A BERRY Street savings initiative has seen 63 Shepparton families better able to afford back-to-school costs.
The Saver Plus program, funded by ANZ and the Australian Government, sees eligible participants join a financial education program over a ten-month period, then matches dollar-for-dollar savings of up to $500 to cover the costs of covering everyday school items such as laptops, uniforms, shoes, backpacks and stationery.
Greater Shepparton coordinator, Jade McLeod, said she is seeing the positive impact Saver Plus is having on families in the community.
“It’s been wonderful to see local families benefit from the matched savings and start the school year with a renewed sense of hope,” she said.
“After a tough year due to the pandemic, I am amazed at the resilience of our community and those who have taken the initiative to enrol in programs like Saver Plus.”
The program has lasting benefits, too, according to a 2018 RMIT University report, which found that 87 percent of participants continued to save the same amount or more, three to seven years later, and 73 percent were better able to provide for their families.
“Parents want their kids to start the new school year on the right step, and budgeting for school costs right after the holiday season can be tough,” Ms McLeod said.
“We always encourage families to enrol in Saver Plus now as an easy way to start saving for next year’s school costs.”
