The American personal savings rate is at its lowest level since the U.S. financial crisis in 2008, at 6 percent of disposable income, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is continuing a 60-year downward trend line.
America Saves Week, Feb. 25 to March 2, is a good time to evaluate your short- and long-term financial goals and figure out how you can save more.
Monday, Feb. 25: Save with a plan
Savers with a plan are twice as likely to save successfully for items such as retirement and their or their children’s education. During America Saves Week, create a savings plan when you take the America Saves Pledge for a chance to win up to $750.
Tuesday, Feb. 26: Save automatically
Make it easy to save money by setting aside money for savings automatically. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account, or have part of your paycheck automatically deposited into a savings account.
Wednesday, Feb. 27: Save for the unexpected
Putting aside a few dollars a week into a savings account for unexpected costs can build financial security – and relieve anxiety. Saving for the unexpected starts with small, regularly scheduled contributions that build up over time.
Thursday, Feb. 28: Save to retire
Studies show few Americans have adequate savings for retirement. Saving now for retirement will help ensure you have enough money to enjoy a comfortable standard of living when you stop working. Participate in a work-related retirement program such as a 401(k) or open an individual retirement account or IRA. If you’re already saving for retirement, try increasing the amount you save by 1 percent each year.
Friday, March 1: Save the extra
Save your bonuses, raises, and tax refunds. This tax season, deposit at least $50 of your refund into a savings account. If you do, you’ll also be eligible to win one of over 100 prizes up to $10,000 by entering SaveYourRefund.
Saturday, March 2: Save as a family
Model good financial habits for your children by saving money from your paycheck, delaying purchases until you can afford them, avoiding whim purchases, and establishing a monthly budget. Teach your children to do the same and help them open their own savings accounts. They love seeing their money grow.
More than 1,550 organizations in the United States and military-affiliated groups around the world are participating in America Saves Week.
America Saves Week is coordinated by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council. Started in 2007, it’s an annual opportunity for organizations to encourage consumers to save. Participating groups include military installations; nonprofit organizations; banks and credit unions; academic institutions; local, state, and federal government agencies; and employers.
“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.”
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