Hi, my name is Matthew.

Honestly, I never thought I would be in a position where I would need to create something like this.

I'm a husband and dad to two beautiful little girls, and like most parents, everything I do is about trying to give my family a stable and happy life.

Over the past few years, however, things have become increasingly difficult financially.

We've tried our best to keep going. We've worked, made sacrifices, cut back where we can, and continued trying to meet our financial commitments. But sometimes, despite doing everything you can, you can find yourself falling further behind.

One of the biggest pressures hanging over us has been our car finance.

In 2021, I entered into a finance agreement for our family vehicle. Since then, our financial circumstances have changed significantly. Over the years, I have contacted Toyota Finance on numerous occasions about payment difficulties and financial hardship.

There have been payment arrangements, extensions and hardship discussions, but despite those efforts, we have reached a point where the repayments and remaining debt have become overwhelming.

The matter is currently the subject of a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), and I am still working through that process in the hope of reaching a fair outcome.

At this stage, however, I am facing the very real possibility of having to sell or surrender the vehicle while still being left with a significant amount of debt afterwards.

That is an incredibly difficult position to be in.

This fundraiser isn't about blaming anyone or asking people to take sides. I understand that I signed a contract and that I have responsibilities. I am not trying to run away from them.

I'm simply a dad who is trying to find a way forward.

The stress of constantly worrying about money, bills and how we are going to keep everything together has taken a toll. My wife and I are doing everything we can to support our two girls and keep life as normal and stable as possible for them.

Asking for help is incredibly difficult for me. I've always believed that you work hard, figure things out and push through. But right now, I have reached a point where I have to admit that we could genuinely use some help getting back on our feet.

Any money raised will go towards helping my family with essential living expenses and reducing some of the immediate financial pressure we are under. Depending on the outcome of the vehicle finance situation, it may also help us deal with any remaining financial obligations and give us the opportunity to start rebuilding.

I don't expect anyone to fix our problems for us.

But if you're in a position to donate, even a small amount could make a genuine difference to our family right now.

And if you're unable to donate, simply sharing our story would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting my family during one of the most difficult periods we have faced.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Matthew