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Budgeting and shopping

Whether you're saving for something you want or paying bills, make the most of the money you have by making the right decisions.

Making a budget

Making a budget can help you to work out:

  • what you spend your money on
  • whether your money is going towards essential items (like food and rent).

Shopping

Saving money

Use the savings goals calculator to find out how:

  • to save money to buy something
  • long it will take to save for your goals.

For more information on how to save money, you may like to get some free banking and financial advice.

Borrowing money

It can be very tempting to borrow money when you are low on cash.

When you use a credit card or other types of credit (like loans) to buy things, you are using someone else's money. This means you will need to pay fees and charges—credit can be very expensive.

It's best to borrow money for things you need, not for things you want.

Dangers of credit

  • Very high interest rates
  • Upfront fees
  • Lenders who only have a mobile phone contact and no business address

After you get credit

  • Make sure you read and get a copy of the contract.
  • You may be able to change details of your contract if you can't afford the repayments.
  • Read your statements (for loan, credit or savings accounts) to check if all information is correct. If it's not, question it.

Using book-up

Book-up is when you get food or other items from a shop, but you pay for them later.
Find out how to book up safely and how to avoid dangers like being charged too much.

Charities

Op shops

Op shops are run by charities and community organisations. Low-income earners can shop for new and second-hand clothing, furniture and other household items at discounted prices.

Food vouchers and other help

Charities and community organisations may be able to provide emergency support, including:

To access some of these services in Queensland, contact:

Managing your bills

Access free banking and financial advice to help manage your bills and money.
Helpful information

Centrelink services

Indigenous specialist officers can help you to access government programs and other agencies’ services to improve your financial position.

You can also contact Centrelink's Indigenous Phone Service on 13 63 89.

Buying a car or house?

Find out:

Your consumer rights

Read about your rights as a consumer, including what to do if you buy faulty products.

Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated:
6 February 2013

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