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Cycling to work is becoming an increasingly popular way for Australians to get to their place of employment. There are numerous benefits associated with cycling to work, both for the individual cyclist and for society as a whole. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key benefits of cycling to work in Australia. 1. Improved physical health Cycling to work is a great way to improve your physical health. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body weight, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes, and improving mental health. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints and can be adapted to suit all fitness levels. 2. Reduced environmental impact Cycling to work is also an environmentally friendly choice. By choosing to cycle rather than drive or take public transport, you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping to reduce air pollution. This has benefits not only for the environment but also for your health, as air pollution has been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory disease and cancer. 3. Time and money savings Cycling to work can also save you time and money. If you live in a busy city, traffic congestion can be a major problem during peak hours. Cycling allows you to bypass the traffic, and you can often get to your destination more quickly than you would if you were driving or taking public transport. Additionally, you can save money on fuel, parking, and public transport costs by cycling to work. 4. Improved mental health Cycling to work has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Exercise is known to release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that make you feel good. Cycling is also a form of meditation, which can help to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. By cycling to work, you can arrive at work feeling energized and ready to tackle the day ahead. 5. Community building Cycling to work can also help to build a sense of community. There are many clubs and bicycle user groups (known as BUGS) in Australia, and by cycling to work, you can connect with other cyclists and form new friendships. This can be particularly beneficial for people who are new to a city or who are looking to expand their social circle. In conclusion, cycling to work is a great way to improve your physical and mental health, save time and money, reduce your carbon footprint, and build a sense of community. With the growing popularity of cycling in Australia, there has never been a better time to start cycling to work. So why not give it a try and see the benefits for yourself?

To our valued members. As you may have heard in the media, Optus has reported a serious security data breach.  At this early stage what we know from announcements on the Optus and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) websites is that following a cyber-attack, full identity details for an undisclosed number of current and former Optus customers was compromised. The extent of the data breach for affected Optus customers is significant as the compromised data includes customers’ names, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, and, for a subset of customers, addresses, ID document numbers such as driver's licence or passport numbers. Optus has advised that payment details and account passwords have not been compromised.* This is an evolving situation and given it could affect over 9 million Optus customers, we have implemented heightened security measures for our members. The Australia Government’s Scam Watch suggest further steps to protect your personal information which include: Secure your devices and monitor for unusual activity Change your online account passwords and enable multi factor authentication for banking Check your accounts for unusual activity such as items you haven’t purchased Place limits on your accounts If you suspect fraud you can request a ban on your credit report. Also contact us as soon as possible. Please remember: Never share your one time passwords. Please only enter your one time password if you are comfortable making the transaction. Keep your internet banking logins secure Do not click on links in emails or text messages if you are not sure of the origin TMCU will NEVER ask for your personal details over the phone. It is a good practice to check your banking accounts regularly and to immediately report anything suspicious. For more information, please visit the below links: Identity theft -  https://moneysmart.gov.au/banking/identity-theft​ Identity fraud - https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/data-breaches/identity-fraud We are receiving updates in regards to this situation often and will provide further information when it comes to light. * https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2022/09/optus-notifies-customers-of-cyberattack

Solar energy can help you dramatically reduce the running costs of your property, especially if you live in the warm parts of Australia. To find out how much money you can save with solar energy, there are a number of factors that need to be considered:• Your average energy consumption• Usage patterns• Your feed-in tariff rate• The size of the solar energy system you install• Where you liveYour Average Energy ConsumptionYou can easily determine how much electricity you use by looking at the back page of your last power bill. The amount of electricity you consume will be shown in kilowatt hours (kWh). This is the first step in determining how much you can save with solar energy as well as which system is right for you.Typically, larger properties or households with higher energy demands will require a solar energy system around the 5kW range or higher.A 5kW system in Australia generates between 18kW/h - 25kW/h (depending on your region) of solar electricity on average per day. You should refer to your bill to see how many kW/h or units you are currently using.Usage patternsYour solar energy system will produce electricity during daylight hours and any excess electricity generated is fed back into the grid unless you have a solar battery or other location to divert the energy to. Your energy provider will credit you for the export of power and this credit helps offset your power bills.The clean electricity created by your solar energy system is always used in your home before power from the grid. If your home uses more electricity than what your solar energy system can provide, it will then source grid power. The Size of The solar energy System You InstallThe size of the solar energy system you install has a great impact on the amount of money you save. It’s important to choose a system that is large enough to cover your power usage, lessen your payback period and maximise return on investment (ROI).Larger solar energy systems, such as a 5kW unit, will produce significantly more power than a smaller, 2kW system for example. On the other hand, installing a system which is too large will mean you’re exporting a surplus of power back into the grid. Now that feed-in tariffs are lower, you will be selling power back to your energy provider for much less than the costs of your electricity rates.Finding a system which suits your property size and consumption behaviour is the key to saving money.Where You LiveAustralia enjoys the highest solar radiation per square metre of any continent in the world. As a result, there’s plenty of opportunity for us to harness the power of the sun.Your geographic location will influence the energy production of your solar energy system and ultimately, how much you can save. For example, solar energy systems installed in Queensland will yield more solar electricity than an equivalent unit installed in Melbourne.In other words, in one region where solar radiation is stronger you may install a 2kW system, while in a region with less solar radiation, a 3kW unit will be necessary to achieve the same results.The table below demonstrates what a 3kW system will save on average per annum. The two values indicate the average savings based on 5% and 25% export of electricity Estimations on annual FIT & Offset values are provided from the Clean Energy Council of Australia.

The current rain event and associated flooding is bringing challenges and risk to people all over south-east Queensland and NSW. The Credit Union’s membership is spread far and wide across the states and so TMCU has activated its disaster relief support package for affected Members.This package includes low interest loans, deferred loan repayments, early redemption of Term Deposits without penalty and priority processing of applications. TMCU can offer emergency accommodation support and assistance with navigating government relief programs available.Any Members affected directly by the floods please contact us 02 8202-8555 and we will provide you with assistance.Remember we are here to help, please stay safe.Our gratitude and appreciation goes out to all emergency services personnel.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a credit card and a debit card? Which one’s better? Which one should I be getting? So many questions that we are here to answer! Read along to find out 5 things everyone should know about credit and debit cards.  1. Credit cards use borrowed funds When using a credit card, you are essentially borrowing funds from your chosen financial institution via a line of credit. At the end of the month/quarter, you repay the funds you have spent with additional interest. If all repayments are made correctly, credit card use can benefit your credit score. 2. Debit cards use personal funds On the other hand, a debit card uses your personal funds by debiting money directly from your chosen savings account. This eliminates the risk of debt and spending money beyond your means.  3. Both can be used to make online transactions Online shopping is all the rage! Luckily, credit cards and debit cards can both be used to make online transactions, providing ease and convenience.  4. Credit cards often come with benefits  Most credit cards offer additional benefits which can assist when choosing a credit card. Rewards often come in the form of travel points, discounts and many other perks. 5. Debit cards are relatively more affordable As debit cards do not charge interest they are relatively more affordable than credit cards.  If you a TMCU member enquire about our Clement Card. An interest-free Visa Card with just a low monthly fee based on your credit limit to get the best of both worlds!  

Learn how you can protect yourself against fraud and scams online. Security Alert from the ACCC The ACCC has advised that many Australians are receiving scam text messages about missed calls, voicemails or deliveries, asking you to click on a link to download an App. However, the message is fake and the App is actually malicious software known as Flubot. Both Android phones and iPhones are susceptible. If you receive one of these texts, do not click the link. Delete the text.  For more information, visit Scamwatch.gov.au Scam Awareness TipsThe following tips will assist you in protecting your online banking -  Never give anyone, especially anyone who has contacted you via an unsolicited means, access to your computer, tablet or phone.Never type your Internet Banking or Mobile Banking App log-in into a computer, tablet or phone at the request of others. Never use a hyperlink in an email or text to log-in to Internet Banking or undertake a financial transaction. Only log-in to Internet Banking via our website address as disclosed on your account statements. Never reply to an email or SMS that requests your personal information. Never show or tell anyone, including the Bank, your Access Code, PIN or One-Time Passwords associated with your Internet Banking or Mobile Banking App. Regularly check scamwatch.gov.au to learn about the latest types of scams. Common Types of Scams  Flubot Since August 2021, many Australians have been receiving scam text messages about missed calls, voicemails or deliveries. The text messages ask you to click on a link to download an App to track or organise a time for a delivery, or hear a voicemail message. However, the message is fake and the App is actually malicious software known as Flubot. Both Android phones and iPhones can receive these scam texts. Messages contain a website URL followed by 6-8 random letters and numbers, and can include: scheduling a delivery time tracking a delivery managing a delivery that is ‘in transit’ or will be ‘delivered soon’ telling you it's your last chance to arrange pick up/delivery of a parcel asking you to enter your details to receive a package If you click on the link and downloads the App, your phone will be infected. Once installed, the App can read and send text messages, make calls and access contacts from your phone. If you receive one of these messages, do not click or tap on the link. Delete the text immediately. More information on the Flubot scam is available at: Scamwatch.gov.au Romance scams: One of the most common scams reported are Romance scams. These days, it’s very common to meet a new friend online, on online dating websites and social media platforms like Facebook. However, it’s important to be cautious of people who are especially interested in getting money out of you. Be wary if: After only a short time, they claim to have developed strong feelings for you and wish to meet/talk outside the legitimate dating or chat site. Their online profile is not consistent with what they tell you. They tell elaborate stories to gain your trust and sympathy. They may not ask for money immediately, but tell you about their problems, often relating to topics that tug at your heartstrings (for example, about children, elderly relatives and pets). If you don’t send money when asked, they become impatient and persistent. You suggest a Skype meeting, but their camera is never working. Be careful when sharing information about yourself, including photos, videos, and details of friends and family. Remote access scams: Another type of scam that has been reported is remote access scams. How this works is fraudsters will call you pretending to work for a well-known telecommunications company. They may claim there is a virus on your computer and they need your assistance to catch the hackers by gaining remote access to your computer. No matter how professional the caller may sound, never allow them to have access to your computer or give out your personal details over the phone. Instead hang up immediately and contact your Telco directly to report the incident. Hoax emails Fraudsters may also try to contact you via email. One of the common types of hoax emails is phishing scams. The email will allege it is from an organisation, requesting confirmation of personal details such as account numbers, credit card details, Internet Banking logins, PINS, passwords, mobile numbers or access codes. Details entered into a fraudulent website can then be used on the real website to commit fraud. These hoax emails often look genuine, with the same logo and branding as the actual organisation. It’s important to keep in mind, Transport Mutual Credit Union will never ask you to provide your confidential banking information via email. If you receive any suspicious emails, please refer these to Transport Mutual Credit Union immediately. Virus or Trojan emails Scam emails don’t always try to get you to directly reveal your personal details. Instead they may send links and attachments that upon clicking may infect your computer by installing malicious software (Malware). If you open the attachment or click on the link in the email, the malware will try to install itself automatically on your computer, depending on the security software on your computer. The malicious software is designed to capture any information that you enter into online services such as internet banking, and send it back to a criminal who can use it for fraud. There are many email scams designed to compromise online user credentials or personal information, in order to illegally obtain funds. These unsolicited emails are sent in high volumes to random email addresses in the hope that they will find banking customers. NBN / Tax / Border Security scam There are confirmed reports that scammers are impersonating companies such as NBN, the Tax Office and Border Security and requesting personal information which is then used fraudulently. Please ensure that you never give a third party any of your personal banking details such as access code, passwords or member number; and never give them remote access to your computer. For more information on these type of scams, visit Scamwatch.gov.au What to do if you suspect a scam: If you receive a suspicious phone call hang up immediately and contact the company directly to report the incident. For unsolicited emails, do not click on any links, open attachments or enter any personal information as they may expose your computer to viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits or spyware. Transport Mutual Credit Union does not send emails requesting you to confirm or disclose your internet banking login information. To report suspected fraud or scams, contact us here.  

If you’ve been bombarded with strange texts lately, you’re not alone because thousands of Australians have been reporting scam text messages and unfortunately these messages are often attempting to infect your device with Flubot malware. What Is FluBot?FluBot is malware that can be installed on your Android device, usually without your knowledge. How does FluBot infect your phone?The virus is spreading via text messages. The texts are usually filled with spelling mistakes that look something like this: “efgh2 You have a missed call. Caller lfrt a mssafge,” followed by a link. Clicking on the attached link will take you to a fake website that mimics a brand you may already trust. From here, you’ll be prompted to install an app to listen to a voicemail or track a parcel. However, once you give permission to download the app, the malware will be loaded onto your device. What Can FluBot Access?Once installed, FluBot can access your contact list, sending further infecting messages on your behalf. Additionally, it can access your personal information, including your banking details if you use banking apps while the phone is infected. If your device is infected, you should immediately remove the malware and change all of your passwords (just make sure you change these on a separate device). How do I know if my device is infected?While it can be hard to know if your device has been infected, or if your device is sending out texts to infect other devices, here are a few warning signs to look out for: If you're a member of ours, we may have sent you a warning message to let you know you’re sending out abnormally high volumes of texts.You may receive calls or texts from unknown numbers asking why you messaged them.A new app called ‘Voicemail’ is present on your device. The icon is a blue cassette in a yellow envelope.How can I remove FluBot?Most anti-virus applications for Android will be able to detect and remove the malware from your device. If you need to manually remove the malware you can attempt either of the below options: Turn on Google Play Protect, as this may allow you to remove the malware app Activate Android's Safe Mode. This will temporarily block any 3rd party apps from running, allowing you to identify and uninstall any Flubot apps.If the above steps do not resolve the issues, you'll need to perform a factory reset of your device. This should remove the malware but risks erasing all your other data (photos, messages, apps, etc). If you perform a factory reset, make sure you restore content from a not-so-recent backup to avoid the malware remaining on your device. Additional ACCC AdviceDo not click the links and delete the text messageDo not call back the individual who sent the text as they are unlikely to be the scammer. It is possible their device is not infected and their number has been spoofed Please visit this Scamwatch.gov.au news article for more information and what to do if you have been scammed.    

Being money smart is an important life skill. You can introduce your kids to concepts of money and saving from a young age to shape their relationship with money. And would you believe us when we say you can even make money fun for kids! Read along to find out our best tips: Pocket money for choresTo teach children the value of money, you can reward their completion of chores with a small allowance or pocket money. Encouraging kids to help out around the house with the reward of money teaches the basic framework of the workforce, where skills and labour are repaid with money. We recommend starting with something as small as $2 a week for basic chores such as;feeding the dog, making your bed, taking garbage out or watering the plants can build the foundation of great working habits! Use a piggy bankDoes anyone else remember having a piggy bank to collect savings? They are a great, fun way to introduce children to saving. By setting the goal to fill up the piggy bank, your child has something to look forward to and also a great new room decoration! Teach the difference between saving, spending and sharingWhen your child receives money - whether that be from pocket money, gifts, Christmas presents and so on, we recommend you encourage them to split the money equally into saving and spending. Use the piggy bank to save and give the children the freedom to spend the money where they desire. Therefore, from a young age you instill the habit of saving a portion of money/wage that your child receives!

As an organisation owned by its members, we have a long tradition of supporting members through uncertain times. Whether it is a bushfire, a flood, a drought or now a virus, we have done this for more than 55 years and will continue to do so, as we face this current challenge together. In uncertain times, you can be absolutely certain about our support for you and your family. The health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic continue to unfold, and Transport Mutual continues to closely monitor and respond to any developments. As previously advised our team is working remotely wherever possible, in keeping with the need to maintain social distancing for the health of the broader community. Our office is well stocked with personal protective equipment for those who attend the premises. Board and staff meetings are successfully being held electronically and we are happy with the high level of service we are delivering to members as we all adapt to the changing circumstances. We understand that at this time, some of our members' financial needs may be changing, and so today we want to let you know of additional support options that you can access as a TMCU member. We are committed to supporting you through these difficult days, with a package of support options open to members such as a pause on repayments for those experiencing financial stress due to the impact of COVID-19. As a Transport Mutual member, you can access a tailored package of support options right now:Home loans and personal loansMembers facing financial difficulties due to impacts of COVID-19 may pause repayments for up to six months, with a check-in review after three months. This is aimed at reducing the immediate stress members may face as the virus impacts business and the broader economy. Members may also redraw on any advance they have on their loan facilities, or improve their cash flow by reducing repayments to something more manageable right now, simply by getting in touch with the TMCU team via members@transportmutual.com.au. General banking To ease the stress of worrying about fees, Transport Mutual has made the following changes, effective immediately: • Members can access funds in any term deposit without penalty for breaking the term early.• Direct debit and other payment dishonour fees will be waived and absorbed by the Credit Union• Arrears processing fees will be waived by the Credit Union Reach out Contact us for a discussion of your own needs via: Email – members@transportmutual.com.au Phone – 02 8202 8555 (press 0) Facebook - @TransportMutual Remember, Transport Mutual is always here for you, so don’t hesitate to be in touch. We’re all in this together.

Here at Transport Mutual, we care about our future, which is why we like to promote sustainable choices that lower your carbon footprint. There are many choices you can make in your day-to-day life to lessen the impact you make on your environment. What is a carbon footprint?A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated from our daily actions. This is usually generated from transportation, food consumption and energy usage at home. Each of these actions emit dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide which trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming. Here are our top 5 tips to reduce your carbon footprint! 1.Recycle, recycle, recycle!It’s the oldest trick in the book. Most Australian products will indicate whether they are recyclable or not. Recycle as much as you can to prevent waste of potentially useful materials. 2.Drive lessTransportation emits the highest levels of carbon dioxide. When you can, take the environmentally friendly option. Walk, take public transport, ride a bike or even carpool! 3.Buy local produce & eat less meatMeat production uses a lot of food, water, land and energy, so when you can, try to eat less meat! Also, local produce uses up less transportation, therefore leaving less of a carbon footprint. Support local grocers and support environmental sustainability! 4.Sustainable energy use at homeWithout noticing, we use a lot of energy at home, from lights, TV’s, heaters and more. When you can, try and sustain your energy use by turning off unnecessary electricity. Solar panels are also a great way to reduce carbon footprint in your home. Our GreenRoad loan now covers solar panels! So what are you waiting for? Make the switch and go solar! 5.Electric and Hybrid carsHaven’t you heard? Electric cars are all the rage today! And why wouldn’t you be a fan. With reduced fuel costs, lower emission of greenhouse gases and an improved driving experience, electric and hybrid cars are guaranteed to be a worthwhile investment. With the help of our Green Road Loan, you can be driving your own electric car in no time! Find out more here: Transport Mutual Green Loans