Stories from Saver Plus
Saver Plus, Australia's largest and longest running financial education and matched savings program, marks its 10 year anniversary in 2013.
Jessica Davey, Saver Plus Marketing and Communications Coordinator, thought it the perfect time to sit down with Aysun Acar, Brotherhood's Saver Plus worker, over coffee and ask her to share her experience working in the program over the last eight years.
Recently you signed up your 800th participant. How did it feel to achieve that milestone?
I entered him on the database and when the number came up I thought wow, I've reached 800! I feel I have achieved so much and it's a great satisfaction to know I have encouraged that many people to achieve their target goal.
I entered him on the database and when the number came up I thought wow, I've reached 800! I feel I have achieved so much and it's a great satisfaction to know I have encouraged that many people to achieve their target goal.
What part of your job do you love the most?
Meeting the participants in the initial sign up interview. I feel I still have the ability to connect with participants and make them feel comfortable. I feel so appreciative of the fact they share their story with me and they often hug me when they leave.
Meeting the participants in the initial sign up interview. I feel I still have the ability to connect with participants and make them feel comfortable. I feel so appreciative of the fact they share their story with me and they often hug me when they leave.
How has your involvement in the program - being both a participant and a worker - changed your life outside of work?
Saver Plus motivated me to save for a house! All the tips you hear from participants in the workshops help as well as the little things you learn along the way. I started with a small goal and then kept aiming higher and after eight years bought my own home. It's changed my life - even if you don't think it has an impact on you, its makes you change your ways. It’s really hard for me to spend money!
Saver Plus motivated me to save for a house! All the tips you hear from participants in the workshops help as well as the little things you learn along the way. I started with a small goal and then kept aiming higher and after eight years bought my own home. It's changed my life - even if you don't think it has an impact on you, its makes you change your ways. It’s really hard for me to spend money!
What has been your highlight over the last 8 years?
Engaging with different communities. I started working with a Vietnamese women's group and over the years word got out and I connected with local Chinese, Somalian, Arabic and Japanese communities. The highlight has been learning the cultural differences and I love the diversity.
Engaging with different communities. I started working with a Vietnamese women's group and over the years word got out and I connected with local Chinese, Somalian, Arabic and Japanese communities. The highlight has been learning the cultural differences and I love the diversity.
One of the main benefits of Saver Plus is increased self-esteem. How do you see these changes in your participants?
I really see it in participants who struggle to save in the program and then withdraw. I send them a follow up letter 3 months after they withdraw and some will have call me back and ask to re-join the program. I believe that they are the ones who need the motivation and encouragement the most and I say to them 'I know you can do this.' They are so excited when they finally finish and achieve their goal.
I really see it in participants who struggle to save in the program and then withdraw. I send them a follow up letter 3 months after they withdraw and some will have call me back and ask to re-join the program. I believe that they are the ones who need the motivation and encouragement the most and I say to them 'I know you can do this.' They are so excited when they finally finish and achieve their goal.
Everybody knows I am really dedicated to the Brotherhood and Saver Plus - even my kids. Within the eight years, there has have been a few opportunities for me to move roles, but I have never wanted to leave the program. I don't know what is ahead for me. I hope Saver Plus continues, I really believe in the program.
To find out more about Saver Plus call 1300 610 355 or email saverplus@bsl.org.au