Ask Mummy Megs

This is something more people should know…

I had no idea they existed until I walked past one on the weekend.

Australia now has **free walk-in mental health centres**.

No referral.
No appointment.
No cost.

They’ve only started rolling out since 2023, which means a lot of people still don’t realise they exist.

If you’re struggling, or even just need to talk, you can walk in and get support from trained professionals and peer workers.

From a personal perspective, I think access is only half the battle. Awareness is the other half.

So if this is new to you, it’s worth saving or sharing.

👉 You can find your nearest centre here: https://lnkd.in/g7pR8nnd

You never know who might need it.

How to set the dining table and Do's and Don'ts at the table...🍽️

Just do it one night, impress your family! 🤩

MMx

How do I Open a Bank Account? 💰💸💳🤑

Pick a bank, choose an everyday account + savings account, upload your ID, apply online, and you’ll get a debit card + your bank details

✅ Opening a Bank Account - Checklist

1. Choose a bank (Big 4):
☐ CommBank | popular app + lots of ATMs/branches -https://www.commbank.com.au/banking/netbank-saver/ready-to-apply.html?ei=open-now

☐ Westpac | big network + good travel/ATM access options https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/bank-accounts/youth

☐ NAB | often promotes fee-free everyday options - https://www.nab.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/transaction-accounts/nab-classic-banking-checklist

☐ ANZ | strong focus on digital tools and online banking ANZ Savings Accounts | https://www.anz.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/savings-accounts/

*Some banks have different rules depending on your age – you may need a parent or guardian to help you OR go in to your local branch.

2. Choose your accounts *It won't hurt to open both - use one to save your money
☐ Everyday account (spending)
☐ Savings account (saving)

3. Get your ID ready (one or more):
☐ Passport
☐ Birth certificate
☐ Medicare card
☐ Learner/driver licence
☐ Student ID (sometimes helps)

4. Apply (online is easiest):
☐ Fill in details
☐ Upload ID
☐ Set up online banking login

5. Debit card setup:
☐ Activate card
☐ Set PIN
☐ Add Apple Pay / Google Pay
☐ Turn on transaction notifications

6. Save these details:
☐ BSB
☐ Account number
☐ Bank name

7. Safety:
☐ Never share your PIN/password
☐ Freeze your card if it’s lost

** Your card and PIN will be posted to your nominated house address in 2 separate envelopes over a couple of days.

You can now:
✅ get paid from a job
✅ receive money from family
✅ transfer money to savings
✅ pay for things safely



MMx

The dreaded DISHWASHER! don’t whinge!

1) Before you load:
Do:
• Scrape off food into the bin/compost.
• Rinse only if your dishwasher is old or food is very sticky (e.g., dried egg, oatmeal).
• Check the filter occasionally (weekly if used daily).
Don’t:
• Don’t load plates with large chunks of food — it clogs it.
• Don’t pre-rinse everything spotless

🍽️ 2) How to stack a dishwasher properly
Bottom rack (heavy items)
• Dinner plates
• Serving platters
• Pots and pans
• Large bowls
How:
• Face dirty sides toward the centre
• Keep a small gap between plates so water can reach all surfaces.
• Put big items at the sides and back, so they don’t block the detergent spray arms.
✅ Tip: Don’t nest bowls tightly — water can’t reach inside.

Top rack (lighter items)
Best for:
• Cups, mugs
• Small bowls
• Glassware
• Plastic containers (if dishwasher safe)
How:
• Place cups and glasses upside down.
• Angle items so water drains off (not pooled).
• Put plastic on the top rack only (bottom rack gets hotter and can warp it).
✅ Tip: Keep wine glasses secure and not touching—vibration can crack them.

Cutlery basket / cutlery tray
• Mix spoons/forks/knives so they don’t “spoon together.”
• Put handles down for most items (better cleaning).
• Put sharp knives handles up so you don’t cut yourself when unloading.
Cutlery tray (flat top tray):
• Spread items out in single layers.
• Don’t overlap — water won’t reach.
✅ Tip: Keep spoons separated—they love nesting.

🚫 Common loading mistakes (that cause bad cleaning)
• Overloading (water can’t circulate)
• Blocking spray arms (they must spin freely)
• Putting tall items in front that stop detergent dispenser opening
• Nesting bowls/pans
• Putting plastic on the bottom rack

🧼 3) Where to put detergent + rinse aid
Detergent
• Use tablet or powder/gel in the detergent compartment.
• If it’s heavily dirty, add a little detergent to the pre-wash section (if your machine has it).
✅ Tip: Tablets work best when placed inside the detergent door, not tossed into the bottom (unless your manual says it’s okay). Get whatever is on sale! I use Fairy, they’re great and you can pick them up a great price.

Rinse aid (optional but helpful)
Use it for:
• Fewer spots on glasses
• Better drying
• Less streaking
• Fill the rinse aid compartment

⚙️ 4) Which cycle should you use?
• Eco: best energy/water use, but takes longer
• Normal/Auto: everyday use
• Heavy/Pots: greasy pans, baked-on food
• Quick: lightly soiled, but usually weaker drying
• Glass/Delicate: protects glassware

✅ 6) What not to put in a dishwasher
• Wooden boards/spoons (cracks, warps)
• Cast iron (rust)
• Sharp expensive knives (dulls)
• Nonstick pans (shortens lifespan)
• Aluminum (turns dull)
• Fine china with gold trim
• Crystal (may cloud or crack)

🧽 7) Cleaning the dishwasher (important!)
Once a month:
• Remove and rinse the filter
• Wipe door seals
• Run a hot wash with dishwasher cleaner (or a cup of vinegar on the top rack)
✅ Tip: If it smells, it’s usually the filter.

MMx

How to Use a Clothes Dryer 💛

Dryers are great… until your clothes shrink, your dryer stops working, or the lint turns into a fire hazard 😅

So here’s the simple guide.
👕 Step 1: Check the label on the clothing item
• If it says “Do not tumble dry” → don’t dryer it
• If it says “Low heat only” → choose low heat (or it may shrink)
👉 Warning items: sportswear, bras, anything stretchy, school uniforms, hoodies.

🧺 Step 2: Don’t overload it
If the dryer is stuffed full, clothes take longer and won’t dry properly and your clothes will stink.
A good rule:
✅ ¾ full is perfect
❌ packed full = inefficient + can damage the dryer

🔥 Step 3: Choose your setting
• Everyday clothes: Normal / Mixed
• Towels and sheets: Cotton / High heat
• Delicates: Low heat / Gentle
If you’re unsure → pick low heat. It’s safer and reduces shrinking.

🚨 MOST IMPORTANT STEP: EMPTY THE LINT FILTER! IT CAN CAUSE A FIRE!
This is the part people skip… but it matters the most.

🧡 Every time you use the dryer, empty the lint filter BEFORE or AFTER the load.
Why?
✅ Dryer works better
✅ Clothes dry faster
✅ Dryer lasts longer
🔥 AND it reduces fire risk (lint is super flammable)
📌 Lint filter is usually inside the door or near the top or bottom
Peel the fluff off and throw it in the bin.
💧 If your dryer collects water…
Some dryers fill a water container.
👉 That container needs emptying every 1–2 loads or the dryer stops drying properly.
📌 Water tank is usually a drawer at the top or bottom.

Every dryer is different, I’ve attached a couple of photos of a more modern machine and an older one to help you locate the filter.

✅ Quick Reminder:
Lint filter every load.
Water tank every couple of loads.

MMx

💛 First Job?

Have you been told to fill out a Tax Declaration Form? What the heck is that?!

Here’s What a Tax File Number (TFN) and Tax-Free Threshold Actually Mean...

What is a TFN?
A TFN (Tax File Number) is just a number that belongs to you.
It helps the government know how much tax you should pay, if any.
📌 You keep the same TFN for life.

📝 How to apply for a TFN (it’s FREE)
1. Go to the ATO website (Australian Tax Office) Apply for a TFN | Australian Taxation Office https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/tax-file-number/apply-for-a-tfn
2. Apply online for a TFN
3. You’ll need ID (like Medicare card, passport, birth certificate
4. Your TFN will get posted to you

✨ Don’t pay anyone for it, it’s always free.

🧾 What is the TFN form your job gives you?
• When you start a new job, your employer (your boss) will give you a form called a TFN Declaration Form. (Form attached or you can follow the below instructions)
• You only complete Section A (as the employEE)
• Then hand it to your employER to complete Section B (your Manager will take care of this for you and lodge it on your behalf)
It just tells them:
• your TFN (you can still lodge it without having the number which you’ve just applied for, but make sure to add the number in as soon as you receive it or you may be taxed at a higher rate)
• if you want to claim the tax-free threshold
• your basic details

That’s all. It’s not scary — it just helps them tax you the right way.

Instructions if your employer does not give you a paper copy to complete, you can log in to your myGov account, go to Linked services then selection, Australian Taxation Office, Select Employment from the menu. Follow this how to link Access and complete employment forms in ATO online | Australian Taxation Office

💰 What does “Tax-Free Threshold” mean, in SIMPLE terms?
This is the easiest way to understand it:
You can earn up to $18,200 a year before the government starts taking tax.
So:
• The first $18,200 you earn = tax free
• After that = tax gets taken out
Think of it like a “free zone” before tax starts.

⭐ Should I claim the Tax-Free Threshold?
✅ YES if this is your only job
❌ NO if you have more than one job
Because you can only claim it once.
If you claim it at two jobs, you might end up owing tax later.

💛 If you’re not sure…
DM me anytime. No judgement, no names — just practical help.

MMx

Am I an EmployEE or an EmployER?

👉 In short:
Employee = the worker
Employer = the one who hires and pays

MMx

Welcome to Ask Mummy Megs! 💛

I’ve fondly been called “Mummy Megs” by many young adults over the years — and I’m so glad you’re here. I'm married and a mum of 2 adult boys and a successful businesswoman.

This page is a safe place to ask questions and get real-life, practical advice about the everyday things that help set you up for success:
✨ work and money
✨ confidence and boundaries
✨ “how do I even adult?” moments

You’re welcome to follow along, and if you have a question, send me a DM anytime. This page will be gradually built based on what people want to know or suggest.

📌 Your privacy matters to me.
I will never out who you are or share names — I’ll simply give the best practical answer I can.

So… welcome! 💛

💥Tell me: what’s something you wish someone had explained to you when you were younger?

(which spoon do I use first at a fancy restaurant?! and how do I apply for a Tax File Number?! were mine)

MMx