Each module has a stated learning objective and financial concepts are demystified. Key words and definitions appear as easy references along with a glossary of terms and plain language is used to enhance online learning.

Here is a list of the modules that make up the Money for Life program:

		A plan for life
		Managing your money
		Superannuation
		Super Choice
		Retirement and estate planning
		Work-Life Balance
		Investment Options (available July 2007)
		Insurance – why risk it? (available July 2007)
		Good debt bad debt (available July 2007)
		Simplified Superannuation (available July 2007)

A plan for life

This module introduces you to personal financial management – including budgeting, saving and planning – and gives an overview of the various factors influencing the financial planning industry such as economic, and social issues.

This training will help you answer the following questions:

1. How are my finances going?
2. Why is it important to have a plan?
3. How do I go about establishing a plan?
4. Where do I start?
5. What do I want to achieve?
6. How long will it take me to reach my goals?
7. What is the gap between my goals and my current savings?

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Managing your money

In this module you will get involved in a hands-on activity to:

• prepare your own budget
• estimate a retirement income
• prepare a basic financial plan

You will also review your personal financial statements.

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Superannuation

Superannuation is a large, complex and important subject area. This module will cover the way that superannuation funds operate, the concepts of compulsory superannuation and preservation, taxation implications, and rollover funds.

Here you will use a superannuation calculator to look at the long-term effects of: fees, extra contributions, government co-contributions, time out of the workforce, and different strategies or funds.

The module demystifies super and provides important facts.

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Super Choice

With the advent of Super Choice a large part of the workforce has the right to choose the fund they are in. Superannuation Choice of Fund is shaping up to be a potentially complex area of workplace and financial responsibility for employers. Choice will not go away. Employers need the right information to implement the Choice requirements within their workplace.

Who should do the training?

• Trustees
• HR professionals
• Remuneration and Benefits specialists
• Business owners and employees alike

The outcome: Training will assist you and your employees to:

• Understand the upcoming changes
• Consider the implications of choice
• Keep staff up to date and with access to independent information
• Reduce question time for payroll officers and HR managers
• Reduce down time in repeating general questions

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Retirement and estate planning

This module looks at some of the key issues to consider with retirement and estate planning.

It discusses some of the realities that need to be confronted, and the opportunities available for securing your peace of mind.

Learn about when and how do I want to retire and what income will I need to support me in retirement? The module covers lump sum payments, retirement income streams taxation, estate planning and much more.

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Work-Life Balance

People are caught up in the never-ending cycle of working harder and longer to meet increasing demands and professional obligations.  There is evidence that a growing number of employees are struggling to manage their work and life commitments.  This modules reviews current stressors and managing the ‘wheel of life’ learning to balance finances, work, family, body, mind, values and beliefs, social activities and professional development, lifelong educational needs and career pathing.  

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Investment Options (available July 2007)

Don’t put your eggs in one basket!

This module identifies the keys to building financial independence and the challenges and advantages of investing covering both wealth creation and wealth protection. Participants are encouraged to set goals, identify lifestyle choices and plan for a safe and secure retirement. The topics include: investment types, risks and rewards and an overview of the four main types of investments: cash, bonds, property and shares. The module also covers potential risks and investments that should be avoided including:

• Tax-driven investments
• Investment scams
• Property investments
• Cash-based investments offering high returns

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Insurance – why risk it? (available July 2007)

This module identifies risk in the context of potential financial loss. It also provides an overview of some of the key types of insurance available that can help reduce the impact of these risks. Content includes information pertaining to what is risk and how can I manage risk? How does insurance work to minimise the impact of risk? What types of risk can you insure against? What is generally excluded from insurance cover? What do I need to consider when choosing insurance?

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Good debt bad debt (available July 2007)

This module covers all forms of lending products that are provided by banks, finance companies, credit unions, mortgage brokers or any other credit providers. With consumer credit levels continuing to rise, significant concerns are emerging regarding increased credit costs and consumer credit overextensions. The module covers examples of good debt and bad debt to develop skills for an informed consumer. Whilst debt can sometimes be viewed in a negative light, it can be an effective way to increase net wealth if used for the right purposes and in the right way. However there is significant emphasis on "False wealth" which consists of reviewing the depreciating lifestyle assets such as cars, boats, clothes and consumer items.

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Simplified Superannuation (available July 2007)

This module provides an overview of the new Simplified Superannuation Bill 2006, introduced on 7 February 2007. The module will cover the new arrangements and simplify new rules on

• superannuation for retirees;
• incentives offered to continue work and save;
• how superannuation savings can be drawn down in retirement.

The module includes the Simplified Superannuation reforms, and individuals can investigate how these reforms might improve their retirement incomes and simplify the Superannuation industry for the 10 million Australians with superannuation accounts and the future account holders and their families.