
“My role is about supporting women on their financial journey,” Tiffany explains. “For every woman, that journey looks different.”
For some women, the starting point is simply figuring out what money is coming in and what money is going out. Tiffany works with women to create clear income and expenditure plans so they can see their financial situation more clearly.
She also uses simple tools to help make finances easier to understand. One approach she often uses is a traffic light budgeting system:
- Green expenses are fixed costs such as rent or rates.
- Amber expenses include items like electricity and gas bills, which can sometimes be reduced.
- Red expenses are discretionary spending choices that can be reviewed.
Tiffany emphasises that improving your financial position isn’t only about cutting costs.
“You can’t spend all your money on bills and things you have to pay for and not leave something for yourself,” she says. “There has to be something in the budget that you enjoy.”
Part of her work involves helping women find low-cost or no-cost ways to take care of themselves, whether that’s spending time outdoors, connecting with community activities, or simply making space for small things that bring joy.
Tiffany’s work goes far beyond spreadsheets and budgets. A large part of her role involves connecting women with services and financial supports they may not know exist. This can include helping women access government rebates, emergency utility relief, food support services, and grants that can help them reach important goals.
Sometimes the support involves creative problem-solving.
“It’s not always about saying there isn’t enough money,” Tiffany says. “Sometimes it’s about finding solutions people didn’t know were possible.”
Tiffany says the aim is to support women to work towards their goals for the future, whether that means saving money, returning to study, finding employment, or simply feeling more confident managing bills and expenses.
She is also passionate about financial education and sharing knowledge. She believes financial capability isn’t about judgment or restriction, but about supporting women to make informed choices.
“There’s no harm in having another set of eyes on your finances,” she says. “Sometimes a conversation can open up options you didn’t realise were there.”