Banking on Jewish Care
With the start of a new financial year, Jewish Care Victoria and the ANZ encourage Port Phillip, Glen Eira and Kingston community members to spring clean their finances and boost their savings.
“The new financial year is a perfect time to get your finances in order. This could involve organising your tax return, setting financial goals or working out how to save on electricity and utilities bills” said Deena Elmakeas, Saver Plus worker from Jewish Care Victoria.
One way local residents can learn about their finances and boost their savings is to join the Saver Plus program, delivered by Jewish Care Victoria and ANZ in Port Phillip, Glen Eira and Kingston.
Saver Plus is a financial education and matched savings program, assisting people to save for their own or their children’s education. The program encourages participants to save small amounts of money throughout the year using simple budgeting and planning techniques. ANZ rewards participants’ efforts by matching every dollar they save with another dollar, up to $500.
“Saver Plus assists people to strengthen their financial skills and build a savings habit for the future. Often it is small changes, such as setting a weekly budget or looking for spending leaks, that can make a big difference over time” said ANZ Balaclava Branch Manager Janene Greenhill.
Saver Plus recently launched in Port Phillip, Glen Eira and Kingston, offering assistance to up to 120 locals in saving for their own or their children’s education. Saver Plus is open to people who have education related costs, have a health care or pensioner concession card, and some regular income from employment. Places are still available to local residents to build a positive savings habit for the future.
Laura recently began Saver Plus and said that the tips she has picked up have been invaluable. “I thought I was fairly financially savvy, but now after attending the money minded sessions I have become aware of the little areas that are overlooked, and the way I am spending my money is not the best way, as there are a few leaks. I have now gained a better picture of my financial budget.” she said.
Saver Plus was developed by Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ and is delivered in partnership with The Smith Family, The Benevolent Society, Berry Street and other local community agencies including Jewish Care. The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, with ANZ providing matched savings for participants.
People interested in applying to join Saver Plus can contact Deena Elmakeas on
03 8517-5670 or delmakeas@jewishcare.org.au
