1. Challenges to Saving
Making decisions based on what will be best for the future is difficult when people are trying to survive
The financial systems of banking, credit, and debt are unforgiving for people who are overwhelmed with the challenges of poverty
People experiencing poverty lack the resources to recover from financial mistakes when trying to respond to a crisis or from a lack of education

2. Successful Supports in Edmonton
Works with people who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, and/or addiction
Direct financial administration via informal trusteeship
Successfully stabilizes finances for persons served with many having investments and retirement savings
Bank owned and operated by a local non-profit drop-in center in partnership with ATB
Accounts specifically designed to support the unbanked and underbanked
30% of “Supported Clients” now have money left at the end of each month
10 week Financial Literacy Course
2:1 Matched Savings toward the purchase of an asset
Helps increase their confidence in dealing with existing financial systems

3. Moving Forward People with low incomes can save!
Commitment and investment in systems that serve the unique financial needs of low income/vulnerable persons
Can come from the Private, Public, and/or the Non-Profit sectors
Empowering banks, agencies, or government to offer more direct financial management to people who want that kind of support