Getting It and Keeping It
Frugal is the online magazine written for youth, by youth. A large range of youth-related articles including financial issues, careers, and "frugality" are presented in an interesting and exciting medium.
Dollarsmart helps young people understand money and finances.
Do you have a budget? Don’t know where to start? Make a Noise has some good budget and saving advice. Here is simple budget calculator to get you started.
FIDO (Financial Information Delivered Online) has great information on money management, a budget spreadsheet and tips on how to take control of your finances. There is information on banking, investment, superannuation and shares specifically for young people and links for more advice in your State or Territory.
Check out Money Stuff for lots of info on buying stuff, credit, renting and mobile phones.
Dollars and Sense has information on earning, spending, stashing and growing your money.
For free, confidential advice on all kinds of financial matters, contact Centrelink’s Financial Information Service. You don’t have to be receiving Centrelink payments to make an appointment or talk to someone, they also have financial seminars available.
Are you studying? Check out our Money for Study page. Talk to Student Counsellors or get in touch with your Student Union for people who can provide financial advice.
The Foundation for Young Australians has funding available for young people. They will email you with grant alerts once you register with them. A great idea if you don't want to miss out on any opportunities.
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Do you need money while you look for a job? Try this Centrelink page.
There are Government allowances and concessions for a number of things, from rent to caring for others, check out these links for further help:
| Carers | Caring for someone else? If you are a carer for someone who is aged, ill or has a disability, Centrelink provides assistance and programs. |
| Children | If you are responsible for a child or children, parents and guardians may be eligible for assistance – check out Centrelink for information on education, services and programs. |
| Health | You may be eligible for a Health Care Card. Try and find a near-by doctor who bulk bills. |
| Illness or disability | If you are ill, injured or have a disability you should check this site for assistance, and programs. CRS Australia can assist people who are injured, ill or have a disability find or return to work. |
| Living remotely | If you live in an isolated area and cannot attend an appropriate Government school Centrelink may be able to provide assistance through the ‘Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme’. |
| Rental Assistance | Centrelink can provide extra help if you rent privately. |
| Transport | For transport concessions check with the transport department in your State or Territory for the concessions they offer. |
If you're interested in awards, grants or scholarships for individuals or groups this page has the info you need.
Wagenet has information for young people in all industries regarding award wages, rights and contracts.
Do you have debts? Maybe you'd like some help working out how to pay them? Check out our Cash Crisis page.
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- Don’t know where your money goes? Try these saving tips to help keep and manage your hard earned cash;
- Decide what you are going to save for, it is easier to save when you are aiming for something;
- Start slowly, save for a short term goal first. You might start with saving for something in two months time. When you have done this a few times, try some longer term goals, such as a holiday;
- Write down a budget. Your income may be from government allowances or a part time job, your expenses might be frequent such as transport money and rent, or infrequent such as electricity bills, vehicle insurance or birthdays;
- Set aside your money (such as 10% of your earnings) in a separate area (watch for additional fees, charges and exit fees if you establish a separate account);
- Try these ideas to ensure you have extra money in your pocket:
- Shop around for the best deal on everything from your bank account, to your phone provider and new television;
- Buy generic labels on staple items such as flour or sugar;
- Join your local library rather than buying brand new books;
- Look into scholarships offered by your school, university or local community;
- Try to go without a car for as long as possible;
- Take advantage of bulk discounts, if you and your friends are all buying the same product go together and ask for a discount;
- Pay credit cards (get a student one if you can) off each month to avoid paying interest.
For more money information and links to help with those big money decisions go to the Big Decisions page.