What we offer
Services that help you move forward
We work across five key areas to give Australians the tools, support, and community they need to take control of their financial future.
What we do
Beating the Odds exists because financial barriers shouldn't determine what you can achieve in life. Whether you're dreaming of owning your first home, trying to access education, build a business or just trying to get on top of your day-to-day finances, we're here to help.
Our services are free for members of our Beating the Odds club, delivered by people who genuinely care, and designed around real everyday Australians, including the middle class, those that are overlooked and really need it.
Home Ownership Services
Owning a home is one of the most powerful ways to build long-term financial security and generational wealth. Yet for many Australians, rising property prices and the deposit hurdle make it feel impossible. Our Home Ownership Services are designed to close that gap — providing real, practical support to help eligible members move from renting to owning, on their terms and in their timeframe.
Home Deposit Shadow Scheme
The Home Deposit Shadow Scheme is designed to help members who are actively saving for a home deposit but need a boost to get there. Under this scheme, Beating the Odds will match eligible members' savings dollar for dollar, effectively doubling the deposit they have built and dramatically reducing the time it takes to reach their goal house deposit.
The deposit is the single biggest barrier to home ownership for most Australians. By matching savings, we directly address this barrier and make home ownership achievable for people who are doing the right thing but just need a hand. This scheme sits at the heart of our mission, turning effort and determination into real outcomes.
Members apply through the member portal and provide information about themselves, their circumstances and their income. Applications are assessed for eligibility based on income, savings history, and circumstances. Successful members have their deposit matched dollar for dollar up to a combined 20% of the house price, with funds released at settlement. Eligible applicants must not currently own a share in any property in Australia or Overseas, they must be Australian Citizens, they must have a total household income below $180,000 before tax for couples and $110,000 before tax for individuals. All current applications are assesed on the review date, successful applcations are notified within 30 days of review date. The scheme is subject to funding availability and Applications are eviewed in rounds.
Applications are open - next review date 30 September 2026
Full Home Deposit Scheme
For members who have demonstrated financial readiness but cannot yet accumulate a full deposit, the Full Home Deposit Scheme provides a guarantee covering part or all of the deposit required to purchase a home. This removes the final barrier standing between a member and home ownership.
Some Australians are financially ready to service a mortgage but simply cannot save a deposit due to the cost of living. This scheme recognises that readiness and removes the deposit as a barrier entirely for the most eligible applicants. It is one of the most impactful things we can do to change lives, build community wealth and stable housing.
Members submit a detailed application including income and a statement of circumstances. On the review date, a team of dedicated volunteers assesses applications against eligibility criteria.. Successful applicants are notified and are guided through the full home buying process with ongoing support and a suitable deposit amount is guaranteed to the loan of the home. Eligible applicants must not currently own a share in any property in Australia or Overseas, they must be Australian Citizens, they must have a total household income below $180,000 before tax for couples and $110,000 before tax for individuals.
Coming Mid 2027
Rent to Buy Pathways
Our Rent to Buy Pathways program provides eligible members with access to properties where a portion of their rent payments is credited toward the eventual purchase of the home. This allows members to get into a property sooner, build equity over time, and transition to full ownership when they are ready, without needing a traditional deposit upfront.
Not everyone is ready for a mortgage right now, but that doesn't mean they should be locked out of the property market indefinitely. Rent to Buy Pathways create a bridge between renting and owning, giving members a genuine stake in a property while they build their financial position. This pathway is especially important for those who need more time but are committed to the goal of ownership.
Properties are made available and are offered in the member portal for applications. Members apply for a specific property and, if approved, enter into a rent-to-buy agreement over 8 years. A portion of each rent payment is set aside and credited toward the purchase price when the member is ready to purchase it from Beating The odds and trasnition to home owner. Members receive ongoing financial coaching throughout the arrangement to ensure they are on track for full ownership. Subject to property availability
Coming in 2028
Rental and Mortgage Payment Services
Sometimes the biggest obstacle to getting ahead isn't a lack of ambition — it's the cost of simply staying housed while you pursue it. Our Rental and Mortgage Payment Services are designed to remove that obstacle for members who are studying, starting a business, or facing a temporary financial setback. We cover rent so you can focus on building your future.
Assistance for Study
Beating the Odds provides rental and mortgage payment assistance to eligible members who are undertaking an approved course of study. This assistance covers rent or mortgage payments for a defined period of up to 12 months, allowing members to focus on their education without the constant pressure of housing costs threatening their ability to continue study.
Education is one of the most reliable pathways to financial independence, but the cost of living while studying is a barrier that stops many Australians from completing their qualifications. By covering rent or mortgage payments during study, we invest in members' long-term earning potential and help them reach the finish line. This directly supports our mission of breaking the cycle of financial disadvantage.
Members apply through the portal and provide proof of enrolment or intended course to enrol into for an approved course, along with their rental agreement or home loan contract, and income details. Applications are assessed for eligibility and, where approved, rental or mortgage assistance payments are made directly to the property manager or lender on the member's behalf. Assistance is provided for the duration of the approved study period, subject to ongoing eligibility reviews.
Coming early to mid 2027
Assistance for Business Start-ups
Starting a business is one of the most financially risky things a person can do. Our Business Start-up Assistance program covers rent or mortgage payments for eligible members who are in the early stages of launching a business, giving them the breathing room they need to get their venture off the ground without risking their housing security.
Entrepreneurship creates jobs, builds community wealth, and is a powerful path out of financial hardship, but the early stages are the hardest. Most small businesses fail not because of a bad idea, but because the founder ran out of runway. By covering rent or mortgage payments during the critical start-up phase, we give our members a real chance to succeed. Supporting business creation is central to our vision of a financially empowered Australia.
Members submit a business plan and application through the portal. Our team reviews the viability of the business and the member's circumstances. Approved applicants receive rental assistance paid directly to their property manager or lender for a defined period of up to 12 months, typically aligned with the early trading phase of the business. Assistance is paired with a business mentoring program to maximise the chance of success and to review progress.
Coming late 2027.
Financial Education Services
Financial literacy is the foundation of every goal we help people achieve. Without the knowledge and confidence to manage money effectively, even the best opportunities can slip away. Our Financial Education Services are practical, jargon-free, and designed for real life, not textbooks. We meet people where they are and give them the tools to move forward.
Financial Coaching
Our one-on-one financial coaching service pairs members with a qualified financial coach for personalised sessions tailored to their specific situation. Coaches work with members to review their current financial position, identify goals, address problem areas, and build a clear, actionable plan to move forward. Sessions are confidential, non-judgmental, and focused on practical outcomes.
Generic financial advice rarely works because everyone's situation is different. One-on-one coaching delivers the personalised guidance that makes a real difference, helping members understand their own finances, make better decisions, and build lasting habits. This service is central to our mission because it creates lasting change, not just short-term relief.
Members apply to recieve coaching sessions through the member portal. Successfu applicants are booked their first session within 30 days of being notified of success. Initial sessions focus on a full financial review, followed by goal-setting and the development of a personalised financial plan. Follow-up sessions track progress and adjust the plan as circumstances change. Applicants recieve 1x full hour session and 3x half an hour session to be taken in a 8-10 week period. Coaching is available in by phone or via video call to ensure accessibility for all members.
Applications OPEN - application review date 30 September 2026
Budgeting and Financial Workshops and Seminars
Our group workshops and seminars cover the practical financial skills that Australians need but are rarely taught, budgeting, managing irregular income, understanding credit, navigating Centrelink, tax basics, and more. Sessions are run regularly in community venues and online, and are free for all members. We also run targeted seminars for specific groups such as young people, single parents, and small business owners.
Financial literacy is a skill, and like any skill it can be learned. Many Australians have never been taught how to budget, how credit works, or how to plan for the future, and that knowledge gap has real consequences. Our workshops address this directly, building the foundational skills that underpin every other service we offer. An educated member is an empowered member.
Workshops are scheduled regularly and listed in the member portal. Members can register for upcoming sessions online. In-person sessions are held at community venues across Australia, and all sessions are also available online via live stream or recording. Workshop content is regularly updated to reflect current economic conditions, government programs, and member feedback.
Coming early 2027
Everyday Services
Sometimes the most impactful help is with the day-to-day. The small financial tasks and pressures that pile up, an overdue bill, a tax return, a loan application, can feel overwhelming without the right support. Our Everyday Services tackle these practical challenges head-on, giving members the tools and assistance they need to stay on top of their finances and avoid the crises that come from letting things slide.
Bill Pay
Our Bill Pay service assists eligible members who have an overdue bill that is affecting their credit file, their ability to save, or their day-to-day financial stability. Beating the Odds will pay an overdue bill of up to $2,000 on behalf of successful applicants, giving them a clean slate and the breathing room to get back on track.
An overdue bill can spiral quickly, attracting fees, damaging credit scores, and creating a cycle of debt that is hard to escape. By stepping in and clearing the debt, we remove a significant stressor and give members the fresh start they need to move forward. This service reflects our belief that one bad month shouldn't define someone's financial future.
Members apply through the portal and provide details of the overdue bill, including the creditor, amount, how long it has been outstanding and a copy of the bill. Applications are assessed for eligibility and, where approved, payment is made directly to the creditor or biller. Members are can be connected with our financial coaching service to help prevent the situation from recurring.
Applications are OPEN - next review date is 30 September 2026
Membership Rewards
The BTO Rewards program gives members access to exclusive discounts and offers from a growing network of partner businesses across Australia. From everyday essentials to major purchases, our rewards partners are businesses that genuinely believe in supporting Australians who are working hard to get ahead. Members can browse and access rewards through the member portal.
Membership should deliver real, tangible value every day, not just when things go wrong. The rewards program stretches members' dollars further, reducing the cost of living and freeing up money for savings and goals. It also builds a community of businesses that are aligned with our mission, creating a network of support that extends beyond what we can provide directly.
Rewards are listed in the member portal under the BTO Rewards section. Members can browse by category, save favourites, and access discount codes or partner links directly. New partners are added regularly. Members can also suggest businesses they would like to see as partners through contact us.
Rewards Club is OPEN - accepting partnerships
No Interest Loans
Our No Interest Loan service provides eligible members with access to small loans to cover urgent bills, essential purchases, or unexpected expenses, with no interest and no fees. These loans are designed to provide a safety net for members who face a short-term financial gap without pushing them into high-cost debt products.
When people face an urgent financial need and have no savings to draw on, the alternatives are often payday lenders or credit cards with punishing interest rates. These products trap people in cycles of debt that are very hard to escape. Our no interest loans provide a genuine alternative, giving members access to funds they need without making their situation worse.
Members apply through the portal and provide details of the expense and their current financial situation. Applications are assessed for eligibility and repayment capacity. Approved loans are disbursed quickly and repaid in manageable instalments over an agreed period. No interest or fees are charged at any point. The service is subject to funding availability. Members have up to 36 months to repay the loan.
Coming mid 2027
Tax and Accounting Service
Our Tax and Accounting Service helps members lodge their tax returns correctly and on time, ensuring they claim every deduction they are entitled to. We also provide basic accounting support for members who are self-employed or running a small business, helping them stay compliant and make the most of available tax benefits.
Many Australians leave money on the table every year by not claiming all their entitlements, or face penalties because they don't understand their obligations. For self-employed members and small business owners, poor record-keeping and tax compliance can be a serious risk. Our service removes this barrier, ensuring members get back what they're owed and stay on the right side of the ATO.
Members lodge an application for a tax accountant appointment through the portal. Sessions are conducted by qualified tax practitioners either in person or via video call. During the appointment you can either lodge your tax, get advice about your personal tax, or get advice about small business tax obligations. All services are provided free of charge to eligible members.
Coming mid 2027
Advocacy Services
When things go wrong with a financial institution, lender, or service provider, navigating the dispute process alone can feel impossible. Our Advocacy Services give members a knowledgeable, experienced advocate in their corner, someone who understands the system, knows their rights, and will fight for a fair outcome. We also run education programs to help members understand their rights before problems arise.
Help with Disputes
Our dispute advocacy service provides direct support to members who are in a dispute with a financial institution, lender, broker, utility provider, or other service provider. We review the member's situation, advise on their rights and options, and where appropriate, assist them in formal dispute resolution processes including the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) and other relevant bodies.
Financial institutions have teams of lawyers and compliance professionals. Individual consumers rarely do. This power imbalance means that legitimate complaints are often dismissed or dragged out until the consumer gives up. Our advocacy service levels the playing field, giving members the same quality of representation and the confidence to pursue the outcome they deserve. This is one of the most direct ways we can stand up for Australians who are being treated unfairly.
Members submit a dispute application through the portal, providing details of the issue and any correspondence with the other party. Our advocacy team reviews the case and contacts the member to discuss their options. Where we take on a case, we manage all communication with the other party and guide the member through the formal dispute resolution process. We provide regular updates and work toward the best possible outcome.
Coming late 2027
Your Rights as a Consumer Seminars
Our consumer rights seminars educate members on their rights when dealing with financial institutions, lenders, landlords, utility providers, and other businesses. Topics include understanding contracts, knowing when and how to complain, how to use free dispute resolution services, and what protections exist under Australian consumer law. Sessions are practical, plain-language, and designed for people with no legal background.
Knowledge is the best defence against being taken advantage of. Many Australians don't know their rights and, as a result, accept outcomes that are unfair or unlawful. By educating our members, we empower them to stand up for themselves before a dispute escalates, reducing harm and building confidence. Prevention is always better than cure, and informed members are far less likely to find themselves in a difficult situation.
Seminars are scheduled regularly and listed in the member portal. They are available both in person and online. Topics rotate based on member demand and current issues in the financial services sector. Members can request specific topics through the portal. All seminar recordings are available to members on demand after the live session.
Coming mid 2027
Eligibility
Who can access our services?
Our services are open to all Australians, with a particular focus on those facing financial disadvantage. We are here to support anyone disadvantaged including DV survivors, people living with disability, youth, single parents and young families. You must be a Beating the Odds club member in order to receive our services.
Not sure where to start?
Get in touch and we'll help you figure out which services are right for your situation. There's no obligation, just a conversation.