In 2003, ANZ made a long term commitment to using its resources and expertise to help Australians build their financial skills, knowledge and confidence. A key element of this commitment was setting the goal to have the most financially fit workforce in Australia. Since then, ANZ has introduced a range of financial literacy initiatives for staff. Importantly, all initiatives are educative and do not promote any ANZ products or services. ANZ's Chief Executive Officer John McFarlane said:
 | 'We are committed to building the financial fitness of all Australians, and have launched a financial literacy program Australia wide.' ... .'We believe we can also play a role in empowering our staff to make life choices, understand the financial implications of those choices, and more importantly create the life balance they desire.' |
MoneyMinded Online offers five interactive money management courses covering fundamental financial topics. To date, 'Planning and Saving', 'Everyday Finances' and 'Loans and Credit' have been launched, with 877 staff completing at least one course in the first 12 months. MoneyMinded Online was developed specifically for ANZ staff, based on the original MoneyMinded Workshops program, and the courses are now being released progressively to the public via the MoneyMinded website (www.moneyminded.com.au).
Through its Financial Fitness seminars, ANZ is helping staff to better understand and manage their personal finances. Ninety minute face to face sessions cover the essentials of financial literacy including budgeting and saving, superannuation and retirement planning, and investment basics. In October 2006, ANZ held its second Financial Fitness Week, focusing on boosting the financial knowledge of branch and call centre staff. All branches in Australia received financial fitness packs, which included an interactive DVD and information cards. Financial Planners also hosted Financial Fitness seminars for staff as part of the week's activities.
Since 2003, ANZ has conducted an online information program for staff. 'Dollar Doctor' provides regular, in depth features on topics such as mastering tax, tips for healthy credit cards, investment basics, and understanding superannuation and Super Choice. In addition, ANZ has produced a booklet 'Kick start your financial fitness' that covers the essentials of financial literacy and effective money management. All ANZ's Australian staff have received a copy of this booklet. It is also available to customers and the community from ANZ branches Australia wide and online at www.anz.com/aus/aboutanz/Community/Programs/FinFitWorkforce.asp.