TORONTO, ON - July 09, 2015 /CNW/ - A little bit of extra money can often make a big difference. This is the sentiment at the heart of Scotiabank's newly launched Financially New and Improved campaign. Scotiabank is inviting Canadians across the country to visit a branch to learn tips from a Scotiabank advisor about hidden savings that can add up to an extra $1,500 a year, on top of what they are already investing.

"We understand that, more and more, Canadians are feeling the pinch when it comes to their savings," said Ahmad Dajani, Vice President, Retail Deposits and Investments at Scotiabank. "At Scotiabank, we're committed to helping Canadians become financially better off by cutting through the clutter and offering customized advice that meets their unique circumstances. We want to show customers how they can make simple changes to save big - often as much as an extra $1,500 in one year. Our goal is to help them to take control of their savings and become financially new and improved in the process."

In support of the campaign and to raise awareness of the importance of saving, Scotiabank has engaged Canadian entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson to help promote this new way to save. No stranger to financial challenges, Dickinson came from humble beginnings and became one of Canada's most successful female business leaders and a household name. Dickinson helped kick off the campaign by sharing her tips for financial success through a live Twitter Chat on July 8. Check her tips at:www.scotiabank.com/newandimproved.

"I have seen, firsthand, how impactful small changes to your financial planning can be for Canadians and their families," said Arlene Dickinson, author, entrepreneur and CEO of Venture Communications. "Saving even a small amount each day can put you on the right track to achieving your financial goals. Scotiabank is helping Canadians plan ahead and make smart financial choices."

Scotiabank's Financially New and Improved campaign will run throughout the summer. It also features a contest that will reward Canadians on Twitter and Facebook each week with a prize of $1,500 for answering the question: "What would you do if you had an extra $1,500?" along with the hashtag #My1500. For more information about the contest refer to www.scotiabank.com/my1500.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and parts of Asia. We are dedicated to helping our 21 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 86,000 employees and assets of $837 billion (as at April 30, 2015), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). Scotiabank distributes the Bank's media releases using CNW. For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankNews.