With the cost of daily commodities, such as petrol escalating, the management of household finances can become stressful.

Stress no more! QPCU offers members' free access to a financial management - budgeting service.

The Board believe that this free service offered by QPCU, provides an important and meaningful benefit to members.

The service aims to guide members through the steps necessary to gain financial peace of mind. Both Jan and Amy, from QPCU's Household Financial Advisory Service, believe that they can assist members by streamlining their financial management.

According to Jan, this process provides much more than just the common perception of 'budgeting'. "We assess each individual holistically; we look at the overall structure of their accounts, their level of debt, how they are managing that debt, and most importantly what are their financial goals. From here we evaluate ways that we can help members manage their finances more effectively. You could almost say we provide a lifestyle or financial management service" said Jan.

Jan believes that the service can benefit anyone, whether eighteen, sixty-five or any age in between. "We recently had a couple who had never had a proper holiday. Through the service we were able to help them budget with this goal in mind. They have just phoned me from their holiday destination to let me know they had finally got there!" she said.

Arranging to use the service is simple. Just call 131 468 and one of QPCU's friendly staff will take your details. Either Amy or Jan will then call you back to arrange your first appointment. In the initial appointment, which lasts about an hour, you are asked to bring along copies of your pay slips, confirmation of any debts and any regular bills. Your household finances are then reviewed in order to develop an understanding of current income and expenditure. Jan or Amy will then evaluate how they can help improve your financial situation. In some cases, this might mean a simple restructuring of accounts so that they work more effectively. In other cases it might involve debt consolidation, salary packaging advice or wealth building.

Essentially, the service is not just a one-off consultation where you are given a budget and expected to "go do". The program consists of at least two to three visits, during which Jan or Amy will seek to establish a relationship whereby members feel comfortable in phoning if extra help is required. Where necessary the team will also provide an ongoing service, which can be as limited or as involved as needed, to suit individual requirements. Jan believes one of the benefits of the program is that everything is set up for members, including all the necessary accounts, direct debits, Bpay and Internet Banking. "We even show members how to use Internet Banking and Bpay facilities. It is a wonderful service that helps educate members and empowers them to better manage their finances" said Jan.

If appropriate you might be referred to other services provided by QPCU which might include; Insurance, Home Loans, Personal Loans, Savings, Salary Packaging or Financial Planning. These services could help enhance your financial lifestyle and future.

For more information, or to book your free appointment
phone us on 131 468.

Alternatively, you can send us any budgeting enquiry
at this location.

Disclaimer: This article is of a general nature and does not purport to be specific investment advice. Individual needs and other considerations have not been taken into account. Where appropriate Financial planning advice (including salary packaging) will be provided by our preferred financial planners as outlined in our FSG.