Maude Olbar was the first person in Hope Vale to sign up to MPower, and has since signed up to Pride of Place, Wise Buys and Student Education Trust.
“I wanted to be involved because it was a good opportunity that I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
“With three adults and six children, budgeting has made my life much easier. I have money every fortnight.”
Through MPower and Wise Buys Maude has been able to provide for her family.
“I saved to buy whitegoods and bulk food orders. I bought a better fridge. Now I’m saving to buy a car. The amount I put aside each week is small but it all builds up. I’ve learnt a lot about budgeting.”
With SETs, Maude can pay for her children’s education. “I care for five children so SETs really helps. The kids are all in primary school, and this will see them through to their senior years.”
Maude also signed up to Pride of Place. With her family they worked together to build a barbeque area, a carport and to improve the gardens. “I wanted to upgrade my yard for family gatherings so I joined POP.
The offer was really good. My brother helped lay the bricks and everybody helps keep it tidy.”
In taking up the Opportunity Products on offer in Hope Vale, Maude has gained the capabilities to make choices around how to save and how to spend her money.
“I’ve worked all my life. I just needed help with where to put my money. When welfare reform came to Hope Vale, I had so much help from CYP. Next I want to buy my own home. I’m looking into this now.”
Maude is proud of her achievements and encourages her family to take up the opportunities on offer.
“I’m the head of the household — I’m the eldest in the family and give my siblings advice, as well as my nieces and nephews and my own two children. They’re slowly taking the opportunities up, unlike me — I want it all!”