Global Money Week 2026 (Monday 16–Sunday 22 March) sees the not for profit Financial Basics Foundation launch Cashed Up Bootcamp – First Car, a practical, four-part course designed to demystify car ownership for young Australians.

The initiative empowers young people to assess needs, compare payment options, budget for ongoing costs, and spot scams, aligning with the Global Money Week theme of “Smart Money Talks.”

Katrina Samios, CEO of the Financial Basics Foundation said, “Smart Money Talks is about turning abstract financial concepts into practical decisions teens face when buying a car - planning, saving, and protecting themselves from scams.

Cashed Up Bootcamp – First Car includes four sections that build real-world financial capability:

1) Topic one guides participants through the decisions involved in purchasing a vehicle, how to plan and understanding what to consider before buying a car.

2) Topic two helps learners evaluate financing options, compare loans versus cash payments, and understand interest and repayment implications.

3) Topic three delves into budgeting for the total cost of ownership, including registration, insurance, fuel, servicing and depreciation.

4) Topic four helps learners recognise scams and red flags in the used-car market, and learn how to verify listings and protect themselves from fraud.

‍

‍

By completing the course, young people will be able to choose a vehicle that fits their needs and budget, understand loans and interest rates, estimate ongoing costs, and demonstrate practical money-management skills in both upfront and ongoing payments.

‍

Each participant completes the program with a micro-credential and a digital badge for resumes and online profiles.

‍

Cashed Up courses are free of charge, and young people can self-enrol. Cashed Up Bootcamp courses align with financial literacy benchmarks and use real-world context to create an engaging learning environment with learner dashboards to track progress. To join Cashed Up Bootcamp visit https://financialbasics.org.au/bootcamp

‍

Global Money Week 2026 runs from Monday 16–Sunday 22 March, with the theme Smart Money Talks, encouraging young people to engage in informed conversations about money, savings, budgeting and responsible financial decisions.

‍

For further information on the resources provided by the Financial Basics Foundation, please visit https://financialbasics.org.au/

‍