By Aaron Cordy
WITH the cost of living becoming a little higher and a little harder for everyone, it was an opportune time to celebrate 20 years of Saver Plus at Berry Street in Shepparton last Wednesday. Saver Plus is the world’s largest financial education and matched savings program.
The education and money-matching saving program was developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ, delivered in partnership with Berry Street and the Smith Family.
Berry Street Shepparton, along with Frankston, was the original pilot site for the program 20 years ago and is still going strong with the shift to a fully digital platform after COVID. This allows more people across the wider community access to the program.
Berry Street alone has supported 7295 people who have managed to save over $29.37M with ANZ matching $24.7M, however it is the educational aspect of Saver Plus that has had the biggest impact on participants.
“Coming to those regular sessions, many lessons were learned that stick with me until today. One example was putting out a jar and filling it with big rocks first, as our big priorities, big spending in our lives. Then slowly putting everything else in so it fits much better,” said former participant Ali Al Bataat.
To apply fill in the online enquiry form or contact Saver Plus on 1300 610 355 for more information.
