Carinthia debt advice service logs record 1,000 first consultations

Carinthia’s debt advice service has recorded a record 1,000 first consultations this year, as rising prices leave many people with little money to spare, ORF reported.

Andreas Pregl, head of the Carinthian debt advice service, said the pressure was evident in both budget consultations and individual meetings. He discussed the issue on ORF’s Kärnten heute programme with presenter Angela Ellersdorfer-Truntschnig.

The service visits schools to explain money matters in an accessible way and to raise awareness among parents. Pregl said while some young people have a strong grasp of finances, many struggle to manage money.

In Carinthia, financial education begins in the final year of kindergarten with a programme called Taschenweltführerschein-Mini, which introduces children to money through sensory activities. At primary school, pupils can take part in a two-lesson programme called Klassik-Führerschein.

Lessons cover the history of money, banknote security features, the value of money and saving from pocket money. Pregl said schools should also teach pupils about online fraud and digital currencies. He added that influencers can encourage quick purchases, making financial education in schools important.