What is Money Mentoring?
Money Mentoring is a complimentary one-on-one budgeting support service available to Queensland Country Bank Members. Whether you're looking to take control of your spending, save for a goal, or simply feel more confident with your finances, a Money Mentor will guide you through practical steps tailored to your income, lifestyle, and goals - without judgement. Together, you'll build a realistic plan to help you manage your money with clarity and confidence.
What this service can help with
- Everyday Clarity: Simplify daily budgeting, organise bills, identify savings and curb overspending.
- Life Milestones: Navigate first home guidance, grant programs and loan preparation support.
- Debt Support: Understand debt reduction options, account structuring.
- Staying on track: Regular financial check-ups and account structure.
- Confidence Building: A safe supportive space to talk about money without judgement.
Budgeting Tools
How it works
1. Book: Complimentary appointment for Queensland Country Bank Members. You can book online, by phone or visit your local branch.
2. Prepare: After booking your appointment, you’ll receive an email outlining what to bring to your session. This may include:
- Details of your current income
- Bank statements from other financial institutions (transactional, savings, loans/debts, and credit cards if relevant)
- Insurance policies (if you'd like them reviewed)
- An estimate of your general living expenses
3. Connect with Your Mentor: Have a one-on-one conversation with your Money Mentor.
4. Discover: Explore your financial situation and discuss your goals.
5. Take Action: Leave with practical tools, guidance, and a personalised plan to help you move forward.
From Regret to Real Estate – Michelle’s Story
“For years, we carried the weight of financial regret - poor decisions in our younger years made the dream of owning a family home feel more like a fantasy than a future plan. We had no idea how to break free from the cycle of debt and credit cards, and we couldn’t see a clear path forward.
That all changed when we met Dee from the Townsville Money Mentors team. With warmth, wisdom, and a serious talent for turning chaos into calm, Dee helped us shift from a ‘spend now, panic later’ mindset to one grounded in saving, planning, and confidence.
Our goal? Become debt free and buy our first home within 12 months. Spoiler alert: We did it!
Thanks to Dee’s ongoing support, smart strategies, and genuine encouragement, we not only hit our goal but gained something even more valuable - financial freedom. We no longer lie awake wondering how we’ll pay the next bill or if we can afford a little getaway. The money is there, the plan is working, and the stress is gone.
Dee didn’t just cheer us on; she celebrated every win, big and small, like it was her own. If you're thinking about working with a Money Mentor, for us, it’s been life-changing.”
Meet our Mentors
Read about our Money Mentors and learn about who they are and where they are based. All our Money Mentors are also available remotely.
Ash Bessant
Cairns
Ash began her journey with Queensland Country Health Fund in 2020 before moving across to Queensland Country Bank as a Money Mentor in 2022.
Ash loves helping members simplify their finances to feel more confident and in control of their money. She feels the most rewarding part of her role is seeing the relief a member feels when they establish a clear, practical path forward that works for them.
Outside work Ash is a busy mum, book lover and creative at heart. She enjoys camping and searching Instagram for her next great recipe.
Crystal Neilsen
Mackay
Crystal commenced with Queensland Country Bank in 2022 as a Money Mentor, bringing with her many years of experience in the banking industry.
She is passionate about helping members feel confident and in control of their finances, so they can achieve their goals and enjoy the rewards of their hard work.
Outside of work, Crystal loves learning and is always looking for opportunities to expand her knowledge. When she’s not studying, you'll usually find her spending quality time with family and friends.
Dee Soars
Townsville
Dee began at Queensland Country Bank in 2021 with previous experience as a lender in the banking industry. She held various branch-based roles before joining the Money Mentor team in 2023.
Dee is committed to sharing her knowledge on financial literacy and enjoys empowering members to achieve their goals. With a strong call to helping people, she knows she can make a real impact on the financial wellbeing of our members.
In her personal life Dee is a nature lover and enjoys adventures with her family and friends.
Kara Faint
Townsville
Kara joined Queensland Country Bank in 2014 and has been a member of the Money Mentor team since 2024.
Kara enjoys helping members to achieve their goals and is passionate about giving people the confidence, knowledge and practical tools they need to take control of their finances and make informed decisions for their future.
After work Kara is a busy sports mum with much of her time dedicated to supporting her children’s sporting activities.
Marie Stanger
Mackay
Marie has worked at Queensland Country Bank since 2000 and joined the Money Mentor Team in 2026. Throughout her career she has been dedicated to supporting our members and strengthening local communities.
Marie is passionate about Queensland Country Bank and enjoys sharing products and services with our members, helping them find solutions that suit their individual needs.
Outside of work, Marie volunteers with Ronald McDonald House Charities and enjoys tap dancing and gardening in her spare time.
Renae Ing
Townsville
Renae has been with Queensland Country Bank since 2007 and has been a member of the Money Mentor team since its inception in 2019.
Renae is passionate about financial literacy and believes financial knowledge can be developed at any stage in life and that having healthy finances plays an important role in overall wellbeing. For Renae, one of the most rewarding parts of her role is watching members grow and achieve their goals.
Outside work, Renae enjoys travelling to new destinations, great music and her daily beach walks.
Get Social With Us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Information you need to know
This service will provide budgeting tools for personal finances and is limited to our products and services only. There may be other products issued by other providers that may better suit your needs.
The guidance provided by Money Mentors is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information above should be read in conjunction with the following documents: Financial Services Guide, Privacy Notification, Account and Access Facility Conditions of Use.