Early‑year surge in Saver Plus enrolments highlight need for financial wellbeing programs

Enrolments in financial wellbeing program and matched savings initiative, Saver Plus, reached a ten‑year high at the start of 2026, highlighting the growing role of financial wellbeing programs as families and students manage rising education costs.

Between January and March 2026, 1,617 people joined Saver Plus – a 29 per cent increase on the same period last year, a 27 per cent increase on the same period in 2024, and the highest Term 1 intake since 2016.

Data shows that demand is being driven largely by families, with more than two‑thirds of participants saving for their children’s education. Women accounted for over 86 per cent of enrolments, and more than half of all participants were single parents.

Growth was recorded across most household types: single parents with dependent children increased by 34 per cent, couples with dependent children increased by 59 per cent, and mature-aged students increased by over 70 per cent.

Participation among young adults is also increasing, with nearly one in five participants aged 18–24, reflecting rising engagement from university and vocational students.

Data shows that participants are primarily saving for laptops and devices (69%), school uniforms (more than 50%), and textbooks and stationery (~40%).

ANZ Head of Social Impact, Janet Liu, said: “The latest enrolment data, alongside direct feedback from participants, highlights the program’s real‑world impact – reducing financial stress and improving access to essential education tools. Participants told us Saver Plus has enabled them to purchase core school items they otherwise could not afford, easing the financial pressure that so often accompanies the start of the school year.”

The program is supported by MoneyMinded financial education workshops, with more than 4,800 people taking part in over 400 workshops during the period. Nearly 98 per cent of workshop participants reported improved financial knowledge, confidence and skills. Overall, satisfaction with Saver Plus remains exceptionally strong, with a Net Promoter Score of +88.5 recorded in early 2026. 

Delivered by ANZ, Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL), The Smith Family and Berry Street Yooralla, over 69,000 Australians have enrolled since the program began, and participants have collectively saved $33.8 million, with ANZ contributing $28.9 million in matched funds for education-related expenses.

BSL’s National Saver Plus Manager, Aara Paora, said: “Saver Plus is proving to be a real lifeline for families and students. We know that low-income households are doing it especially tough with high cost of living pressures. What makes Saver Plus special is how it builds people’s confidence and capability, helping participants develop lifelong saving habits and greater financial independence.”

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.

For more information, visit the Saver Plus page.

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