Summer holidays are the perfect time to relax, explore new destinations, and create lasting memories. However, travel also brings its own set of risks, particularly when it comes to managing your money. Whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally, keeping your money safe should be a top priority. From avoiding theft to protecting your financial information, here are some essential tips to help you safeguard your money and enjoy a worry-free holiday. 1. Use a Travel Card or Prepaid Debit Card …

The summer holiday period is a time of fun, relaxation, and spending time with family and friends. From Christmas celebrations to beach getaways and New Year festivities, there’s plenty to look forward to. However, with all the excitement, it’s easy to overspend and find yourself struggling with post-holiday financial stress. The key to enjoying this time of year without breaking the bank is creating a solid budget. Here are some tips to help you budget effectively for the summer holiday …

In November, the First Option team visited the Mt Rothwell Conservation and Research Reserve for an enlightening evening focused on conservation activities and critically endangered species. During the event, they gained valuable insights into the conservation efforts supported by the First Option Bank’s Environmental Rewards Program and learned about the species being rescued from the brink of extinction. The following morning, the First Option team attended a presentation by Dr Steve Enticott from Carbon Landscapes, where we learnt more information …

Teaching your children good money habits is one of the most valuable lessons you can impart. By helping them understand the basics of financial responsibility from a young age, you set them up for a lifetime of financial well-being and confidence. But how do you go about teaching these important lessons in a way that’s meaningful and age-appropriate? Here are some practical tips for teaching your children good money habits, no matter their age. 1. Start with Simple Concepts at …

Teaching kids the value of saving money is an important life skill, and it doesn’t have to be boring! By incorporating fun and interactive strategies, families can inspire children to build good money habits early on. From creative games to real-world challenges, here are six fun ways to encourage kids to save. 1. Create a Savings Chart A visual savings chart can help kids track their progress and stay motivated. Whether they’re saving for a new toy, a day out …

Learning healthy financial habits as a teenager can set Australian teens up for a lifetime of financial stability. With the cost of living rising and the importance of financial independence growing, developing good money habits early can make it easier to avoid money struggles as an adult. Here, we share practical money tips tailored to Australian families to help teens build a strong financial foundation. From budgeting to investing, these steps are designed to fit into the Australian financial landscape. …

Criminals who contact you unexpectedly offering to help ‘fix problems’ with your account, phone or computer are causing increasing financial loss through remote access scams. Professional-sounding scammers ask you to download well-known screen-sharing (or remote desktop application) software. They then use this software to steal from you. Australians reported losing $15.5 million to these scams in 2023, with criminals stealing averages in the tens of thousands of dollars. Australians over 65 years old are losing the most money in these …

Part 1: First Steps The first of three guides designed to help everyday Australians understand the basics of cyber security, learn how you can take action to protect yourself from common cyber threats. Personal Cyber Security: First Steps Guide | Cyber.gov.au Download the illustrated PDF guide for Part 1 Part 2: Next Steps This guide builds upon the steps you’ve taken and the cyber secure thinking you learned in the First Steps guide, and provides the next level of actionable steps and …

First Option’s Under-18 Memberships are exclusively for kids, with close parental/guardian supervision. A kid’s membership can include a couple of accounts to help them get used to the idea of budgeting: an everyday account which has an attached Visa debit card (for ages 12 and over only) and a high-interest, online-only savings account: the Kids Bonus Saver, without a Visa card. Having a spending account and a savings account is the foundation of teaching them basic good financial management skills. …