Take control of your financial future now

To help you build a secure financial future we have produced a series of free consumer education booklets.

The 12 booklets in the 'Take Control' series cover a range of topical subjects, from budgeting to credit cards to buying a property.
We also have material on fighting fraud.

In 2004, the NSW Government recognised the Take Control series with the NSW Consumer Protection Customer Service Award (Business/Industry Association category).

Simply click on any publication to download a free PDF version.

	Youth Finances: It's all about (YOU)th With so many gadgets available these days, such as mobile phones, PSP, the internet, costing our youth a small fortune, it is more important than ever to instil sound advice when it comes to budgeting. This booklet outlines tips on saving and budgeting, moving out, credit cards, mobile phones, employment, health and fitness and much more.
	Buying Property: A smart guide to buying property Buying a home is exciting – and daunting. Purchasing a home, whether it’s a house, townhouse or unit, is likely to be the biggest financial commitment you will ever make. This guide covers all you need to know to get started, from advice on how to find the right home, buying the property through to choosing the right home loan.
	Wealth Creation We are all too well aware that creating wealth is not easy. It requires discipline, patience, a little luck and knowledge. This guide introduces long-term strategies used to build wealth. It has been designed to improve your understanding of investing and maximising your dollar.
	Will Creation Guide: Making a will of your own Although one of the most important legal and financial steps you will ever take, making a Will is often written off as too daunting, too difficult and/or too expensive. You are never too young to create a Will and a Will can always be re-written as your relationships and life circumstances change. This booklet provides you with a guide to taking control of your assets and taking the time to write a Will.
	Managing Credit Cards: Play your cards right Credit cards have won Australians over with their ease of use, convenience and high degree of flexibility. However if not managed properly it can be easy to fall into a debt trap. This booklet outlines tips for using your credit card wisely, advice on which credit card is right for you through to advice on how to avoid the debt trap.
	Powers of Attorney: Making your own decisions A power of attorney is a legal document that enables another person to make decisions on your behalf. You might be a student looking to take out a car loan, travelling overseas or simply unable to make the hard decisions yourself anymore. This booklet is a practical guide that explains the law in this very fundamental part of your life.
	Borrowing: Credit where it's due Credit can be a great convenience when used correctly, but can be big source of financial stress when over indulgence occurs. The purpose of this booklet is to help you better understand what it means to borrow money, taking into consideration your financial future and how it affects – and complements – your lifestyle goals.
	Managing Financial Difficulty: Stop that crisis At one stage or another in our lives, it is likely that we will suffer a financial crisis. This may be in the form of over using the credit card, bills all arriving at once, ill-health, periods of unemployment or an unusual turn of events. This booklet looks into the debt trap, warning signs to look out for, what to do when trouble strikes and steps to get yourself back on the straight and narrow.
	Budgeting: Making it easy So you know what a budget is and you would just love to be able to have the ability to stick to one. This booklet outlines the basic principles of budgeting and gives you clear information on how to benefit from your budgeting, how to control your spending and how to create a budget that works.
	Insurance: Keeping you and your assets safe Protecting our assets is a must, but many of us don’t do enough to ensure that they are covered. Assets may include a car, home, furniture, jewellery, musical instruments, sporting equipment or even a boat. This booklet will assist in answering the tough questions around avoiding loss or damage, what insurance policies are available and which one is the best for you needs as well as who you can turn to for advice.
	Buying a Car: Buying a car on your terms Cars can bring mobility, freedom and pleasure. No one can tell you which car to buy, nor can they suggest that your decision must be 100 per cent logical and boringly practical. It is however important to consider all you options before taking the plunge. This guide outlines everything you need to know when purchasing a car, from new or used, safety options, insurance to car testing tips.
	Fraud Prevention: Protecting your finances Financial fraud is big business. This kind of fraud can take many forms, from mail and credit card abuse to identity theft and online deception. In Australia alone, fraud committed using stolen personal details or false identity cost $4 billion a year. This booklet discusses various forms of fraud and other advice on safeguards.

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