Educational articles to help improve your financial wellbeing

From quick and easy one-minute reads, to lengthier white pages, explore a range of helpful articles on different financial topics.

Government and community support
Managing debt
Safe banking
Savings and budgeting
Superannuation and retirement

Government and community support

It can be hard to make sense of what help is out there when there seems to be so much available. We’ll help you figure out what you’re eligible for and how to access it to bring relief to your financial situation. From local community resources to government stimulus packages – let’s connect you with those who can help.

How working from home impacts your tax deductions

03 June 2021 - read time: 1 min
Temporary shortcut method available for FY21 tax returns.

Jobseekers urged to plan ahead for supplement cut

28 February 2021 - read time: 1 min
With the Coronavirus jobseeker supplement due to end on 31 March, Queenslanders on unemployment benefits have been urged to start planning now.

Drivers warned of cost increases from 1 July

30 July 2020 - read time: 1 min
Queensland motorists warned there would be a raft of increases to transport fees.

What is diminished capacity?

21 July 2020 - read time: 1 min
How to ensure vulnerable Queenslanders are protected

What is elder abuse and how to stop it

21 July 2020 - read time: 1 min
Rates of elder abuse are on the rise in Australia.

What is the Office of the Public Guardian?

21 July 2020 - read time: 1 min
How the OPG can assist with the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable community members.

How to make a will

30 April 2020 - read time: 2 mins
Everything you need to know about making a will.

How financial counselling could help you

26 April 2020 - read time: 2 mins
Financial counselling tips with the National Debt Helpline.

Manage your rego monthly

21 February 2020 - read time: 1 min
Motorists now have the option to pay their annual bill in monthly instalments.

Managing debt

The world of debt can be complex and confusing – it’s important to know what options you can explore. Learn how you can take control of your finances, navigate financial hardship and demystify the world of debt.

Home buyers warned to exercise caution as borrowing reaches record highs

2 February 2021 - read time: 2 mins
RACQ has urged homebuyers to do their research and exercise caution when borrowing, after new data revealed an influx of Australians committing to new home loans.

Top five reasons to refinance

3 December 2020 - read time: 2 mins
With interest rates at record lows, more Aussies are refinancing their mortgages than ever before.

Qlders risk putting Christmas on credit

25 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
New research has found one in two Queenslanders felt the festive season was a financial burden, with more than one third set to start the new year on the wrong foot, putting their Christmas expenses on credit.

New pay system threatening Christmas

16 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
There’s a new trendy payment service that could not only rob you of a cheerful Christmas, it could rob your bank account too.

Tips for buying your first home together

28 September 2020 - read time: 1 min
Buying a home with your partner can have a positive effect on your future together.

Money on your mind?

28 September 2020 - read time: 1 min
Whether its debt, loss of income or a change in your circumstances, money can have a huge impact on our mental health.

Second-hand car searches soar as motorists tighten belts

21 August 2020 - read time: 1 min
Tips to navigate a recession.

Credit card confusion catching Qlders out

16 August 2020 - read time: 1 min
New RACQ research has revealed just how little Queenslanders understand about credit cards.

Credit cards out of favour, as BNPL debt soars

16 August 2020 - read time: 1 min
Qlders warned against signing up for debt in sheep’s clothing as nation’s credit card bill plunged.

Data reveals Qld homeowners could be flying blind to fees

8 August 2020 - read time: 1 min
RACQ has flagged a potential financial risk for homeowners, as new research revealed nearly 50 percent of Queenslander’s didn’t understand the fees associated with home loans.

What does a recession mean?

14 July 2020 - read time: 2 min
Tips to navigate a recession.

Rates on hold but home owners urged to switch loans

7 July 2020 - read time: 1 min
As the RBA held the cash rate at 0.25 percent, RACQ Bank has urged Queensland home owners to hunt for a better mortgage rate.

Home buyers urged to ask the right questions

9 June 2020 - read time: 1 min
Queenslanders looking to buy a home have been urged to do their research and ask the right questions before signing a contract or risk unexpectedly high and potentially unaffordable insurance premiums.

Why there’s never been a better time to check your loan: RACQ Bank

29 May 2020 - read time: 1 min
As Queenslanders looked for new ways to save money and tighten their budgets, RACQ Bank has urged homeowners take a closer look at their mortgage, and to secure the best deal available, if they weren’t already on it.

Help, my credit cards have taken over

20 May 2020 - read time: 2.5 mins
How to get yourself out of credit card debt.

How to start managing your debt

20 May 2020 - read time: 4 mins
Tips to help you take control of your finances.

How credit cards work

05 May 2020 - read time: 3.5 mins
What you need to know before applying for a credit card.

Need cash fast?

13 February 2020 - read time: 3 min
What to consider before taking out a short-term loan.

How to avoid underinsurance

2 February 2020 - read time: 1.5 min
Check you’re insured for the right amount of insurance at the right cost.

Safe banking

From scams to digital lending, there’s so much you can do to make your bank work best for you. We’ll help you understand how to bank safer and smarter.

RACQ Bank says NO to cyberbullying

18 June 2021 - read time: 1 min
This ‘Stop Cyberbullying Day’, RACQ Bank has encouraged its members to make their online safety a top priority.

RACQ Bank issues urgent scam warning, as online fraudsters take millions

09 June 2021 - read time: 1 min
RACQ Bank has urged Queenslanders to be aware of online scammers.

Sophisticated scammers target Queenslanders

25 May 2021 - read time: 1 min
How to protect yourself from scams.

Online car ad scams on the rise

21 May 2021 - read time: 1 min
Don’t get caught out when buying a used car advertised online.

Dos and don'ts of lending money to family

14 May 2021 - read time: 1 min
As house prices continued to soar, Australians wanting to enter the property market have reportedly turned to family members to help secure home loans, with the “Bank of Mum and Dad” now Australia’s ninth largest lender.

Shoppers beware: plan now to avoid 'Click Frenzy' fail

28 April 2021 - read time: 1 min
Queenslander’s have been urged to take caution when online shopping, as May’s ‘Click Frenzy’ fast approached.

Don’t get fooled by scammers: RACQ

19 April 2021 - read time: 1 min
RACQ has urged Queenslanders to be vigilant of new scams and cons, as the number of victims nationwide continued to grow.

How to protect your personal information

03 March 2021 - read time: 1 min
Identity theft on the rise in Australia.

Don't risk financial future on dodgy advice

22 February 2021 - read time: 1 min
Queenslanders have been warned to exercise caution when following financial advice from uncertain sources as new RACQ Bank data revealed people were significantly more likely to approach family and friends for information on finances than financial advisers or banks.

RACQ issues urgent warning after scam numbers soar

18 January 2021 - read time: 1 min
RACQ has urged Queenslanders to be on the lookout for sophisticated scammers, after a new report revealed Australians lost $176 million to cons and scams in 2020.

Say ho, ho, no to scammers this Christmas: RACQ Bank

8 December 2020 - read time: 1 min
With almost $7 million lost to online shopping scams this year, RACQ Bank has called on Queenslanders to play it smart this Christmas.

Teaching kids money matters

17 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
How to help your children to understand the value of money in a cashless world.

What is life insurance and do I need it?

26 October 2020 - read time: 1 min
Understand different insurance products to find the right cover to protect you and your family.

How to rewrite your relationship with money

14 September 2020 - read time: 1 min
Tips to help you think more positively about your finances.

Master your money, master your mood

10 September 2020 - read time: 2 min
New research by Financial Counselling Australia has revealed those seeking free financial counselling support were also more likely to report mental health issues.

Queenslanders urged to put finances first during recession

2 September 2020 - read time: 2 min
Queenslanders are encouraged to take a few simple steps to gain control over their finances in these tough times.

Romance scams causing heartbreak in COVID-19: National Scam Week

17 August 2020 - read time: 1 min
Qlders warned to watch out for sweet-talking scammers.

How to make your bank accounts work for you

4 August 2020 - read time: 1 min
Getting control of your bank accounts is the first step to making the most of your money.

Beware of storm chasers luring in CQ: RACQ

18 June 2020 - read time: 1 min
Months after a severe hailstorm ripped through parts of central Queensland, ‘storm chasers’ have continued to door-knock residents trying to coerce them into signing a contract they might later regret.

RACQ advocates for QLD’s financial wellbeing

2 June 2020 - read time: 1 min
RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith said the online portal was now open to any Queenslander and a series of free webinars would kick-start the Club’s push for greater financial wellbeing.

Scamming is rife: Check your super balance now!

1 June 2020 - read time: 1 min
With millions of Aussies now registered for an early withdrawal of their superannuation funds, and scammers seizing on opportunities to empty retirement funds, RACQ has urged every Queenslander to check their super balance.

How to make your bank accounts work for you

26 May 2020 - read time: 1.5 mins
Getting control of your bank accounts is the first step to making the most of your money.

Why women need to focus on their finances

26 May 2020 - read time: 1.5 mins
Australian women are one of five groups that suffer the lowest financial literacy in the nation.

How to bank safer and smarter during COVID-19

7 April 2020 - read time: 1.5 min
How we’ve implemented new procedures to protect members’ financial and physical wellbeing.

How Queenslanders can stop COVID-19 scammers

7 April 2020 - read time: 1 min
Scammers are out in force trying to profit off the COVID-19 health crisis.

Your Club’s here for you during COVID-19

7 April 2020 - read time: 2 min
As Queenslanders deal with the health and economic impacts of coronavirus, RACQ has committed to helping its members.

RACQ Bank goes digital

6 April 2020 - read time: 2 min
How virtual home loan meetings are helping homeowners during COVID-19.

Savings and budgeting

It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to managing your money. Prioritise where your money goes with access to tools, tips and resources that can help you budget. Understand the steps you can take to get the most out of your money and feel more financially confident.

Lodging your first tax return

07 June 2021 - read time: 1 min
How to make the tax process quick and easy.

Buy now, regret later? RACQ issues spending warning

01 June 2021 - read time: 1 min
RACQ has urged Queenslanders to exercise caution when using buy now pay later (BNPL) options, after a new survey revealed many shoppers struggled to make the repayments.

Fast food eating away at Queensland budgets

25 May 2021 - read time: 1 min
Queenslanders looking to tighten their budgets have been urged to consider how much they spent on lunches and take away food as new RACQ Bank research revealed one third of those surveyed admit they have had to forego buying groceries due to financial pressures.

How to maximise your savings

19 May 2021 - read time: 1 min
Make the most of your money despite low interest rates.

Save on your electricity bill

19 May 2021 - read time: 1 min
How you can take advantage of falling electricity prices.

Is your budget on track?

12 April 2021 - read time: 1 min
As we hit the second quarter of 2021, Queenslanders have been urged to check in on their budget and make any adjustments if needed, so they stayed on track to meeting their financial goals for the year.

One in three Qlders have no savings: RACQ Bank

3 February 2021 - read time: 1 min
A new study released by RACQ Bank has revealed one in three Queenslanders were struggling financially and had no savings.

Parents breaking the bank on back to school costs

21 January 2021 - read time: 1 min
New RACQ Bank research has revealed the financial pressure parents faced when purchasing back to school supplies, with one third putting their kids’ school expenses on a credit card, and one quarter of parents admitting their children went without the most expensive items.

Five free apps to help save you money

19 January 2021 - read time: 1 min
Make your dollar stretch further with these money-saving apps.

The cost of convenience

18 January 2021 - read time: 1 min
DIY lunchbox items could save parents $400 per year.

When is it time to start saving for a rainy day?

5 January 2021 - read time: 1 min
Queenslanders were being urged to tuck some extra money away for a rainy day when thinking about their financial New Year’s resolutions and savings plans.

What you need to know before you hit the Boxing Day sales

14 December 2020 - read time: 1 min
Queenslanders have been warned to think carefully before shopping up a storm in the Boxing Day sales.

Are extended warranties worth it?

14 December 2020 - read time: 1 min
What you need to know before hitting the Boxing Day sales.

The most affordable ways to get fit

3 December 2020 - read time: 1 min
Shrink your waistline without shrinking your wallet.

Thinking of lending money to family?

3 December 2020 - read time: 1 min
How to protect your relationship when lending money to family or friends.

Air-conditioning bills heating up

24 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
How to cut your summer cooling costs.

RACQ Bank warns Queenslanders against spending surge

19 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
Queenslanders have been warned against making reckless financial decisions which could hurt them in the long run, after new figures forecast consumers would spend an additional $1.5 billion more this year.

Why you need to save more than a deposit

18 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
The hidden extra costs to buying a home.

Seven steps to buying a car

17 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
Buying a car is a big decision, here are our top seven steps to help you make the right choice.

Make $5000 from your unwanted stuff

11 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
How to make money and help the environment with the second-hand economy.

Where to safely store your savings

5 November 2020 - read time: 1 min
When it comes to making the most of your savings, it can be hard to know where to turn.

What’s stopping you from saving?

19 October 2020 - read time: 1 min
Find out why it's so hard to pay off debt or put money away for a rainy day.

What to know before you start a side hustle

13 October 2020 - read time: 1 min
2020 has seen a rise in the concept of side hustles as more people look for creative ways to make a bit of extra money.

How to make the most of your savings account

8 October 2020 - read time: 1 min
Top tips for getting the most out of a high-interest savings account.

Make sense of any extra dollars and cents

28 September 2020 - read time: 1 min
From stimulus packages, tax returns to early superannuation withdrawals, some Australians may have found themselves with a bit of extra cash.

RACQ Bank warns Queenslanders to swipe with caution on Afterpay Day

20 August 2020 - read time: 1 min
Shoppers urged to play it safe as buy now, pay later sales flooded stores across the State.

Pandemic’s impact on our shopping habits

20 July 2020 - read time: 1 min
COVID-19 has changed the way we view shopping and our spending habits.

Time for a financial fitness check

1 July 2020 - read time: 1 min
Queenslanders urged to conduct a new year financial fitness check.

Drivers warned of cost increases from 1 July

30 June 2020 - read time: 1 min
Queensland motorists warned there would be a raft of increases to transport fees.

How good savings habits now will pay in the future

16 June 2020 - read time: 1 min
Now that you have started working, this is the perfect time to put a plan in place for your savings journey.

Qlders hold onto their tax money and save their tax return

10 June 2020 - read time: 1 min
After a challenging start to the year, Queenslanders are holding their money close to their chest, as new RACQ research revealed almost 70 percent planned to put their tax return toward savings or to pay off debt.

Top five money hacks for students

21 May 2020 - read time: 4 mins
How to take control of your finances and make smart decisions that could set you up for life.

How to teach your kids to care about money

20 May 2020 - read time: 3 mins
What skills does a child need and when should you start teaching them.

Why your budget shouldn’t feel like a punishment

17 May 2020 - read time: 2.5 mins
Whether you’re single, a couple or a family, a budget should be an essential part of your life.

Queensland budgets struggling under COVID-19 burden

5 May 2020 - read time: 1 min
New data has revealed 80 percent of Queenslanders need to overhaul their household budget if they’re to survive the economic pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting advice from RACQ Bank on the best ways to tackle the period ahead.

Best budgeting apps to get your finances on track

22 April 2020 - read time: 3.5 mins
The days of plugging your own information into a spreadsheet are in the past.

Simple ways you can manage your financial health during COVID-19

16 April 2020 - read time: 2.5 mins
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Australian families in many different ways.

Top money podcasts to tune into

13 March 2020 - read time: 2 min
The personal finance podcasts you need to download.

The most affordable ways to get fit

3 March 2020 - read time: 2 min
Shrink your waistline without shrinking your wallet.

How to avoid EFTPOS bank fees

21 November 2019 - read time: 1 min
What ‘least-cost routing’ means for you.

Understanding debt consolidation

19 September 2019 - read time: 2.5 min
The ins and outs of debt consolidation.

Financial mistakes to avoid

1 August 2018 - read time: 1 min
Common finance pitfalls to avoid.

Superannuation and retirement

In most instances, superannuation will be the second biggest asset you own. It’s your money and it’s important you understand how it works and what it can do for you. Navigate through important information about your super and learn how you can be in the best position to fund your retirement.

Check the health of your superannuation today

13 May 2021 - read time: 1 min
As new figures revealed many Australians struggled to maintain the levels of superannuation they’d need for a comfortable retirement, RACQ has offered several tips on how to check in and revive this vital future security blanket.

How to get your super back on track

17 June 2020 - read time: 1 min
With more than two million Australians registered to make an early withdrawal of $10,000 from their superannuation, RACQ has shared its top tips for regaining your retirement.

Salary sacrificing to superannuation

27 May 2020 - read time: 2 mins
Is boosting your super through salary sacrificing right for you?

Don’t get caught out by super scams

11 May 2020 - read time: 1 min
After almost 1.3 million Australians applied for an early withdrawal of their superannuation, RACQ has warned Queenslanders to be wary of super scams.

Women urged to look at their finances in 2020

3 March 2020 - read time: 1 min
Aussie women are missing out on a potential $113,000 at retirement.

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Important Information

The information has been prepared for general information purposes. Any advice is general advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives, financial situations and needs.

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Financial wellbeing articles

Read more

Government and community support

How working from home impacts your tax deductions

Jobseekers urged to plan ahead for supplement cut

Drivers warned of cost increases from 1 July

What is diminished capacity?

What is elder abuse and how to stop it

What is the Office of the Public Guardian?

How to make a will

How financial counselling could help you

Manage your rego monthly

Managing debt

Home buyers warned to exercise caution as borrowing reaches record highs

Top five reasons to refinance

Qlders risk putting Christmas on credit

New pay system threatening Christmas

Tips for buying your first home together

Money on your mind?

Second-hand car searches soar as motorists tighten belts

Credit card confusion catching Qlders out

Credit cards out of favour, as BNPL debt soars

Data reveals Qld homeowners could be flying blind to fees

What does a recession mean?

Rates on hold but home owners urged to switch loans

Home buyers urged to ask the right questions

Why there’s never been a better time to check your loan: RACQ Bank

Help, my credit cards have taken over

How to start managing your debt

How credit cards work

Need cash fast?

How to avoid underinsurance

Safe banking

RACQ Bank says NO to cyberbullying

RACQ Bank issues urgent scam warning, as online fraudsters take millions

Sophisticated scammers target Queenslanders

Online car ad scams on the rise

Dos and don'ts of lending money to family

Shoppers beware: plan now to avoid 'Click Frenzy' fail

Don’t get fooled by scammers: RACQ

How to protect your personal information

Don't risk financial future on dodgy advice

RACQ issues urgent warning after scam numbers soar

Say ho, ho, no to scammers this Christmas: RACQ Bank

Teaching kids money matters

What is life insurance and do I need it?

How to rewrite your relationship with money

Master your money, master your mood

Queenslanders urged to put finances first during recession

Romance scams causing heartbreak in COVID-19: National Scam Week

How to make your bank accounts work for you

Beware of storm chasers luring in CQ: RACQ

RACQ advocates for QLD’s financial wellbeing

Scamming is rife: Check your super balance now!

How to make your bank accounts work for you

Why women need to focus on their finances

How to bank safer and smarter during COVID-19

How Queenslanders can stop COVID-19 scammers

Your Club’s here for you during COVID-19

RACQ Bank goes digital

Savings and budgeting

Lodging your first tax return

Buy now, regret later? RACQ issues spending warning

Fast food eating away at Queensland budgets

How to maximise your savings

Save on your electricity bill

Is your budget on track?

One in three Qlders have no savings: RACQ Bank

Parents breaking the bank on back to school costs

Five free apps to help save you money

The cost of convenience

When is it time to start saving for a rainy day?

What you need to know before you hit the Boxing Day sales

Are extended warranties worth it?

The most affordable ways to get fit

Thinking of lending money to family?

Air-conditioning bills heating up