Services Australia

Making informed financial decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when you're facing a major life change or planning for the future. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we speak with Chris from the Financial Information Service (FIS) about the free and independent support available to help Australians better understand their finances and make informed choices.

Find out:
• what the Financial Information Service is and who can use it
• how FIS can help with budgeting, saving and financial confidence
• why superannuation is one of the most important financial topics to understand
• key life events that may be a good time to seek financial information and support
• the different ways you can access FIS, including phone appointments, webinars and video calls

Plus, we discuss common financial questions Australians have about retirement, compensation payments, returning to work, caring responsibilities and understanding how financial decisions may affect government payments. Chris also shares why it's never too early—or too late—to start thinking about your financial future and becoming financially fit.

More information at:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/financial-information-service
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/financial-information-service-webinars

To speak with a Financial Information Service officer, call 132 300 and ask for the Financial Information Service.

#ServicesAustralia #FinancialInformationService #MoneyMatters #FinancialWellbeing #Superannuation #RetirementPlanning #Budgeting #FinancialEducation #AustralianGovernment #ServicesAustraliaPodcast

Bringing home a new baby is exciting—but there’s also a lot to organise. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we explain how Parental Leave Pay can help eligible parents and carers take time off work to care for their newest family member.

Hear practical advice on:
• Who can get Parental Leave Pay and how much you may receive
• The changes to the scheme, including more weeks of paid leave and superannuation
• How both parents can access the payment
• When to claim and why applying early can make things easier
• Flexible ways to use Parental Leave Pay alongside employer-funded leave

Plus, we bust some common myths, share practical tips to help you prepare before your baby arrives, and explain where to find more information about payments and services available for growing families.

More information at:
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
www.my.gov.au

Balancing your family payments is an important part of tax time—and knowing what to do can help you avoid delays and unexpected surprises. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we explain how balancing works for Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy, and what you need to do to make sure you’re paid the right amount.

Hear practical advice on:
• What balancing is and why it matters
• How to confirm your income and when to lodge your tax return
• What to do if you don’t need to lodge a tax return
• The three possible balancing outcomes and what they mean
• Simple ways to reduce the risk of a debt next year

Plus, we share practical tips to help keep your family payments up to date throughout the year, explain how Child Care Subsidy withholding works, and show you where to track your balancing progress online.

More information at:
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/balancing
www.my.gov.au
www.ato.gov.au

Tax time is here—and it can get confusing fast. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we break down what tax time means if you receive payments like Family Tax Benefit, Child Support or Medicare.

Hear practical advice on:
• Whether you need to lodge a tax return
• When to lodge (and why timing matters)
• How payment balancing works
• Common mistakes to avoid
• How to protect yourself from scams

Plus, simple steps you can take now—like checking your details and income estimates—to make tax time easier.
Stay informed, stay safe, and lodge once, lodge right.

More information at:
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
www.my.gov.au
www.ato.gov.au

Tax time is here—and it can get confusing fast. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we break down what tax time means if you receive payments like Family Tax Benefit, Child Support or Medicare.

Hear practical advice on:
• Whether you need to lodge a tax return
• When to lodge (and why timing matters)
• How payment balancing works
• Common mistakes to avoid
• How to protect yourself from scams

Plus, simple steps you can take now—like checking your details and income estimates—to make tax time easier.
Stay informed, stay safe, and lodge once, lodge right.