Me and my money – free financial wellbeing resources for Aboriginal communities
Buying a car
Phone the ASIC Indigenous Helpline – 1300 365 957
Watch online the ASIC Money Smart – Take a minute with your money - Buying a car – take a minute with your money video
Remember these 3 things:
- Only buy a car you can afford
- Shop around for the best loan
- Check the condition of the car
Go online to the Fair Trading NSW – Buying and selling a car web page
Superannuation
Before setting up a super fund, go online and have a look at these websites and resources:
- What is a super?
- How to search for lost super?
- How to roll super into one account?
- How to access you super early?
- Who gets my super when I am gone?
Electricity bills
Go online and have a look at these websites and resources:
- What are my options if I can’t pay my electricity bill on time?
- How can I save on costs?
- Where does the main source of electricity in Australia come from?
- How can I switch providers?
- How can I read my own meter?
Renting things for your home – whitegoods, furniture, electronics
Phone the ASIC Indigenous Helpline – 1300 365 957
Watch online the ASIC Money Smart – Take a minute with your money - Renting things for your home - take a minute with your money video
Remember these 3 things:
- Renting can be expensive
- Only rent what you came for
- Know your options
Go online to find out how to apply for a No interest loans service (NILS). These loans are for individuals and families on low incomes who need safe, fair and affordable credit.
NILS loans can be used for:
- Household items like fridges, washing machines, TVs, furniture
- Medical procedures and dental services
- Education essentials such as computers and text books
- Car repairs or registration
NILS loans cannot be used for:
- Rent
- Bills
- Cash
- Debts
Borrowing money
Phone the ASIC Indigenous Helpline – 1300 365 957
Watch online the ASIC video - Sorting out your money problems video
Go online to the Financial Rights Legal Centre Mob Strong Debt Help website or call – 1800 808 488
Funeral funds
Call the ASIC Indigenous Helpline – 1300 365 957
Watch online the ASIC Avoid a funeral rip-off video
Remember to check
- Do you already have funeral cover – insurance or superannuation?
- What financial help may be available?
Options available to pay for a funeral
- Set up a savings account
- Pre-paid funeral plan
- Funeral bonds
- Funeral insurance or plan
Never feel pressured to sign up for anything
Be careful signing up children
Before you sign up speak to someone you trust
Planning Ahead
Go online and have a look at these websites and resources:
- NSW Trustee and Guardian Aboriginal Planning Ahead resources
- Taking care of business – planning ahead for Aboriginal people in NSW
- Aboriginal wills handbook – a practical guide to making culturally appropriate wills for Aboriginal people
Buying things – your consumer rights
Watch online the Fair Trading NSW – My Consumer Rights videos (English)
There are six topics
- Contracts
- Guarantees and warranties
- Lay-by agreements
- Shopping refunds
- Resolving issues and lodging complaints
- Your shopping rights
ACCC Indigenous Consumers
Phone the Indigenous information line – 1300 303 143
Go online and sign up to the ACCC – Your rights mob – Indigenous consumers facebook page
Door to door sales
Go online to the ASIC Dealing with pushy door to door salespeople
Watch online the ASIC – It’s OK to walk away video
My rights as a tenant
Go online to Tenants Union of NSW and find:
- Aboriginal renters factsheets
- Aboriginal Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services (NSW)