Where Does All My Money Go?
Media Release | 29 August 2008 |
'Australians sometimes need a hand with managing their money, and there are plenty of good sources of information and advice', according to Delia Rickard of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Adult Learners' Week commences on September 1 and hundreds of events, workshops and open days will be held to provide learning and skilling opportunities for adult learners across Australia. The theme for some of the events will be financial literacy and more information about the type of event being held can be found at the free on-line calendar on the Adult Learners' Week website www.adultlearnersweek.org which makes it easy to find out what's on in any part of the country.
Where does all my money go! Will be the topic of three learning circle programs in Canberra libraries. The learning circle program has been developed in partnership with Adult Learning Australia, the ACT Library and Information Service, and ASIC - Understanding Money.
By taking a few simple steps you can take control over your debt, and not the other way around. Understanding where your money goes can be the first step.
'Paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, such as a credit card, and making extra repayments on loans when you can. Shopping around for the right loan for your circumstances and making sure you compare interest rates, fees and charges are some of the ways to take control over your debt', said Ms Rickard.
The Where does all my money go! pilot program is just one of the Adult Learner's Week activities and its aim is to provide an opportunity for members of the community to join a learning circle to discuss and consider how to better manage money. Topics for discussion include: Know where your money goes, Take control of your money, Learn how to handle your money and Money for your retirement. For bookings or more information: Phone 6205 9000 or email library.customerinfo@act.gov.au
People will also learn where to find general information on financial issues and interactive tools to help build their knowledge and skills from websites such as: www.understandingmoney.gov.au and www.fido.gov.au. Centrelink's Financial Information Service can also help people learn to take control of their finances, plan for the future and prepare for retirement - over the phone, at a personal interview or by attending a free financial seminar. Visit www.centrelink.gov.au.
'Everyone's financial situation is different and it's important to decide what's right for you. Deciding how to handle your money can seem a bit overwhelming and it might be tempting to just ignore it. The good news is that you're not on your own and there are lots of places that can give you the financial information or advice you need', said Ms Rickard.
Go to ASIC's dedicated consumer website, www.fido.gov.au for further information.