Saver Plus helps families and students ease back-to-study financial stress and build lifelong financial skills

As the 2026 school year approaches, thousands of families and students across the country are turning to Saver Plus – the world’s largest and longest-running financial education program – to take control of their finances and prepare for the costs of education.

Established in 2003, Saver Plus is a matched savings and financial education initiative created by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL). The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government Department of Social Services and delivered in partnership with BSL, Berry Street Yooralla, and The Smith Family.

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 education costs such as laptops, uniforms or textbooks.

Single mum of two Mariya said her biggest takeaway was developing confidence and clarity around her finances: “I now have practical tools and knowledge to manage money responsibly for myself and my children, which has given me a strong sense of control and peace of mind.

“This learning goes beyond just budgeting – it’s about building healthy financial habits and making informed choices. Most importantly, it’s a skill I can pass on to my children, empowering them with financial confidence and helping create a more secure and stress-free future for our family.”

Recent figures underscore the program’s growing impact[1]

• Over 66,000 Australians have enrolled since the program began.
• Participants have collectively saved $32.8 million, with ANZ contributing $27.9 million in matched funds for education-related expenses.
• In the past year alone, more than 4,000 people joined Saver Plus to prepare for school and study costs.

Data also shows the program is reaching those who need it most[2]

• 49% of participants are single-parent households. 23% are couples with kids.
• 64% are saving for their child’s education, while 31% are saving for their own study goals.
• Women are leading household resilience, with 82% of participants being female.
• The student cohort is shifting slightly older, with the average age of university and vocational participants rising to 21, while the overall program average age is 36.
• Technology tops the list of savings goals or purchased items, with laptops and tablets leading the way, followed by other essentials like school uniforms, study furniture, and fees.

With the cost of living rising, programs like Saver Plus are more important than ever. Research from Roy Morgan reveals 85% of young Australians faced financial difficulties in the past year, and fewer than half believe they’ll achieve financial security in the future.

Saver Plus is designed to change that outlook – helping participants not only meet immediate savings goals but also build long-term financial resilience. 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%).

ANZ Head of Social Impact, Janet Liu, says the program’s impact goes well beyond matched savings.

“More than two decades since it was established, Saver Plus continues to create a lasting impact. It’s more than a matched savings program – it empowers participants to build financial resilience and, importantly, transforms their relationship with money by boosting confidence and control. These behaviours endure long after the program ends.”

BSL Executive Director, Travers McLeod, says for many families across Australia, February can be a particularly challenging period with costly back to school items.

“The start of the year is exciting, but also brings financial stress for many families and students through school and study expenses. Saver Plus gives Australians confidence to meet these challenges by building lifelong saving habits and encouraging them to celebrate every savings milestone, no matter how big or small.”

People wanting to participate in Saver Plus must:

• Have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card and an eligible Centrelink payment*
• Have other regular income (either yourself or your partner)*
• Be studying yourself OR have a child in school (can be starting school next year)
• Be 18+ years old
• Agree to join in free online financial education workshops

*Many types of income and Centrelink payments are eligible, see the Saver Plus terms and conditions for more information.