Understanding your finances is crucial because it equips you with the skills to manage money and make informed decisions about your financial future. On this page, you can learn essential budgeting skills to wisely allocate your income and prioritise savings. You can also learn to make informed choices about debt, understand the importance of savings and investments, and be prepared for unexpected expenses.
Take a look at our factsheets below for quick and easy tips to understand your finance options.
These factsheets have been made possible by the generous support of Libuska Prochazka and her family in loving memory of her son, Ben Fahy.
Factsheets designed by Alex Riedel and Kaitlin Hopkins
If you think you are in immediate danger call ‘000’ or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
If you don’t know what to do contact your Crew, your GP, your family or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800. See professional and urgent help.
GENERAL INFO
Money Smart: Young people and money
Empower: Financial planning for young adults
NSW Government: Managing money
Smart asset: 10 Financial planning tips for young adults
Money helper: Supporting yourself financially - a guide for young adults aged 16 to 24
Investopedia: The ultimate guide to financial literacy
Investopedia: Personal finance guide
SELF-HELP
Talk to your GP/doctor or contact Your Crew to
help you such as help you speak to your parents or get you to your doctor.
If you feel at immediate risk call 000
Call Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Helplines:
National Debt Helpline: https://ndh.org.au/
Chat: weekdays 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Phone: 1800 007 007 weekdays 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Gambling Help Online: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
Ph: 1800 858 858 free, confidential, 24/7
Gamblers Help: https://gamblershelp.com.au/ Ph: 1800 858 858 free, confidential, 24/7
Superannuation
ATO: Your superannuation basics
Money smart: How super works
FCFCOA Gov: Superannuation information kit
Tax
Money Smart: "Income tax" Find out how much tax you need to pay
ATO: Tax in Australia, what you need to know
Investopedia: Taxes Definition: Types, Who Pays, and Why
Loans and Debt
Investopedia: What Is a Loan, How Does It Work, Types, and Tips on Getting One
Money Smart: Credit and debt
ACCC Gov: Debt help
AFSA Gov: I can't pay my debts
Gambling
Health Direct: Gambling addiction
Mayo Clinic: Compulsive gambling
Gambling help online: Free online support for anyone affected by gambling
GLD GOV: Support for problem gambling
FORUMS, TOOLS & VIDEOS
NDH: National debt helpline
Money Smart: Financial counselling
NSW Gov: Free financial and legal advice
The Money Guy Show Youtube
Everything you need to know about finances in your 20's
Everything you need to know about your finances in your 30's
Bryan Invest: How to invest in Australia for Beginners 2024 (Easy)
Vincent Chan: Do this EVERY time you get paid
William Ackman: Everything You Need to Know About Finance and Investing in Under an Hour | Big Think
Crewing for or Helping Others
Sometimes, it can be hard to know what to do to support someone. You may feel stressed or scared you'll say the wrong thing.
Remember your main role as Crew or a supportive friend or family is to listen, acknowledge and communicate support. That can mean calling a professional service such as Kids Helpline or, in an emergency, calling 000 They can also guide you on what to do.
See How to Ask If Your Friend Is OK video
If you are under 18 years old, you can also reach out to an adult or your Crew to help you support someone.
See Professional and Urgent Help for a list of services with live phone numbers and links
See Pathways to Help
RUOK: Supporting someone experiencing financial hardship
Her view from home: How to help your financially struggling friend (without making things weird)
Money Smart: Teaching kids about money
Parents: Teaching kids about money an age-by-age guide