Ecstra Foundation

Join Ecstra Foundation's Dr Tracey West PhD and our panel of education experts for this webinar exploring the role of cultural perspectives in influencing financial behaviours, the importance of accessible language and effective strategies for integrating diverse views into educational activities. With Associate Professor Kerry Bodle, Griffith University, Levon Blue, The University of Queensland, jodie Hunter, Massey University, NZ, Roset Khair, Vice President Economics and Business Educators NSW and Laura de Zwaan, QUT (Queensland University of Technology). Wednesday, 7 August at 4.30pm (AEST). Register here: https://lnkd.in/gQCEn9MP

Ecstra Foundation's Financial Education Manager Dr Tracey West PhD last night joined Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Sydney Nightlife's Philip Clarke, along with Lacey Filipich, author and financial educator, to discuss financial literacy - what it means, how it impacts financial wellbeing, the role gender plays in financial literacy levels and more. You can listen in at the link below (from 7 minutes, 30 seconds): https://lnkd.in/ghSiYQ-N #financialliteracy #financialeducation #financialwellbeing #financialconfidence

It was lovely to see our new Governor-General championing social enterprise wearing a custom-made suit from The Social Outfit. Ecstra Foundation is proud to be associated with this fashion label with a difference, supporting refugee women to kick-start their Australian careers. #socialenterprise #financialwellbeing #financialcapability

Ecstra Foundation's 2023 Impact report celebrates our partnerships, progress and outcomes to date, contributing to the financial capability and wellbeing of Australians across all life stages. Over four years, Ecstra has worked with 134 partners across Australia, committing to 184 grants and $33 million in funding to support a range of financial education, consumer care and community initiatives. This includes measuring and sharing outcomes. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/g5h7CDNu #impactmeasurement #impactreport #financialwellbeing #consumercare

New research commissioned by Ecstra Foundation shows that many countries, including Australia, continue to grapple with how to improve financial literacy in the face of economic and social headwinds. The findings suggest that Australia could learn a lot from the approaches of other countries.   The report identified five key opportunities for Australia: 1. Recommit to a national strategy for financial literacy and capability. 2. Map stakeholders, initiatives and funding to better understand the financial capability ecosystem and to identify gaps and opportunities. 3. Convene stakeholders to ensure collaborative action. 4. Ensure students have access to quality, evidence-based financial education in all schools across Australia. 5. Continue to engage in international initiatives addressing financial capability. The report, 'International approaches to progressing financial capability', by Social Ventures Australia, can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/ghjXE_T5 #financialcapability #financialeducation #financialliteracy #globalresearch

Brett Henebery in the The Educator highlights the positive impact our Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation program is having in schools. The survey feedback shows that 90% of teachers said their students’ money knowledge had improved and 82% observed an increase in student confidence to manage money. Ecstra Foundation's Tracey West PhD also shares that Talk Money "recognises that developing good financial skills in young people is critical for their financial wellbeing in adulthood. This program successfully builds the confidence of young people to have age-appropriate money conversations.” #talkmoney #financialeducation #financialwellbeing #financialconfidence https://lnkd.in/g---_fcb

Ecstra Foundation is pleased to release our 2023 Talk Money Impact report. The report shares key data on program reach, evaluation outcomes and participant feedback. The results all show Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation is making a positive impact, helping teach students money lessons for life. Thank you to our community of schools, teachers and team for helping Talk Money grow to be Australia's largest, face-to-face, school-based financial education program.  Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gXdyu_WX #talkmoney #financialeducation #financialliteracy #moneylessonsforlife

Ecstra welcomes measures announced in last week's Federal #Budget2024 directed at improving financial wellbeing outcomes for Australians, including: ➡  $138m (over five years from 2023-24) to boost support to those in financial distress, experiencing hardship and to build financial resilience through additional funding to the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity, as well as measures to increase financial counselling sector capacity and capability. ➡ $67.5m (over four years from 2024-25) to combat scams, including funding to administer and enforce mandatory scams industry codes and for public awareness campaigns.  ➡ investments in women’s economic participation and security. This includes a commitment to fund pay increases for aged care and early childhood workers and extending paid superannuation on Commonwealth paid parental leave. ➡ $21.9m (over five years from 2023-24) to fund social enterprises and other businesses providing paid employment pathways that help people with complex barriers to employment access paid work. ➡ 34.6m (over four years from 2024-25) to continue the delivery and development of evidence based curriculum support and professional development materials for teachers through resource hubs.   These investments are welcome, however Ecstra is disappointed that the Budget and current policy approaches fail to address the important role of financial education for Australians at all life stages. We renew our call for this to be prioritised, including the development of a national financial capability action plan to address the barriers to economic security many Australians face.  #economicsecurity #financialliteracy #financialinclusion

With many Australian households facing cost of living pressures, a new report by ASIC has found home loan lenders are not doing enough to support customers experiencing financial hardship.   ASIC’s review of 10 lenders found that some lenders make accessing help so difficult that nearly 1 in 3 customers drop out of the process at least once. An inadequate focus on customers (compared with financial risk and operational efficiency) appears to underlie many of the poor practices. The report includes actions lenders can take to improve their approach.  

Applications for our new Marketing and Communications Officer role close on Monday! We are seeking someone passionate about financial education and wellbeing to join our team. This includes executing our marketing strategies for Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation, the largest face to face financial literacy program offered in schools across Australia. You will be creating digital content, media, email and online advertising, socials, events and sponsorship across Talk Money, Ecstra and supporting a range of fantastic community partnerships, grants and financial education projects.  Learn more and apply via SEEK - https://lnkd.in/gXqgQ9mQ #financialliteracy #moneylesssonsforlife #financialeducation