Over 1,550 organizations across the United States and military-affiliated groups around the world are promoting personal savings and encouraging Americans to focus on their savings status this week as part of America Saves Week.
The Cottonwood Extension District, serving Barton and Ellis counties, is one of them. People hear many messages about spending, so it is critical to have times such as America Saves Week that focus on saving.
“The secret to saving successfully is surprisingly simple,” said Madeline Daniels, spokesperson for America Saves. “People with a plan to save are twice as likely to save successfully. Whether you are saving for a rainy day, your retirement, education, or another goal, America Saves Week is the perfect opportunity to set your savings goal, make a plan, and learn how to save the most effective way-automatically.”
America Saves Week is coordinated by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council. Started in 2007, America Saves Week is an annual opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior. Participating groups include military installations; nonprofit organizations; banks and credit unions; academic institutions; local, state, and federal government agencies; and employers.
Media messages and educational programs across the country this week will focus on themes such as:
• Save with a plan
• Save the easy way, automatically
• Save for rainy days
• Save to retire
• Save the extra
• Save as a family
Small steps in building a savings habit can make a big difference over time. During America Saves Week, national partners are encouraging people of all ages to develop and achieve their savings goals.
Here are two fun ways to focus on saving and have a chance to win prizes:
#ImSavingForSweepstakes
To celebrate America Saves Week, America Saves offers the #ImSavingForSweepstakes. It’s easy to enter. Start by creating a savings plan and taking the America Saves Pledge (https://americasaves.org/for-savers/pledge) for a chance to win $500 toward your goal. Then boost your potential prize by an additional $250 by sharing your savings goal, story, or tip on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. After pledging, you will receive an email to confirm your entry and instructions on how to enhance your entry by sharing on social media. The Sweepstakes ends at midnight on April 6. See the official rules at https://americasaves.org/imsavingforsweepstakes-official-rules.
Extension Index
Card Contest
The university Extension service nationwide is celebrating America Saves Week with a chance to win one of three $100 Amazon gift cards by sharing your favorite savings strategies. It’s easy, and you can enter up to six times. All you have to do is create and share an index card on Twitter or Facebook (use the hashtag #ASWSSIC) describing your favorite savings strategies and tips that fit the six themes of America Saves Week. You can create a graphic using the electronic index card image provided, or you can write your savings tip on an index card, snap a photo and share on social media. Get all the details at https://americasaves.org/extension-index-card-contest.
In a world that urges us to spend, spend, spend, America Saves Week focuses attention on saving instead. Take some time this week to set a saving goal, make a plan and pledge to save.
Linda K. Beech is a family and consumer sciences agent with the Cottonwood District K-State Research and Extension. Contact her at 785-628-9430 or email lbeech@ksu.edu.
