BiG Tips: There are lots of financial planning organisations and various private and government organisations (eg MoneySmart, ASIC) to help you work through the maze of investing ideas, experts and choices.
The AIA has good stuff too – conferences, educational material and more. Well worth a look. (PS I’m a member).

The Australian Investors Association (AIA) is a fantastic resource/community. They say “[it] is a not for profit organisation dedicated to providing independent quality investment information helping Australians to decide their financial future. First formed in 1991, we act with integrity and are not aligned to any institution which allows us to filter and hand select the best possible information for our members.

We do not offer advice and believe investing is founded on sound long term decision making. We are investors, not speculators and focus on quality not quick and easy stock tips. Many of our members run their own self managed super funds and enjoy the independent and clean information we provide. Our events are well known and are highly regarded for the calibre of presentations and the opportunity to network. We are also agnostic and provide a range of opinions to allow our members to consider the merit and alignment for their own circumstances.

The AIA is a trusted gateway to investing and the investment industry
We are utterly committed to helping our diverse range of members in many ways. Our members vary from beginners to highly sophisticated investors and traders in all markets. For instance, we can help you with:

• meeting other investors
• understanding your share investing and risk management process
• keeping abreast of local and global news and developments which can impact your investing activities
• establishing and managing a SMSF
• investing in managed funds or other instruments, such as ETFs
• building portfolios and strategies across asset classes, including fixed interest and property
• making you aware of what you don’t know”

It has a lot of FREE STUFF in its Education Section including:
Investment basics – be clear on the basic principles of investing, improve your investing skills over time and avoid the costly pitfalls
Fixed income – consider fixed income alternatives that may best suit your investing needs
Shares – learn how to invest in shares and the different ways ways you can approach share investing
Property – learn about the various type of property investments including residential and commercial property
Other investments – understand the range of investment options and make informed investment choices
Portfolio management – learn about investment strategies, administering your portfolio and the pros and cons of the DIY option
Superannuation – learn about superannuation to help you make the the most appropriate decisions on how to save your money, particularly for your retirement
Estate planning – learn about wills, powers of attorney, testamentary trusts and other important estate planning issues