With only 4 days to go before the start of the ANZ's FebuSave campaign to make women more accountable with their finances, are you yet to register? Come and join a going crowd that have pledged to do without something for the month of February in order to save some pennies. A total of 5929 people have committed to save during the month of February. Here's what some are pledging to give up:

• 1413 - pledged not to buy lunch
• 1321 - pledged to give up shopping
• 664 - pledged to give up treats
• 330 - pledged to give up snacks

This may inspire you to join the cause, come and listen to Antonia Kidman, ANZ's Be Money Confident Ambassador in her first interview with AskHer.Com.Au. In this video, AskHer.com.au asks Antonia "Is a family budget enough?"

I had to share this seriously weird and creepy 'money-box' since it's very relevant to this FebuSave blog! I came across it last week in an article posted by Australian Anthill Online, titled 'Freaky ‘Face Bank’ teaches children frugality and fear'.

What do you think?

I had a fabulous day at the Australian Open yesterday courtesy of ANZ FebuSave organisers for the ANZ Ladies Day. I was so conscious that it was a 'thank you' for being involved in FebuSave, that I took the following penny saving actions and it become a most enjoyable, inexpensive day out.

• I packed snacks, lunch and drinks for the day, so I would not have to purchase them when food and drinks at such venues are highly inflated, and
• I caught public transport and I'd hate to admit it but it was the first time in 15 years, and I survived, and it was not nearly as bad as I was expecting!

My main motivation to create this Posterous account is to use it as part of the ANZ FebuSave campaign http://bemoneyconfident.com/febusave I recently registered to participate in this campaign, together with other amazing Australian business women and bloggers. Antonia Kidman heads up the FebuSave Coaches with a number of supporters.

FebuSave is a fabulous initiative considering the report results regarding women and their finances! It incorporates the internet and the power of social media, giving the program the ability to build a very supportive community for women to take ownership and responsibility for their financial well-being.

The research ANZ Bank undertook prior to the campaign found the following results:

• 58% of women have less than $5,000 in savings and 33% have less than $1,000.

• 56% of Australians do not save money on a regular basis.

• 52% of women claimed they know they should have a financial plan but keep putting it off.

• Only one in ten women are very confident in managing their investments, financial planning and superannuation,and

• Less than one third of women surveyed said they were very confident about managing everyday finances.

Little sacrifices and being smart with your income can make a big difference over time. I’m teaching my children this and they have started early. They put a little of their pocket money and a little of their gift money away, so when they turn 18 they can purchase a car and have the ability to attend interviews, get their first job and have more social freedom. Unfortunately, not every woman has access to money mentors and this is where FebuSave can step in and provide the guidance to so many.

I have pledged to give up 'treats' for the month of February. This will include no purchasing or drinking wine or lattes. Yes, it will be difficult but I know for a fact their will be a financial gain from this exercise and have set a goal. I will be sharing my FebuSave campaign experience here.

The FebuSave movement can be joined on Twitter using the hashtag #febusave or you can join FebuSave on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/febusave  

Don't forget to register http://bemoneyconfident.com/febusave before 1 February to make your pledge and join me this FebuSave!