Savings a real plus

Saver Plus co-ordinator Lauren Naismith and Jaspreet Kaur at The Smith Family in Werribee. Photo: Joe Mastroianni

For Werribee resident Jaspreet Kaur, budgeting and saving money has become a lot easier, thanks to the Saver Plus program.

The free program – an initiative of the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ delivered in partnership with The Smith Family, Berry Street and The Benevolent Society – includes two four-hour sessions in which participants learn about managing their finances.

If participants save money within a 10-month period, the program will match the savings dollar for dollar, up to $500, to help with educational costs for them or their children.

Lauren Naismith, Saver Plus co-ordinator at The Smith Family in Werribee, said many people who took part in the program were new migrants, refugees or university students.

Ms Kaur, a mother of two, said she enjoyed learning about superannuation as part of Saver Plus, as well as phone apps that show people how much, and where, they are spending.

“The program is really good,” she said.

“The best thing is learning how to save and how to budget.

“We can also share ideas and learn from other parents.”

People who participate in Saver Plus must have a health care or pensioner concession card.

Contact Ms Naismith on 0439 585 702 or 9749 7194, or at lauren.naismith@thesmithfamily.com.au for information, or go to saverplus.org.au.