SURVIVE THE MARKET CRUNCH – FREE FINANCIAL SEMINARS

With a global market crunch upon us Minister for Women Margaret Keech says now more than ever is the time for women to start taking greater control of their finances.

Mrs Keech is encouraging women to sign up to the Bligh Government’s FREE Economy Wise Budget Smart Seminars – and possibly bring one to your region.

“This free 20 hour seminar though presents financial advice in simple terms designed specifically for women, as women process such information differently to men.

“The Bligh Government is looking over the horizon and has been ensuring women have access to free financial information – around 250 women have to date taken this course.

“As part of our Toward Q2 strategy another13 seminars are planned throughout Queensland over the next 8 months.

“7 locations are yet to be determined so register your interest now – we will send the seminars where the demand is.”

“The course will teach women the skills needed to get by in a financial emergency.”

95% of Economy Wise Budget Smart participants stated that the program gave them confidence to manage their money better while 92% stated that they intended to make some changes regarding how they handle their money.

“Topics include managing a household budget, savings, superannuation, smart purchasing and planning for retirement and investing,” Mrs Keech said

“Being money savvy and becoming financially secure are some of the biggest challenges facing Queensland women today.

“In the current climate now more than ever is the time for women to take control of their finances.

“Unfortunately women are falling behind men when it comes to financial literacy.

“Too many women put off learning about money matters – they say they’re too busy, too tired or it’s all too hard to understand.”

Research indicates women earn 16% less than men and retire from the paid workforce with half the superannuation men have.

A recent survey sample conducted by Security4Women found that just 25% of women believe they have an above average level of financial knowledge.

The Security4Women sample found many women know little about superannuation and the importance of saving for their retirement, yet 87% would like to manage their superannuation better.

“Given that women generally live longer than men, their superannuation must last longer too”, Mrs Keech said.

“The Bligh Government is improving services and we want to improve women’s capacity to achieve economic security.”

“There is an increasing amount of financial information available in the marketplace, however the information needs to be relevant and targeted towards women,” Mrs Keech said.

“Women access and process information very differently to men, and a lot of the financial information currently available is not ‘women-friendly’.

“There is also a lack of culturally appropriate financial information available.”

“The overwhelming demand for this course proves than women want to know more about managing their own money. They want to be in control,” Mrs Keech said.

Economy Wise – Budget Smart will be held in locations across Queensland.

Regions so far allocated a seminar are: Beenleigh, Charleville, Cherbourg, Mackay, Murgon and Redcliffe.

It’s free and women and girls are invited to attend.

To find out more about the Economy Wise – Budget Smart program and other free programs and resources for women and girls phone 1800 177 577 or go to www.women.qld.gov.au.

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Media Contact: Matthew Hyde 3235 9236