The Australian Government’s Department of Human Services and the Brotherhood of St Laurence are working together to help people save money.
Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr said the Government was proud to work with community organisations and businesses in a creative way to help battlers.
“Saver Plus helps people manage their money and build a savings habit – it really makes a difference,” Senator Kim Carr said.
“Participants save small amounts of money over 10 months and learn simple budgeting and planning techniques in financial education workshops.
“ANZ then matches participants’ savings dollar for dollar, up to $500, to use towards their own or their children’s education costs.
“I encourage anyone interested to get involved – especially during MoneySmart week (2-8 September).”
“Saver Plus, developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ in 2002, is available in 61 locations nationwide. Since the program began it has supported over 14,000 participants to save more than $6.5 million.
“The Saver Plus program is available to people over 18 who hold a health care or pension card, have some form of regular income from employment, who either have a child enrolled in school or are studying themselves, and live in an area where Saver Plus is delivered.
“The program is recognised internationally and has won a Prime Minister’s Award for excellence in Community Partnerships 2006 and 2007, and Best Socially Responsible Product in Money Magazine’s Best of the Best 2008 awards.
“This week Saver Plus received the MoneySmart Week Community Award for the important role it plays in building the financial capabilities of people on lower incomes.
“The Government also has a range of resources to help families manage their money (see humanservices.gov.au). These include Financial Information Service seminars, referrals to financial counsellors and publications such as Me and My Money.”
To find out more about the Saver Plus program visit www.bsl.org.au/saver-plus and visit www.moneysmartweek.org.au to complete the free financial health check during MoneySmart Week.
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Alan Cleaver via Compfight