Tara Murray
A program run by The Smith Family is helping Brimbank families make sure their children have everything they need to return back to school.
With the pandemic taking a toll on many families, the Saver Plus program is helping cover the costs needed to send their kids back to school.
Since the beginning of the year, 62 people from Brimbank have joined Saver Plus, a financial education program that strengthens participants’ financial skills and savings habits.
Over a 10-month period, participants save monthly for an education-related goal and complete online financial education workshops.
Upon successfully reaching their savings goal, participants are awarded up to $500 in matched savings from ANZ.
Families in the Brimbank area are invited to join Saver Plus, which is developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ and is delivered locally by The Smith Family.
Saver Plus coordinator Aara Paora says the program is a great way to help families start planning for upcoming back to school costs, including sports and other activities.
“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on families in our community. Getting kids back to school and into their extra-curricular activities will play a major role in supporting wellbeing. I encourage families to enrol in Saver Plus now as an easy way to start saving for these costs.”
Since 2003, more than 50,000 people across Australia have completed the Saver Plus program. Research by RMIT University found that 83 per cent of participants reported that use of the matched savings made a positive impact on their children’s education. Participants also reported feeling better able to provide for their family after completing Saver Plus.
Details: www.saverplus.org.au or 1300 610 355.
