1. Financial Information Service (FIS)

2. Financial Information Service
This presentation provides an overview of the Financial Information Service (FIS) and the role of the FIS Officer.

3. Introduction to FIS

4. Introduction to FIS
The Department of Human Services Financial Information Service (FIS) is a dynamic program that helps the community by providing financial education and information.
FIS is available to everyone in the community. Most people who contact FIS are not in receipt of a payment.

5. Introduction to FIS
FIS operates on the principle that a better understanding of financial affairs gives people more choices leading to a better lifestyle both now, and in retirement.

6. The Financial Information Service is
Introduction to FIS
The Financial Information Service is
independent,
free,
and confidential.
FIS helps people make informed decisions about investment and financial issues
FIS is an information service, it does not provide financial advice or financial counselling.

7. ‘What does a FIS Officer do?’

8. ‘What does a FIS Officer do?’
FIS Officers encourage people towards maximising their overall income by looking beyond just Centrelink benefits.

9. ‘What does a FIS Officer do?’
As the Department of Human Services financial experts, FIS Officers directly help people maintain and improve their standard of living by:
Increasing people’s confidence with financial issues
Alerting people to levels of risk associated with different financial products
Helping people maximise their overall retirement income
Highlighting the roles of different professionals in the financial industry
Helping people effectively plan for their current and future financial affairs
Assisting people to be discerning when choosing financial professionals
Educate people in beneficial ways to use financial information
Highlighting the benefits of increased savings
Encouraging better management of personal debt and credit

10. ‘How can FIS help?’
FIS Officers provide information on a wide range of issues including:
Investment options and strategies
Superannuation and annuities
Long term and short term investments
Taxation
Property settlement after divorce or separation
Redundancy and retrenchment
Compensation payouts
Handling inheritance
Impending retirement
Death of spouse or partner
Aged care and accommodation issues
Gifting and loans

11. ‘What does a FIS Officer do?’
FIS Officers are employed to be financial educators and a source of information rather than advice...
...therefore they are not able to recommend any form of investment to customers.

12. FIS Seminars
Seminars are a cost effective way of delivering financial literacy to the wider community.
FIS Officers present an extensive public seminar program covering a number of topics and issues.
They organise the seminar program, and also attend seminars organised by employers, community groups and superannuation funds.

13. Seminars are conducted both inside and outside of business hours.
FIS Seminars
Seminars are conducted both inside and outside of business hours.
They are conducted in various locations, mostly off-site from Human Services premises to encourage attendance.

14. FIS Outreach

15. FIS Outreach
FIS Officers develop positive relationships with external stakeholders such as:
Community Organisations
Financial Planners
Superannuation Funds
Employers
Groups and organisations will often make specific requests for FIS Officers to provide financial education for their employees or participants.

16. FIS Officers actively promote Government programs and initiatives by:
FIS Promotional Activities
FIS Officers actively promote Government programs and initiatives by:
Developing promotional campaigns
Speaking to community organisations and employers
Speaking at public meetings

17. The FIS Phone Service

18. The FIS Phone Service
People who wish to speak with a FIS Officer are able to contact via the FIS Phone Service on
Most enquiries are completed over the phone.
Face to face FIS interviews can also be arranged where appropriate.

19. Face to Face Interviews
FIS Officers conduct more involved personal interviews at a local Human Services Centre.
Using specific tools, FIS Officers can discuss ‘what if’ scenarios with people, and explore financial options.

20. Financial Information Service
Thanks for your interest in the
Financial Information Service