Saver Plus is a program that helps people on lower incomes to develop long-term saving habits and reach a savings goal. It is delivered by a number of community organisations in partnership with ANZ. Participants in the program set a savings goal and receive financial education and support in reaching their goal. Once they reach their savings goal, ANZ matches their savings dollar-for-dollar up to $500.
The program aligns with ANZ’s Corporate Responsibility framework priority to build financial capability.
The Saver Plus Story
Saver Plus was developed jointly by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence in follow up to our research which demonstrated a correlation between levels of saving and financial literacy.
Since its inception in 2003, the program has been extended through partnerships with Berry Street, The Smith Family, The Benevolent Society, the Victorian Government and the Australian Government. More than 10,000 people have participated in the program which has received numerous awards. Australian Government funding has allowed us to increase the reach of the program, working with our community partners to deliver Saver Plus in every Australian state and territory.
This demonstrates the value of bringing together the collective resources and expertise of business, government and the community sector to address important economic and social issues.
How it works
People wishing to apply to join Saver Plus can call 1300 610 355 or email [email protected]. On being accepted into the program, participants set a savings goal with help from a Saver Plus worker. They also open an ANZ Progress Saver account at a local ANZ branch.
During the program, participants attend 10 hours of financial education workshops that build their financial skills, knowledge and confidence. They make regular deposits into their ANZ account over a 10-month period, and keep in contact with their Saver Plus worker.
Once participants reach their savings goal, ANZ matches their savings dollar-for-dollar, up to $500. Participants can put this money towards their children's (or their own) education costs such as computers, uniforms, books and sports equipment.
Our partners
ANZ is working with community partners and the Australian Government to offer Saver Plus in more than 60 communities in every state and territory.
People apply to participate in Saver Plus by contacting the local community organisation (PDF 68kB) delivering Saver Plus in their region.
The benefits of Saver Plus
Qualitative research reveals the positive outcomes of Saver Plus for participants. Many participants report the program improved their confidence, pride, self-esteem and trust. Research has also revealed that Saver Plus contributes to building new financial skills through program workshops and, for some participants, leads to longer-term positive behaviour change in the form of ongoing savings habits.
The 2011 study conducted by RMIT University, Evaluation of Saver Plus Past Participants, found that Saver Plus "continues to achieve it’s aims in assisting low-income individuals to develop a savings habit and improve levels of financial literacy”, with:
87% of participants continuing to save the same amount or more up to three years after completing the program
81% of participants being better able to cope with unexpected expenses
84% of participant improving their ability to plan ahead and stay on top of things financially.
The positive outcomes for the broader community can also be recognised, as in many cases (84%), participants reported that through Saver Plus they were able to encourage other family members to save. Overall, Saver Plus is a successful program in building financial capability for those experiencing difficulty accessing other important asset-building solutions.
ANZ staff and Saver Plus
Our staff play an important role in the success of Saver Plus by opening and maintaining the ANZ Progress Saver accounts and assisting with the financial education workshops. Feedback from participants regarding ANZ staff involvement is positive, and staff value the contribution they can make to the program.
One of ANZ’s Branch Managers, Nick McLeod, considers the key benefit of Saver Plus to be its role in helping our customers to build long-term financial independence.
“Through its focus on educating people in money management and building confidence in everyday financial matters, Saver Plus offers some of our lower income customers real financial independence.”
Nick’s branch in Tasmania is located in one of the original pilot areas for the program and two years on, Nick says the team makes Saver Plus “part of our everyday conversations with our customers.”
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是真的吗