By Aaron Cordy
WHILE many families are still coming to terms with the cost of Christmas cheer, the back-to-school roundabout is here screaming for new uniforms, new books, new lunch boxes, new school bags and the new updated laptop or iPad your child is required to have for school. Where does it end? Does next year have to be the same?
The Saver Plus program run by Berry Street Shepparton, in conjunction with ANZ bank and the Brotherhood of St Laurence is an education-based, money-matching program that has helped thousands of people locally in the twenty years since its inception.
Participants set a goal, save for 10 months, attend MoneyMinded online financial education workshops and at the end of the program have their savings matched by ANZ up to $500, which can be used to purchase education-related items such as laptops, uniforms or school excursions.
“Normally people have done 2024 and 2025 isn’t on their radar. This program goes let’s think about 2025 now so they can be prepared for 2025. By putting the money away, you will feel so much relief when you get that extra $500. Plus, the $500 that they’ve saved themselves, so they’ve got $1000,” said Sharon Wandin, Saver Plus Program Manager.
The program is available to anyone over 18 who is studying or has a child studying, who has a healthcare card or pension, receives a Centrelink payment, but also brings in some form of eligible income.
“The program aims to obtain a long-term savings habit, to improve your financial skill by doing the workshops and saving for you or your child’s education cost,” said Ms Wandin.
To apply https://www.berrystreet.org.au/what-we-do/parenting-and-family-services/financial-literacy/saver-plus or contact Saver Plus on 1300 610 355 for more information.
