| Useful contacts General investment advice and financial planning | Shares | Futures | Superannuation | Banking | Insurance | Investor relations | Complaints and complaints resolution schemes | Consumer protection | Personal support | Privacy | Taxation and social security | Finance brokers General investment advice and financial planning Financial Planning Association The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is the association for the financial planning industry in Australia. The FPA website includes some valuable information about the basics of investing. Centrelink's Financial Information Services You can use the Financial Information Service at Centrelink regardless of your age or whether you receive, or will ever receive, a Centrelink payment. They offer free and independent financial information and are a good place to visit first if you are just starting to think about your financial options and financial planning. You can:
For more information visit Centrelink's Financial Information Service website. For information in languages other than English, phone 13 1202. National Information Centre on Retirement Investments, NICRI Do you have modest savings and are investing for your retirement? Are you facing redundancy? You can get free, independent and confidential advice by:
Investment and Financial Services Association of Australia, IFSA Visit their website Australian Investors’ Association Visit their website US Securities Exchange Commission Although the information is designed for the American consumer, there is an excellent interactive program dealing with the steps to take in order to become a smart saver and investor. The common sense advice contained in this website crosses all national boundaries. Financial media There are a number of commercial television shows and magazines in Australia which provide information about financial planning and lifestyle issues like family budgeting. The major ones all have their own websites. Although they are commercial sites, they do contain useful information for the consumer interested in increasing their knowledge about investments. Fund managers Many fund managers, insurance companies and banks have their own websites. Although they are primarily designed to promote the company’s own products and services, many of them also contain useful information about general investment matters and are worth a look. Shares Australian Shareholders’ Association Australian Securities Exchange In addition to providing information about individual listed companies, their website includes an extensive information package on how the Exchange works, and an interactive teaching program about investing on the Exchange. Futures Sydney Futures Exchange Financial services Financial Services Ombudsman Banking Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman Insurance Financial Industry Complaints Service Ltd Insurance Ombudsman Service Ltd Insurance Brokers’ Dispute Limited Investor relations Australasian Investor Relations Association AIRA's aim is to foster best practice and enhance ethical and professional standards in investor relations. Consumer protection Consumer and business directory - contact details for organisations that provide assistance or advice to consumers and small businesses. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Choice Consumers’ Federation of Australia, CFA CFA is the national peak body for consumer groups in Australia. CFA's 95 members include legal centres, health rights groups, local consumer organisations and public interest bodies. CFA's role is to put the view of its member organisations to government and industry and advocate on behalf of consumers. CFA's focus is primarily on advancing the interests of low income and vulnerable consumers. Email them at info@consumersfederation.com or visit their website State and Territory Offices of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading (State government consumer agencies) Personal support A major financial loss from a scam or bad investment or the financial disruption from a relationship breakdown can take an emotional toll. If you need support and guidance, see our list of financial support and counselling services. Privacy For information on how financial institutions and other companies must protect your personal information go to the website of the Australian Privacy Commissioner. Taxation and social security Australian Taxation Office General enquiries 132 861 Superannuation Helpline 131 020 Centrelink (Social security) 132 300 | |
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