Free financial information from Centrelink

Victoria media release
Monday, 15 February 2010

Centrelink will again host its popular series of free financial information seminars in Dandenong, later this month.

The seminars are part of the Financial Information Service (FIS), a free and independent service from Centrelink that provides practical information on savings and wealth creation, superannuation, income streams, salary sacrifice/packaging and Centrelink payments and services.

Centrelink FIS officer, Dallas Achilles, said the aim of the seminars is to provide information that helps people achieve a better retirement lifestyle through the best use of their own resources.

"FIS officers are in the unique position of being able to offer unbiased financial information to members of the local community,"Dallas said.

"Our aim is to help people gain confidence to deal with financial matters and to be able to understand their own financial affairs. The seminars alert people to the risk levels of different financial strategies and products and explain the role of financial industry professionals."

"It’s never too early or too late to start planning for your financial future."

However, Dallas is quick to point out that FIS officers are not financial planners.

"We don’t sell advice or purchase investment products, and FIS officers aren’t able to make decisions on anyone’s pension or financial choices," Dallas said.

The series of seminars will be held at the Chisholm Institute Dandenong Campus, Auditorium Building A, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong (Melway 90 F4), and will cover the following topics:

Seminars are free to the public, but bookings are essential so call 13 6357 or email fis.seminar.bookings@centrelink.gov.au to reserve a place.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.