INITIAL TRAINING

Welcome to a career in the Defence Force, opening up a broad range of opportunities, job security and interesting work. Getting your finances off to a strong start will provide you with the foundations for good money management throughout your career. This page and this website, aim to provide you with the tools and information to help you in developing good financial habits you need to be successful with money.

Principles of Financial Success

ADF members receive competitive salaries, attractive superannuation arrangements, subsidised housing and other allowances and entitlements. This provides a strong foundation to build your financial future.

Getting on top of your finances doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. This website provides you with reliable sources of impartial information, useful tools and other resources to guide you along your path.

The earlier you start the better!

Watch our 6 part mini series to discover the core principles to make the most of your ADF career and the financial benefits you will receive. Being financially fit will help you focus on your job and perform at your best.

Helpful Topics and Resources

Initial Training

Superannuation

Learn more about how superannuation works and how you can make the most of your superannuation entitlements.
Initial Training

Income Tax

Individuals pay income tax on your money as you earn it. Understand what income you need to declare, how much tax you will pay and what deductions are allowed as an ADF Member.
Initial Training

Insurance

There are several types of insurance. Manage risk by insuring the things that are most important to you.
Initial Training

Wills & Power of Attorney

Every ADF member should have a valid will. Explore what you should consider when creating a will and before granting someone a Power of Attorney.
Initial Training

Budgeting

A budget lets you see what you currently spend your money on, whether you are spending more or less than you earn.
Initial Training

Goal Setting

Where do you want to be financially? Explore how to set financial goals, commit and work towards achieving them.
Initial Training

Saving

Start saving and putting money aside to achieve your goals and develop good savings habits.
Initial Training

Debt

Managing debt is a critical part of good money management.

Initial Training Workbook

Get your finances off to a strong start by laying the foundations for good money management, and helping you develop good financial habits you need to be successful with money. This workbook can be used alone or in conjunction with a personal finance brief, the Initial Training video below or with support of the information on this website. It is set out with checklists, activities and reference materials to help you make the most out of your ADF career.

Contact us if you would like a printed copy of this workbook.

DOWNLOAD WORKBOOK

First Nations Development Program

How do you feel about money? What is your money story? Download the Taking Control of Your Financial Future Workbook to help you make good financial decisions through useful tools and information.

DOWNLOAD WORKBOOK

Track your goals

Saving is easier than you may think. The trick is to start small and start now. Set your goals, create your savings plan and begin to make your dreams a reality.
Whatever your circumstances, you can begin to calculate how much and how often you need to save to reach your goals, try the MoneySmart Savings Calculator.
SAVINGS CALCULATOR

Initial Training Briefing

Missed an Initial Training briefing? Or want to revisit the financial concepts we covered? Watch this 7 minute video to help you get your finances off to a strong start by developing good financial habits and lay the foundations for good money management.

Initial Training

CHECKLIST

Here’s a handy checklist summarising the actions suggested to get your finances off to a strong start.
VIEW PDF

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