JULY 2025 AS SUMMER APPROACHES
Dear Readers,
Welcome once again to our newsletter!
We have just settled back into our office routine after a very hectic and fulfilling week at the Public Service EXPO! It was a real pleasure to meet so many of you in person and to see you successfully navigate our Quiz often with wonderful teamwork from the whole family! Financial capability is indeed a family effort, and at ĠEMMA, we fully recognise the importance of supporting you on this journey. That’s why we are committed to bringing financial knowledge directly to you, in ways that best fit your lifestyle whether through in-person workshops, online courses, TV appearances, or handson resources for children.
Looking ahead, we are excited to soon launch a brand-new podcast series designed especially for
ĠEMMA newsletter
those whose busy routines revolve around work and family life. These episodes will cover a wide range of financial topics that can make a real difference to your personal and family finances.
As summer approaches, we are also gearing up to welcome a new group of students! Everything is in place to deliver fun and engaging financial literacy sessions during Skolasajf 2025. In addition, we’re thrilled to expand our reach by collaborating with MCAST TEENS Summer Camp 2025, where we’ll be introducing teenagers to essential financial skills.
While thanking you for your continued support, we look forward to sharing even more exciting updates with you in the months ahead. Until then, we wish you a safe and enjoyable summer filled with learning and growth!
Marika Enriquez ĠEMMA Team Leader
CREDITS
All Members
ĠEMMA Team
All Contributors
Freelancers
Content Coordinator
Daniela Xuereb
Proof-Reading
Grazio Barbara
Helena Holland
Graphics Production
Peter Miceli Saydon
Distribution
Archibald Attard
Media Editor MSPC
Tonio Bonello
ĠEMMA Newsletter is another publication produced and distributed by the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’ s Rights. Along with this newsletter, the Ministry produce several other publications under the brand name FAMILJA.
FAMILJA AĦJAR is an annual publication aimed at informing the general public about the measures announced after each budget.
Once a year, SUPPLIMENT
SPEĊJALI FAMILJA is produced conveying content related to a specific entity and it’s services within MSPC.
On a bi-monthly basis, RIVISTA FAMILJA seeks to inform the readers with the holistic works of the Ministry combined with socio-cultural themes of general interest.
If you would like to subscribe in our publications, please click here. All information provided is kept in the most confidential manner and in line with the data protection law of Malta.
If you require further information or would like to contact us, you can write to ĠEMMA Team on our email address: gemma@gov.mt or visit ĠEMMA website: www.gemma.gov.mt
You may also write to the Ministry Communications Unit about anything related to media and communications on familja.media@gov.mt
BACK TO SCHOOL STARTS IN SUMMER
The kids just finished school and started their summer holidays, so probably you don’t want to hear this, BUT, truth is back to school starts in summer and if you plan now, you’ll avoid last-minute hassles, headaches and unnecessary expenses.
School Expenses can add up pretty quickly, right?
School stuff is not cheap, and we all know that: uniforms, a never-ending supply list, shoes, stationery, lunch things – the list goes on. So planning in summer helps you spread out the costs and ease any financial pressure come September.
Start simple, start early. Look at what you already have. What can be reused from last year? Go ahead and involve your kids in this so they learn about making smart choices and reusing things where possible.
Compare prices. You’ve
Shop smart. Buying secondhand uniforms and books is IN. There’s no need for them to be brand new.
Create a supply box for the year. Stock up during any sales on stationery and school essentials that you may need throughout the year. Keep these extras in a box at home to save on any extra trips and costs!
Plan for the full term. There will be school outings, donations, extracurricular activities all year long. Set something aside for this to help reduce the strain during the scholastic year.
And you’re off to a good start! You are now financially (and mentally) prepared for a smooth transition after the summer break.
AMANDA LIA
ĠEMMA Brings Financial Literacy to Life at Public EXPO
Between 21st and 25th May, the Malta Public Service EXPO welcomed thousands of visitors and showcased a wide range of essential public services. A key highlight was ĠEMMA, an initiative by the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, which promoted financial literacy through an engaging and interactive quiz.
The quiz attracted 790 participants, all of whom were entered into a draw to win a €100 One4All gift voucher. At the close of the EXPO, three winners were randomly selected by the quiz creators: Leanne Grech, Ruth Cassar, and Matteo Polidano.
The quiz featured eight essential questions designed to raise awareness about everyday financial matters:
engage in conversationsmeaningful with ĠEMMA representatives.
Two of the winners shared their thoughts on the experience.
Leanne Grech said: “From the ĠEMMA quiz I gained a better understanding of some important financial terms like debit and credit card, active income, and dividend. This quiz will help me in making financial decisions.”
Ruth Cassar added: “Through this quiz I learned how to attain my money more manageable.”
The EXPO also served as a valuable opportunity to connect with educators: ĠEMMA representatives engaged with several school staff and educatorsto explore opportunities for delivering financial literacy
• What is a debit card? A payment card that draws directly from your current account.
• What is a credit card? A card allowing you to borrow up to a limit and repay later, often with interest.
• What is a budget? A plan to manage your spending and saving so you live within your means.
• What is active income? Income earned through work or freelance activity, as opposed to passive income.
• What is a dividend? A share of a company’s profits paid to shareholders.
• What is depreciation? The reduction in an asset value over time, such as a car or electronics.
• What is an emergency fund? Money set aside for unexpected expenses like medical bills or urgent
sessions in schools during the next scholastic year, further supporting the initiative promote financial knowledge from a young age.
ĠEMMA’ s presence at the Public EXPO highlighted the growing importance of financial education as a life skill, helping individuals make informed decisions and build greater financial confidence.
Ruth Cassar Leanne Grech
START PLANNING TODAY
In Malta, the state pension is a very important source of income during retirement. It provides crucial financial support helping retirees to cope with their expenses after retirement. However, on its own, it may not be enough to maintain your current standard of living or cope with unexpected expenses later in life.
That’s why it is important to start planning early. Private pension plans are one option – allowing you to build an additional income stream alongside your state pension. Regular contributions, even small ones, can grow significantly over time. Many of these plans also benefit from tax incentives, making them an attractive way to save for retirement.
Beyond private pensions, there are also other savings and investment plans available that can help grow your money over the long term. These may include investment linked plans, or other structured financial products. As long as the goal remains to strengthen your financial safety net in retirement, these options can offer good value. However, it is of utmost importance to understand the risks involved and be aware of any charges or fees before committing. Not all products are the same, and what works for one person may not suit another.
At ĠEMMA, we strongly encourage people of all ages to take control of their financial future. Whether you are just starting out or mid-way through your career, it is never too early –or too late – to start saving for the retirement you deserve.
Mark Bezzina ĠEMMA Team Member
