From rounding up to purpose: Redefining savings as a tool for financial peace of mind linked to loan repayment
Acreimex is a credit union headquartered in Oaxaca, with a presence in 11 states across Mexico through 79 branches. It stands out as one of the few credit unions in the country that offers group loans, mainly targeting women who lack the traditional collateral required to access individual credit.
In this model, members make weekly or biweekly payments over a four- to six-month cycle, which historically included a small savings component. However, these amounts were not perceived as meaningful savings, and were often withdrawn at the end of each cycle.
Building on this, BFA Global identified an opportunity to redesign how savings linked to group-loan payments are communicated, shifting from small routine amounts to purpose-driven savings. By reframing how this option is presented, the intervention aimed to help members recognize savings as a valuable, cumulative resource that contributes to financial peace of mind rather than a minor surplus for immediate spending.
The goal was to encourage women to save more intentionally, integrate savings into their financial strategies, and begin building a “peace-of-mind fund” to better manage unexpected expenses.
Download the note to explore the intervention design, results, and key lessons for driving sustained savings behavior.
