MoneyMinded Report 2013

We are pleased to present the MoneyMinded Report 2013. ANZ developed MoneyMinded with input from education experts in Australia in 2002 to improve the money management skills and confidence of lower income and disadvantaged groups in the community. Today we deliver MoneyMinded in 17 countries where ANZ operates and since 2003 more than 243,000 people have received financial education through the program. Governments and financial sector regulators across the Asia Pacific region have identified financial inclusion and financial literacy as important contributors to economic development and the wellbeing of individuals and communities. ANZ is playing its part. Our investment in building the money skills, confidence and savings of the people in the communities where we operate is important to achieving our business aspirations. This report assesses the reach and impact of the MoneyMinded program on participants' money management capabilities and other aspects of their lives in Australia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam. Participants were mostly women - including young women and micro-entrepreneurs - and also included young men, university students and ANZ employees. While diverse groups make direct comparison difficult, some common themes across countries are apparent. In all countries, the ability to 'make ends meet' and to save improved significantly. Sharing knowledge and skills gained during MoneyMinded with family and friends was also widespread across countries, as was increased confidence and reduced stress about the future. Increased understanding and knowledge of financial products was particularly marked in the more disadvantaged groups. Thank you to RMIT University for their evaluation of MoneyMinded in Australia and for compiling a report that offers insight into the impacts of MoneyMinded on the lives of participants across our region.