Support when it matters most

As Mariya’s little boy counted down to his first day of primary school, a quiet worry sat in the back of the mother of two’s mind.  

“I had just become a single parent and was on my own with a four-year-old and a two-year-old,” she recalls.

"Participants can engage with each other. And one of the most validating things is hearing from others that they’re not alone in that situation, or they’re not the only ones that need extra support."

When Mariya discovered her son’s school bag alone would set her back $70, she realised she needed to ask for help.

“There were just so many expenses. I began browsing support available, and a friend of mine told me about Saver Plus.”

Saver Plus is the world’s largest and longest-running financial education program, matching savings and providing financial education.

Created by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) in 2003, more than 66,000 Australians have enrolled in the program since its inception.

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Saver Plus is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government Department of Social Service and delivered in partnership with BSL, Berry Street Yooralla, and The Smith Family.

“January is one of the most financially stressful times of year for families. Coming out of Christmas and the summer season, to be immediately hit with back-to-school costs is tough. Starting school should be an exciting time for families, but costs like technology, textbooks and uniforms – they all add up,” explains Dan Crotty, Head of Inclusion at BSL.

Saver Plus supports individuals on lower incomes to build lasting savings habits, access practical financial education, and receive up to $500 in matched savings from ANZ to help cover their own or their children’s study costs.

“I was a new school parent. While you don’t want to compromise for your first child, I didn’t realise you could buy bags and uniforms outside the school,” laughs Mariya.

With the help of the program, Mariya was able to buy her son’s school shoes, uniform and school bag.

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She also learned lifelong saving habits, and perhaps most importantly – felt supported.

“I realised that I wasn’t alone, I wasn’t the only one struggling. It’s very normal.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by ANZ Head of Social Impact, Janet Liu.

“Participants can engage with each other. And one of the most validating things is hearing from others that they’re not alone in that situation, or they’re not the only ones that need extra support.”

Building financial resilience and transforming participants’ relationship with money is also critical.

A 2024 report found that 84% of past participants are still saving, with those who completed the program more than seven years ago most likely to save regularly (71%).

Mariya, who completed the program in 2021, is testament to this. She maintains the Progress Saver account she opened to complete Saver Plus and has also opened a dedicated savings account to deposit an additional fixed amount each month. “Even though it seems small,” she explains, “it's untouched, and it adds up over time.”

“There is always support, you just need to know where to look,” adds Mariya.

For more information, visit the Saver Plus website.

Alicia Muling is a Senior Journalist at ANZ