Brotherhood of St Laurence Saver Plus program leads single mother to trip overseas with daughter

A former Geelong resident and single mother has revealed how a short money saving program for low-income families changed her life.

Kylie Millard and her daughter Jenna were able to go on an "incredible" trip to England last year thanks to her involvement in the Saver Plus program. Picture: Supplied

A program helping low income families learn money saving skills can give them back a sense of control, a previous participant says.

Former Geelong resident Kylie Millard said she was using other support services following the breakdown of her marriage when she became aware of the Saver Plus program.

The program, run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and supported by the ANZ bank and the Department of Social Services, aims to help families prepare for financial challenges.

Single mother Ms Millard said the program, which she completed 10 years ago, helped her develop a conscious saving habit.

The program offers an incentive for participants, where they can achieve a savings of $500 by its conclusion.

Kylie Millard, pictured with her daughter Jenna, said the Saver Plus program gave people back control. Picture: Supplied

She said she was sceptical at first, and couldn’t understand how she could save money when she was living “week to week”.

“I thought ‘there’s no way I can save money … I’m scratching for money as it is’,” Ms Millard said.

“But I thought it was maybe an opportunity … I wanted to be able to think about the future, and maybe have a goal.

“I gained so much more out of it in the end, of being able to start that good habit that I continue on with today.”

Ms Millard, with her 23-year-old daughter Jenna who funded her own half, was last year able to accomplish one of her long-held goals – travelling to England.

She saved up for many years, through unemployment and suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome – a rare disorder that causes the immune system to damage nerves – which left her paralysed and in hospital for months.

After learning to walk again, Ms Millard and Jenna were able to take the trip.

“It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about the wonderful trip we had together,” she said.

“It was just incredible.

“It’s inspired me to do another trip. I’d love to go back to see more of Europe.”

Ms Millard said knowing she had a savings nest egg was life changing.

She said setting aside a small amount every month could lead to big savings for individuals to accomplish goals.

The Saver Plus annual Back to School campaign is currently being offered.

In the program, participants attend financial education workshops and are asked to save $50 per month for 10 months, with the support of a savings coach.

“Our hope is that if families join now, they will be better prepared for 2025,” program manager Sue Farzi said.

“They will have a bonus $500 for an educational cost, and new skills and tools to better manage their finances.”

Ms Millard said the program “gives people the chance to believe in themselves”.

“It gives you back some sense of control over your life,” she said.

For more information or to apply, visit www.bsl.org.au/services/saving-and-managing-money/saver-plus/

Originally published as Brotherhood of St Laurence Saver Plus program leads single mother to trip overseas with daughter