Saver Plus

Saver Plus is a 10-month financial literacy and matched savings program that assists people to build savings for their own or their children’s education and in doing so strengthens their capacity to save.

As part of the program, participants receive:

• one dollar in matched savings for every one dollar they save, up to $500
• MoneyMinded financial training, and
• personal support and guidance from a trusted community organisation.

At the end of the program participants use their matched savings to purchase an education-related goal, which can include items like school uniforms, computers, and text books.

Benefits of Saver Plus

By joining the program participants will:

• receive a financial reward for their saving efforts - up to $500
• acquire new financial skills
• improve their ability to save in the long-term, and
• increase their financial confidence.

Saver Plus expanded in 2009

Saver Plus was developed by Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ in 2002 to assist families on lower incomes establish a savings habit, become long-term savers and build financial skills, knowledge and confidence.

Funding from the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has enabled the program to expand from 20 to 60 locations in all states and territories in Australia. From 2009 – 2011 the program will reach an additional 7,600 people.

Are you eligible for Saver Plus?

You must be over 18 years and have a Health Care or Pension Card. You must also live in an area where Saver Plus is operating (see locations below) and have children enrolled in a school OR be attending or returning to vocational education yourself.

How it works

Participants:
• work with their Saver Plus worker to identify an educational item for which they intend to save
• open an account with their local ANZ branch and begin making deposits
• attend MoneyMinded workshops to improve their financial management skills
• continue to make regular deposits into their ANZ Progress Saver account over a 10-month period

Once participants reach their savings goal, participants savings are matched dollar for dollar, up to $500 by ANZ.

How to apply

To apply or obtain more information about Saver Plus contact:

Cheryl Luscombe, Saver Plus Coordinator (Ballarat Area)

BGT

14 Hill St, Ballarat

03 5333 1707

99,104,101,114,121,108,64,98,103,116,46,111,114,103,46,97,117   

For details of other locations around Australia please visit anz.com/saverplus