$1.65 may not seem like much money. But for Amos, the proud owner of a savings account at TLM, Opportunity International Australia’s partner in eastern Indonesia, it represents the first steps towards financial security.

 Amos supports his wife Yumince and their three children, Gerson, Dorancy and Leni, with a small farm of just 30x30 metres. Dependent on a small plot of land, Amos’ income fluctuates throughout the year and sometimes there isn’t enough money to afford the basics, like food. A well next to his bamboo house only supplies water during the wet season. At other times of the year, Amos walks a kilometre to fetch water from a spring. Gerson, Dorancy and Leni usually help him water the vegetables after school.

To ensure he always has enough money to feed his family, Amos needed a savings account. When he saw TLM’s mobile banking van at the local market, he was immediately interested. With weekly visits, a good interest rate and no fees, Amos immediately signed up. So far, he has saved Rp.15,000 (A$1.65) of his hard earned income. It’s the first step towards a future where Amos and his family will be able to afford food and plan ahead with confidence.