Budgeting
The first step in taking control of your finances or money is to do a budget. It will take a little effort, but it’s a great way to get a snapshot of the money that you have going in and out. Setting up a budget could include downloading budget apps, setting up a spreadsheet or opening your own bank account.
There are many online resources that can assist you including:
There are also many organisations who can help you with budgeting:
Find some helpful apps to start your budgeting:
Banking
If you want to open your own bank account, here are a few things you will need:
- Tax File Number (TFN)
- Proof of permanent address
- Identification (ID) - check with your bank what ID you need (e.g. photo ID, birth certificate)
Once your account is active, you can then manage your money by registering for telephone or internet banking.
When you open a bank account, you should make sure you read and understand the fine print. Never open a bank account without first reading the product information and understanding the terms and conditions and the various fees that might apply.
Terms and conditions provide the rules and regulations that apply to how you use the account. If you don’t understand them, ask your bank to explain them to you.
Tax File Number
A Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and superannuation systems. Your TFN is an important part of your tax and super records as well as your identity, so keep it secure. Your TFN is yours for life. You keep the same TFN even if you change your name, change jobs, move interstate or go overseas.
You don’t have to have a TFN, but without one, you pay more tax. You also won’t be able to apply for government benefits, lodge your tax return electronically or get an Australian Business Number (ABN).
To find out more about how to obtain a TFN, how much tax should be taken from your pay or how to lodge a tax return, phone 132 861 or visit Australian Taxation Office.
Superannuation
Superannuation is a tax-effective way to save for your retirement. Employees contribute a portion of your wage into your superannuation account which will grow until retirement or withdrawal.
To find out more information visit Australian Taxation Office.
Centrelink
You may be eligible for financial government assistance. Check out Centrelink’s Financial Information Service (FIS). This service is available for everyone in the community, and you do not need to be a recipient of Centrelink assistance. FIS can help you to make informed decisions about financial planning, investing and other financial issues or concerns you may have.
To find out if you are eligible for government assistance visit Centrelink.
myGov
MyGov gives you access to a range of government services online.
Some services you can access include:
- Australian Jobsearch
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Centrelink
- My Health Record
- Medicare
To find out more about myGov and how to sign up, visit myGov.
Unique Student Identifier Number
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) Number creates a secure online record of your recognised training and qualifications gained in Australia, from all training providers you undertake recognised training with.
You can apply for a USI at USI - Create your USI. To set up a USI number you will need to provide a form of identification.
Birth Certificate
Refer to Get a birth certificate to apply for a copy of your birth certificate.
Medicare Card
Ever wonder what your Medicare card is actually for? When you show healthcare providers your Medicare card, you can receive free or cheaper health services from people such as doctors, specialists and optometrists.
Places you can use your Medicare card include bulk billing doctors, public hospitals, pharmacy or chemist where you buy your medicine. You can get cheaper medicine using your Medicare card if your prescriptions are covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (which includes most common medicines that your doctor recommends).
If you are applying for a Medicare card through a Medicare Office, you should take two forms of identification with you (eg. a birth certificate, student card, healthcare card, driver’s licence or passport). You can also choose to stay on your parent’s card and have a copy made to keep with you.
You don’t need identification to do this. This is called the ‘duplicate’ Medicare card. You only need to ask your parents or carers to call or visit Medicare to get you your ‘duplicate’ Medicare card.
100 points of ID
In some cases, you may be asked to provide 100 points of ID. This requires providing 100 points of Australia or state-issued documentation to prove your identity. You can achieve this by providing different combinations of documents to make up the 100 points. It is important to include at least one primary document as part of your 100 points.
Enrol to vote
It is a legal requirement for all eligible Australian citizens to enrol and vote in local, state, and federal elections, by-elections and referendums. From the age of 16, if you are an Australian citizen, you can enrol to vote, so that as soon as you turn 18, you’ll be able to vote.
For more information go to Enrol to vote - Australian Electoral Commission.
Confirmation of Aboriginality
You may be asked for your confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage when you apply for a service or program. These services or programs may include a job you are applying for, scholarships, university, school programs or grants.
In order to obtain your confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage you will need to complete an application.
You must be able to show your connection to your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage through documentation such as family history documents, oral stories, photos or connection to a particular community
Make contact with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation. The board of the organisation will only consider your application if a member of the board knows your family heritage. You can also contact the Aboriginal Land Council from which your family connection is linked to.
Find out more about Proof of Aboriginality on the AIATSIS website.
Blue Cards
Are you planning on working with children?
The purpose of the Blue Card is to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children and young people.
To find out more information on blue cards go to Blue Card Services.
White Cards
Planning on working in the construction industry?
A White Card is evidence that you have completed a general construction induction course. This course is mandatory for anyone who works or wants to work in the construction industry.
What age do you have to be to get a White Card?
High school students 14 years or over can get a White Card.
If you are interested in gaining a White Card and/or working in the construction industry, some of the training organisation you can get a White Card with include:
Yellow Cards
To apply for a disability worker screening clearance, you need to be engaged in employment with a provider, or a provider must be proposing to engage you. Employers must verify your engagement before your application is considered valid.
You can find more information on and apply for a yellow card via Disability Worker Screening - Workers.
Driving
The first step to learning how to drive is getting a Learner’s Permit or licence. In order to get this, you need to be at least 16 years old and complete the PrepL online learning and assessment. More information on how to get your learner’s and provisional licence can be found at Getting a licence.
Braking The Cycle Program
This is a program that helps learner drivers get more logbook hours in order for them to go for the Provisional Licences quickly.
View Braking The Cycle Program
Learner driving exemption
This service allows you to apply for an exemption from the requirement to complete and record 100 hours of supervised driving to be eligible to apply for a provisional licence. A fee may apply, check the Learner logbook web page for more information.
To be eligible for a learner logbook exemption you must hold a learner licence, be under 25 and be able to prove that:
- No car is reasonably available for you to learn to drive
- No supervisor is reasonably available to supervise your driving
- The road network where you live is significantly limited.
Defensive driving courses
Would you like to develop your skills in driving?
Defensive driving programs are a great way to develop your skills and knowledge relevant to crash situations, that is, what to do to avoid crashes or how to minimise the severity of a crash situation.
Driving Management Australia offer a range of courses including practical defensive driving and 4WD programs. They are located in Cornubia.
Aussie Driver
Aussie Driver offers free driving practice tests based on Queensland's official driver manual. Aussie Driver's specialised practice exams turn new drivers into safer drivers.
Transport
Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is a shared public transport option that brings together people who live near one another and want to travel at the same time. You register and book your trip in advance by downloading the MyDRTLogan app, booking online or calling 13 11 90.
Find out more about Logan DRT.
DRT:
- Finds other people in your area who want to travel at around the same time
- Picks you all up near your homes
- Ensures you pay a standard low fare no matter how far you travel
- Drops you all off at your chosen destination, in time to catch your bus or train or make your appointment.
Logan City Yellow Cabs
Phone: 3391 5955
Uber
You can download this app on a mobile device to get started.
DiDi
Award winning ride share at low costs web.didiglobal.com/au/
Shebah
Taxi Service exclusively for female passengers, with female drivers. You can download this app on your device to get started.
Translink Services
To use Translink you will need to purchase a Go Card, this can be purchased at most newsagents.
Travelling overseas
Are you planning to travel to another country? If you go overseas, you will need a passport. For information on how you can get a passport, visit Australian Passport Office.
What should you do before travelling?
- Research your destination
- Register your travel and contact details at Smartraveller
- Research if you may need travel vaccinations
- Purchase travel insurance cover
- Organise your passport and visas
- Plan your accommodation
- Consult your airline about your flights
- Think wisely about what you are packing
- Organise your travelling and emergency money
- Copy your documents
- Check the Smartraveller website for any updates
International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)
You can take advantage of thousands of benefits, services, discounts and savings that the IYTC Student Card offers.
You can apply for an IYTC at Cards - IYTC.
Forms of identification (ID):
- Passport
- Driver’s licence
- Travel visa
- Student card
- Birth Certificate
- Medicare card
- 18+ card