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In This Kit:
- Daily savings themes
- ASW Talking Points
- Public Service Announcements
- Financial Action: #ImSavingForSweepstakes
- Military Saves Week video
- AFCPE® Connect to an AFC
- Social media posts and graphics: #ASW19
- Sample content for blogs, emails, newsletters, and more
America Saves Week 2019 Daily Savings Themes
Each day of America Saves Week highlights a unique theme offering fresh opportunities to promote personal savings! Pick one, two or all six to insert in your campaign:
Monday, February 25: Save with a plan
- Did you know? Savers with a plan are twice as likely to save successfully for things like retirement and their (or their children’s) education! America Saves Week is a great time to start a healthy savings habit. Create a simple savings plan when you take the America Saves Pledge for a chance to win up to $750.
- Monday’s Toolkit(s) + Resources:
- Save with a Plan: 10 Tips So Your Future Self Will Thank You – an online toolkit providing savers and families with helpful savings tips and tricks
- Social Media Graphics Kit – contains 10 ready-to-use graphics for your social media outreach about saving with a plan.
- How to Manage Your Savings, from Better Money Habits
Tuesday, February 26: Save the easy way…automatically
- Never miss a beat when it comes to savings. Make it so easy you never have to think about it by setting aside money for savings automatically. Learn how to set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account, or have part of your paycheck automatically deposited into a savings account. Already saving automatically? Find ways to automate other aspects of your financial life in 2019.
- Tuesday’s Toolkit(s) + Resources:
- Split Deposit Toolkit from NACHA – resources to help you promote using Split Deposit to encourage people to Save the Easy Way-Automatically
- Videos – If most of your life is automated, why not your savings? These videos were produced by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Communications Department
Wednesday, February 27: Save for the unexpected
- That day you blew a tire. The time your dishwasher overflowed. That vacation when your child got sick far from home and the doctor wouldn’t take your insurance. We all have those unexpected events in life that can lead to financial stress, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Putting aside a few dollars a week into a savings account for unexpected costs can build financial security – and relieve a lot of anxiety! Saving for the unexpected starts with small, regularly scheduled contributions that build up over time.
- Wednesday’s Toolkit(s) + Resources:
- Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK)
- 2018 Version – Strengthen your financial preparedness for disasters and emergencies
- Financial Preparedness, from Ready.Gov
- Save for the Unexpected One-pager – contains easy steps for starting a savings fund for unexpected expenses
- Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK)
Thursday, February 28: Save to retire
- Studies show few Americans have adequate savings for retirement but it’s never too late – or too early – to start saving. 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). Already saving for retirement? Try increasing the amount you save by 1 percent each year.
- Thursday’s Toolkit(s) + Resources:
- Save for Retirement Flyer
- Social Media Squares
- Social Media Banners
- Use #mySocialSecurity in your social media promotions today!
It’s the first step in our “3 Steps to Save for Retirement” flyer (above). Encourage your audience today to visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and discover what their current estimated Social Security earnings will be. Let’s drive as much traffic to the Social Security website as we can and encourage savers to focus on saving for a better tomorrow.
Friday, March 1: Save the extra
- Did you know you’re more likely to save a windfall than a small amount consistently over time? Hack that psychology by saving your bonuses, raises, and tax refunds. This tax season, get ahead of your financial goals by depositing 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!
- Friday’s Toolkit(s) + Resources:
- America Saves Week // Save the Extra – video from the Defense Credit Union Council
- Save the Extra Media Kit – use this kit to encourage a variety of audiences to save their windfall income
Saturday, March 2: Save as a family
- Good savings habits start at home. 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!
- Saturday’s Toolkit(s) + Resources:
- Save as a Family Toolkit – use this kit to inspire families to set goals, make plans, and save automatically together
Talking Points for America Saves Week
You may be seeking media coverage for your America Saves Week Activities. Here are a few basic talking points you may wish to include in interviews, press releases or media pitches.
Public Service Announcements
Request free publicity on your local radio station, podcast or other audio broadcast by sharing these Public Service Announcements on behalf of America Saves. Simply contact a show producer or a station’s programming director and request frequent airing of these “PSAs” in support of this national nonprofit campaign, running February 25 through March 2, designed to promote personal savings, and direct them to the America Saves website for further information.
Financial Action: #ImSavingForSweepstakes
America Saves Week is about more than helping Americans understand the importance of saving – it’s about getting them to save automatically.
We know that savers with a plan are more than twice as likely to make progress towards their savings goals as those without a plan. That’s why we created the America Saves Pledge. When someone takes the Pledge, they identify a savings goal (such as a rainy day fund or retirement), an amount to save per month, and the number of months they will save that amount. In other words, they make a basic savings plan.
But sometimes it takes more than a nudge to create that plan. That’s why America Saves offers an incentive: the annual #ImSavingForSweepstakes. Savers who create a savings plan and share their goal or savings story on social media have a chance to win up to $750.
How does it work? Simple. For a chance to win $500, savers just need to take the America Saves Pledge. They can boost their potential prize by $250 by sharing their goal, personal story, or favorite savings tip on social media with the hashtag #ImSavingForSweepstakes.
Help us spread the word about this fun and easy savings contest by using the following:
Sample Announcement
For use in blogs, emails, newsletters, and more!
Win up to $750 in the #ImSavingForSweepstakes by Sharing Your Savings Goal, Tip or Story
To celebrate America Saves Week (Feb. 25-March 2, 2019), America Saves is launching the #ImSavingForSweepstakes. It’s easy to enter!
How to enter
To win $500:
- Take the America Saves Pledge, tell America Saves what you’re saving for, and make a simple savings plan to reach your goal.
To win $750:
- Take the America Saves Pledge, tell America Saves what you’re saving for, and make a simple savings plan to reach your goal; AND,
- Share your tip, story, video or photo featuring your savings goal and that answers at least one of these questions: What are you saving for? What is your savings story and how can it help other people? What is your favorite savings tip or trick?
- Post it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtag #ImSavingForSweepstakes.
Get creative!
- Keep it simple by taking a video or picture in front of the item you’re saving for – like a new car or house.
- Use a video or photo editing tool to put yourself in the frame with your goal – like a trip to the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore.
- Use an app to add a caption or some character to your submission.
No Purchase Necessary. Sweepstakes starts 2/20/19 and ends 4/30/19. See Official Rules.
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Social Media Posts
Share your savings goal and enter for a chance to win the #ImSavingForSweepstakes – up to $750 toward your goal! http://bit.ly/2dFhJf9 @AmericaSaves #ASW19 | See official rules: http://bit.ly/2F4C8b1
Make the most of #ASW19 and submit your #ImSavingForSweepstakes selfie or video for a chance to win up to $750: http://bit.ly/2dFhJf9 @AmericaSaves #ASW19 | See official rules: http://bit.ly/2F4C8b1
Show @AmericaSaves what you’re saving for and enter for a chance to win up to $750 towards your #savings goal! http://bit.ly/2dFhJf9 #ASW19 #ImSavingForSweepstakes | See official rules: http://bit.ly/2F4C8b1
Military Saves Week video
You know it’s America Saves Week, but did you also know it’s Military Saves Week? Military Saves is an initiative of the America Saves campaign that works with service members and their families to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. After all, financial readiness is key to mission readiness!
Learn more about Military Saves and Military Saves Week in this video generously sponsored by USAA Educational Foundation.
Suggested tweet:
- It’s Military Saves Week! Learn more about @MilitarySaves and financial readiness for service members and their families: http://bit.ly/2MfUzee #ASW19 #MSW19
AFCPE® Connect to an AFC® Pilot
The Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education® (AFCPE®) will be connecting Savers who take the America Saves Pledge during America Saves Week 2019 to their network of Accredited Financial Counselors® (AFC®) across the country.
Organizations participating in America Saves Week 2019 are encouraged to promote this unique and free resource as an additional opportunity to assess one’s finances and savings behavior and take financial action.
Sample promotional blurb:
Need some additional support reaching your savings goal? We have resources to help! America Saves has partnered with the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education® (AFCPE®) to connect you one-on-one with an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) who is committed to answering your financial questions and providing you with free and unbiased financial advice that is tailored toward your personal financial goals.
Click to view the full-size image, then right-click and select “Save As…” to download and use.
What is an AFC®?
An AFC® professional has the education and experience to help you:
- Address your immediate money challenges.
- Create a plan to achieve your unique goals & dreams.
- Build a sustainable foundation for long-term financial well-being.
When you work with an AFC® professional, you receive free financial education and guidance specific to your unique situation and needs. An AFC® will never sell you products, and they will work closely to guide you through today’s challenges while helping you develop a solid financial foundation that can last a lifetime.
Ready to meet your savings goal? Make sure to make a commitment to save by completing the America Saves Pledge during America Saves Week 2019 (February 25 –March 2) and then complete the AFC® interest form that will be sent to your email.
Social Media Posts and Graphics
Follow @AmericaSaves on Twitter. Like and promote the America Saves Facebook page. Share the hashtag #ASW19 in any savings or America Saves Week-related content at the end of each post.
Interested in hosting a social media event? >> Submit your event to our America Saves Week calendar of activities
Social media graphics
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Posts to Share America Saves Week with Partners and Colleagues
Help Americans help themselves. Become a partner organization for America Saves Week, February 25 – March 2, and promote personal savings. Sign up here for free resources: http://bit.ly/2hPG42K #ASW19
Few Americans can afford an emergency expense. Help promote #personalsavings by becoming a partner organization for America Saves Week, February 25 – March 2. Sign up here for free resources: http://bit.ly/2hPG42K #ASW19
Join us and thousands of organizations committed to helping others save during #ASW19 (February 25 – March 2) with @AmericaSaves. Sign up today: http://bit.ly/2hPG42K
America Saves Week and Military Saves Week are this February 25 – March 2. Learn how to participate in motivating Americans to save at http://bit.ly/2AVntcU. #ASW19 #MSW19
America Saves Week motivates millions of Americans to save every year. Get involved in #ASW19 at http://bit.ly/2hPG42K.
We’re proud to participate in America Saves Week 2019. See who else is participating and learn more: http://bit.ly/2AVntcU #ASW19
Posts to Encourage Saving During America Saves Week
We encourage you to use the sample emails, social media posts and blogs as your own in your overall content marketing strategy during America Saves Week. Please attribute guest blog posts to their original author.
Monday, February 25: Save with a plan
Events:
Twitter Chat: America Saves Week and Military Saves Week 2019 Kickoff
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Host(s): America Saves (@AmericaSaves) and Military Saves (@MilitarySaves)
Hashtag(s): #ASW19 and #MSW19
America Saves and Military Saves join forces to kick off Saves Week 2019! We’ll be discussing the savings themes taking place during the week, cheering on savers and partnering organizations for their activities, and highlighting our favorite savings tips.
Social Media Posts:
America Saves Week 2019 starts today! Join @AmericaSaves and @MilitarySaves this afternoon at 12 noon Eastern for the kickoff tweet chat! #ASW19 #MSW19
It’s America Saves Week! Are you a successful saver? Check out the @AmericaSaves Saver Checklist Tool see how you’re doing: http://bit.ly/2gBUlAs #ASW19
Savers with a plan are 2x more likely to save for #retirement, have a rainy day fund, and stick to a budget. Hack your savings for a chance to win up to $750 from @AmericaSaves: http://bit.ly/2dFhJf9 #ASW19 | Official rules: http://bit.ly/2GgC3hm
Share your savings goal and enter for a chance to win the #ImSavingForSweepstakes – up to $750 toward your goal! http://bit.ly/2dFhJf9 @AmericaSaves #ASW19 | See official rules: http://bit.ly/2GgC3hm
Tuesday, February 26: Save the easy way…automatically
Twitter Storm: America Saves Week and Military Saves Week 2019
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Host(s): America Saves (@AmericaSaves) and Military Saves (@MilitarySaves)
Hashtag(s): #ASW19 and #MSW19
Help us take over Twitter! Join us in blasting Twitter with #ASW19 and #MSW19 content for an hour to raise the visibility of the Week and engage more individuals in the topic of saving. Use content from this kit or craft your own, just make sure to include the hashtag!
Social Media Posts
Don’t think you can save? Hack your savings at work! Sign up to save automatically by splitting your deposit to transfer $ to your savings account every paycheck: http://bit.ly/2dIKQuK #ASW19
Did you know the easiest way to save is automatically? This America Saves Week, ask your financial institution to set up automatic contributions to your savings account on a regular basis: http://bit.ly/2dIKQuK #ASW19
Forgetting to save money? Make it automatic! Sign up to save automatically by splitting your direct deposit at work or set up automatic contributions through your bank or credit union: http://bit.ly/2dIKQuK #ASW19
Make the most of #ASW19 & submit your #ImSavingForSweepstakes selfie or video for a chance to win up to $750: http://bit.ly/2dFhJf9 @AmericaSaves | See official rules: http://bit.ly/2GgC3hm
Wednesday, February 27: Save for the Unexpected
Events:
Twitter Chat: Military Saves Week #CreditChat with Experian
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Host: Experian (@Experian_US)
Guest(s): Military Saves (@MilitarySaves)
Hashtag(s): #CreditChat
Topic: Managing Money When You’re on the Move
Experian is happy to support Military Saves Week with a special tweet chat.
Twitter Chat: America Saves Week #CreditChat with Experian
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Host: Experian (@Experian_US)
Guest(s): America Saves (@AmericaSaves)
Hashtag(s): #CreditChat
Topic: Maintaining Your Financial Health As a Couple
Experian is happy to support America Saves Week with a special tweet chat.
Social Media Posts
Can you cover a $400 emergency? Most Americans can’t. Start sleeping peacefully! Start your emergency fund this America Saves Week: http://bit.ly/2dXY0Hu @AmericaSaves #ASW19
Most families don’t have enough to cover the unexpected. Sleep peacefully! Start your emergency fund this America Saves Week: http://bit.ly/2dXY0Hu @AmericaSaves #ASW19
Start saving for emergencies this America Saves Week with small, regularly scheduled, automatic contributions: http://bit.ly/2dXY0Hu @AmericaSaves #ASW19
Want regular tips and real-time savings advice? Follow @AmericaSaves on Twitter all year ‘round! #ASW19
Thursday, February 28: Save for Retirement
Events:
Twitter Chat: America Saves Week 2019 #WBChat with WiseBread
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Host: WiseBread (@WiseBread)
Guest: America Saves (@AmericaSaves)
Hashtag: #WBchat and #ASW19
Learn about creating a savings plan, holding yourself accountable to savings goals, assessing your savings plan, and more! Let us know about your savings goals and tell us one thing you could do today to move toward your savings goals!
Social Media Posts
It’s America Saves Week and today’s theme is Saving for Retirement. Join @WiseBread’s #WBchat today at 3p Eastern for a lively tweet chat and a chance to win $100 in prizes! #ASW19
Does your 401(k) have you scratching your head? This America Saves Week, understand your options! Check out @FINRA’s Smart 401(k) resources: http://bit.ly/2nPTHnY #ASW19
Starting your #savings now ensures a more comfortable retirement later on. Are you saving? Find out how to kickstart your retirement savings this America Saves Week: http://bit.ly/2ebDN0Z #ASW19
It’s America Saves Week! Take the @AmericaSaves Pledge today to help you set savings goals and create a savings plan, like for #retirement: http://bit.ly/2dFhJf9 #ASW19
Friday, March 1: Save the Extra
Twitter Storm: America Saves Week and Military Saves Week 2019
Host(s): America Saves (@AmericaSaves) and Military Saves (@MilitarySaves)
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Hashtag: #ASW19 and #MSW19
Help us take over Twitter – again! Join us in blasting Twitter with #ASW19 and #MSW19 content for an hour to raise the visibility of the Week and engage more individuals in the topic of saving. Use content from this kit or craft your own, just make sure to include one or both of the hashtags!
Social Media Posts:
Did you know it’s easier to save when you get a windfall? Jumpstart your savings account by depositing this year’s refund! http://bit.ly/2Cte5zn #ASW19 @AmericaSaves
Does America Saves Week have you wondering about #retirement and when you should start collecting #SocialSecurity? @CFPB has you covered. Get started: http://bit.ly/2nR7EBR #ASW19
Getting a large refund from the IRS? Win BIG for saving just $50 of your #taxrefund with #SaveYourRefund. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2Cte5zn #ASW19
Show @AmericaSaves what you’re saving for and enter for a chance to win up to $750 towards your #savings goal! http://bit.ly/2dFhJf9 #ASW19 #ImSavingForSweepstakes | See official rules: http://bit.ly/2GgC3hm
Promote tax-time savings through social media
Tara and Cassandra, the winners of the SaveYourRefund 2018 grand prizes, both took advantage of the tax-time moment to better their financial lives. Help us motivate thousands of Americans like Tara and Cassandra by sharing these messages about tax-time savings and SaveYourRefund on social media.
Use Form 8888 when you file taxes to split your refund into two parts: spending and savings! #SaveYourRefund
Tweet this now
With $30,000 in prizes and 102 chances to win, #SaveYourRefund is BIG incentive to save during tax season: http://bit.ly/2enJLME
Tweet this now
Could you be the next #SaveYourRefund grand prize winner? Meet the two photo contest winners from tax season 2018: http://bit.ly/2J5UqHV v/ @AmericaSaves
Tweet this now
Saturday, March 2: Save as a Family
Social Media Posts:
Do your kids ask questions about money? Here’s how to answer them: http://bit.ly/2DgUFz2 #BetterMoneyHabits #ASW19
Kids learn from you, whether you’re teaching them or not. Get financially fit this America Saves Week with help from @CFPB: http://bit.ly/2jlU4jS #ASW19
Learn financial lessons as a family this America Saves Week. Make decisions and practice good money management together: http://bit.ly/2iJjg36 #BetterMoneyHabits #ASW19
It’s Military Saves Week! Learn more about @MilitarySaves and financial readiness for service members and their families: http://bit.ly/2F54va2 #ASW19 #MSW19
Sample content for blogs, emails, newsletters, and more
We encourage you to use the sample emails and America Saves blog language as your own in your emails, blog, and overall content marketing strategy during America Saves Week. Please attribute the additional guest blog posts to their original author.
- America Saves: 3 Ways to Give Your Savings Account a Little Boost
- Taxpayer Opportunity Network: Make Your Tax Refund Work for You!
- WiseBread: 6 Fun Ways to Save As a Family
- SaveYourRefund: Saving at Tax Time through SaveYourRefund
- Email-a-day
3 Ways to Give Your Savings Account a Little Boost
By Tammy Bruzon, America Saves Digital Engagement Strategist
What does “saving the extra” mean to you? Whether it is putting change in a piggy bank or moving everything not in the budget into savings, those three little words can mean big money down the road. This America Saves Week, try one (or all) of these three ways to save the extra:
- Add a savings line to your budget. Rent, utilities, internet. Every important piece of your financial picture gets a designated spot in your budget each month, so why not your savings? We don’t always consider our savings goals a priority in our short term savings and spending plan, but it ought to be. Prioritize your goals by adding a “savings” line with an affordable amount to your budget; pay yourself with each paycheck.
- Stow away the windfall. Did you receive notice of a raise for 2018? Maybe you have a bonus coming your way for a job well done. Whatever the bounty may be, allocate any unexpected funds to your savings goals. You won’t miss the percentage raise you receive when you divert it into your savings account. You weren’t expecting that bonus; tuck it away for a rainy day.
- Split and save your refund. It’s a universal truth: saving at tax time can be a big step toward meeting your savings goals. This tax season, opt to split a portion of your tax refund into your savings account. For many of us, the tax refund is the largest check we will receive all year, which provides the perfect opportunity to start or grow your savings goal.
Bonus! The SaveYourRefund promotion is sweetening the deal by giving you a chance to win one of 102 prizes up to $10,000 just for saving a portion of your tax refund using IRS Form 8888 and sharing your savings goal*. But you can’t enter to win unless you save. Make a commitment to yourself today!
Saving the extra is an easy and quick way to jumpstart your savings. As America Saves Week comes to an end, identify the ways that you and your household can save the extra and add a little boost to your bank account.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and DC with a valid taxpayer ID number who are 18 years or older at time of entry and due a 2018 individual tax refund. Begins 12:01 am ET 1/21/19 and ends 11:59 pm ET 4/15/19. For how to enter and Official Rules, including odds, alternate method of entry, and prize descriptions, visit www.saveyourrefund.com/rules. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Build Commonwealth, Inc.
Make Your Tax Refund Work for You!
By Justin Chu, Program Associate, Taxpayer Opportunity Network
Every year, the middle of April marks the end of the federal tax return filing season. For many Americans, that can mean seemingly endless forms, paystubs, and other paperwork. However, tax time can also be a unique opportunity for saving for your future! You can maximize tax time in three easy ways and have your tax refund work for you.
- Put your refund into a saving account
For people claiming some of the unique tax credits that benefit hardworking families around the country such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, their tax refund may be the largest sum of money they will see the entire year. By opening a savings account, you can deposit a portion or all of your refund and let the amount grow over time. Luckily, you can do this using the IRS Form 8888, which will divide your refund over multiple accounts. - Put your refund into a savings bond
IRS Form 8888 now allows you to easily and seamlessly purchase Series 1 US Savings Bonds as you prepare your tax return! These 30-year bonds are backed by the United States government and they pay you interest yearly. Bonds are a great, low-risk option to grow your savings. - Get your taxes prepared for free
If you make less than $55,000 a year, you can your taxes prepared at no-cost by IRS-certified volunteers in your local community! The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has served millions of Americans for more than 45 years. If you qualify, you can find your local VITA program using this tool; at these VITA sites, you can find expert information to help demystify the tax code and to prepare your taxes.
These three steps are only a small sample of how you can leverage this annual process! Tax time can be confusing but you can maximize your tax return to build for a more sustainable future. Don’t delay and be sure to start your own saving story today!
6 Fun Ways to Save As a Family
By Janet Alvarez, WiseBread.com
Meeting financial goals as a family can be challenging. But inspiring your family to help and contribute to a financial goal doesn’t have to be a painful process, especially when the result is an exciting family vacation, a new family car, or college savings. In the spirit of America Saves Week, I’ll share some ideas on how to save as a family for all those items and bucket-list experiences.
- Gamify It!
In my family, we often make a game of who contributes to a joint family pot for that month’s fun activity. A game of monopoly can turn into a real contest, as anyone who loses is asked to contribute a small amount to that month or week’s activity of choice (such as a meal out, or family movie). Of course, contributions should be proportional to earnings – teens might contribute $5 from their part-time job or allowance, while adults would be expected to contribute much more. Still, the spirit of the game is focused on sharing and enjoying together – and because everyone has a stake, we enjoy it all so much more.
- Making Money Can Be Fun
Every year around the holidays, my entire extended family likes to take a vacation somewhere warm, so we start planning and saving a year in advance. By each contributing to the holiday vacation fund, our money goes much farther, and we’re often able to visit really cool places we might’ve not otherwise afforded. Of course, if we can easily afford to contribute our share, we do so, but when money is tight, we find fun ways to raise cash for our share of the contributions. Last year, for example, some of my cousins hosted a bake sale. Others sold items they’d knitted, art they’d produced, and so forth. All of the proceeds went straight into the family vacation fund.
- Sell, Sell, Sell!
A family garage sale can be an enjoyable and rewarding way to raise extra cash for shared activities or purchases. If your family wants a new flat-screen TV, game console, or other piece of technology or furniture, why not start by selling what you already have and don’t need? A traditional garage sale is one good way to raise cash, as is selling unused items online (this tends to be the better option for selling electronics and gadgets).
- Match It!
Often, children’s only way to save is to use their holiday or birthday gift money. It can be challenging for kids to save money they so badly want to spend and enjoy immediately, so it’s important to offer incentives for doing so. One idea is to match dollar for dollar every bit of money they save from their gifts. That ensures kids get the immediate gratification of knowing their saved gift money is being doubled, but also enables them to feel empowered by having chosen to save and contribute to family goals.
- The Envelope Method
When saving for multiple goals, the envelope method is an excellent way of keeping all the monies separate for their intended uses. Simply mark each envelope with a stated goal, and contribute regularly to each until the goal amount is met. For small children, it can be rewarding to contribute to smaller family goals, such as ice cream or a movie rental. A $10 or $15 goal can mean a $1 or $2 monthly contribution from their allowance. This helps children learn the value of saving, and builds confidence in their ability to do so.
- Your Credit Union Can Help
Your local credit union can be an excellent resource for helping your family save together. From traditional savings accounts or CDs to holiday savings accounts, your credit union can help you select a financial product that can help your family in reaching its shared goals faster. For larger goals, in particular, a shared family account can be an excellent resource for keeping your family on track to realizing your financial wishes.
Happy saving!
Janet Alvarez is the news anchor for WHYY/NPR and the Executive Editor of Wise Bread, an award-winning publication focused on promoting financial literacy.
Saving at Tax Time through SaveYourRefund
by Lindsay Ferguson, America Saves Director of Strategic Engagement
More than half of all Americans have no savings to help them cope with even small emergencies. Yet more than 100 million taxpayers get refunds from the IRS each year. For many individuals and families, that tax refund is the largest check that they will receive all year, the perfect windfall to start or grow an emergency fund.
In the 2019 tax season, SaveYourRefund will once again offer tax filers the chance to win cash prizes for saving a portion of their tax refunds. Now in its seventh year, SaveYourRefund is a partnership between Commonwealth and America Saves that provides fun and exciting incentives for Americans to save at tax time when households making less than $50,000 claim $100 billion in federal tax refunds. A chance to win one of two $10,000 grand prizes or one of 100 smaller prizes of $100 is enough to turn a savings skeptic into a savings believer.
Last year, SaveYourRefund helped over 3,400 tax clients save over $2.9 million and gave away $35,000 in cash prizes. We’re looking forward to building on last year’s success and continuing to reward those who save at tax time with 100 weekly prizes and two $10,000 grand prizes.
America Saves Week Email-a-Day
Although drafted for quick and easy email content for you to share, the following emails can also be repurposed as blogs, newsletter articles, and other publication content.
Email #1
Subject: America Saves Week is here!
If you’re like millions of other Americans, coming up with extra cash in an emergency presents a real challenge.
That’s why we’re inviting you to join America Saves Week — a national effort to encourage you to set a savings goal, make a savings plan, and save automatically. Join millions of others who – like you – are taking time this week to start or grow their savings.
It all starts when you make a commitment to yourself to save. Take the first step today and take the America Saves pledge to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth over time. America Saves will be there with you step by step, to keep you motivated with information, tips, and reminders to help you reach your savings goal. Think of it as your very own personal support system!
Email #2
Subject: Are you saving for the right things?
Just like your car needs a tune-up, and you need your annual physical, your financial health needs a checkup, too. America Saves Week is an annual opportunity for savers just like you to assess your savings and make sure that you are saving for all the right things.
If you only do one thing during America Saves Week 2019, complete this simple assessment to see if you are saving adequately.
Email #3
Subject: Saving and Reducing Debt Automatically
Did you know that the easiest and most effective way to save is automatically? Saving automatically is at the heart of America Saves Week. And, it’s how millions of employees save through 401(k) and other retirement programs at work. It’s also how millions of Americans save at their bank or credit union. It’s a great way to build wealth and financial security, and it’s easy to set up!
How to Save Automatically
- Every month, have your bank or credit union transfer a fixed amount (like $25, $50 or $100) from your checking account to a savings or investment account. Talk to your local bank or credit union to set this up. – OR
- Every pay period, have your employer deduct a certain amount from your paycheck and deposit it in a savings account. Ask your HR representative for more details.
- If your employer offers a retirement account, sign up and put in at least the minimum contribution to receive any matches they may offer. Ask your HR representative for more details.
How to Reduce Debt Automatically
- Set up automatic payments towards your debt by providing your checking account information to your loan provider to ensure that the payments are on time and in full.
- Enrolling in automatic payments may even qualify you for a small interest rate reduction with some types of loans and providers, such as some student loans.
- Not sure how much to save each month? Take the America Saves Pledge. The pledge will help you create a monthly savings plan and stay committed to it all year long!
Email #4
Subject: Make Your Savings Automatic Today
[YOUR COMPANY NAME] has joined forces with America Saves to raise awareness during America Saves Week about the importance of saving money
Secure your financial future today by splitting your pay and depositing a portion into a savings account. If you already have a savings account, now is a great time to open a retirement account or increase the amount you save for retirement. Automatic savings is one of the best ways to save – you don’t even have to think about it
To get started, just complete the following information and return to [STAFF MEMBER].
Watch Your Savings Grow
_____ Yes, I want to split my pay.
Amount to save per paycheck: $________________
Account Number _______________________
Routing Number _______________________
_____ No, I already split my pay.
_____ No, I don’t want to split my pay.
Watch Your Retirement Savings Grow [FOR EMPLOYERS WHO OFFER RETIREMENT PLANS]
_____ Yes, I want to open a retirement account.
An HR representative will contact you soon to open an account.
_____ Yes, I want to increase the amount I save.
Percentage of paycheck to save: ______%, or
amount to save from each paycheck: $_______
_____ No, I do not want to open an account or increase the amount I’m saving.
Email #5
Subject: Celebrate America Saves Week
Saving money, improving your financial life, building wealth. They’re all great goals, but did you know you’re more likely to achieve success when you make plans to reach them? The fact is, those with a savings plan are twice as likely to save successfully.
America Saves Week may be coming to an end, but there’s never been a better time to start saving.
3 Ways to Celebrate America Saves Week
- Take the America Saves Pledge to set a savings goal and get support year-round.
- Complete this simple assessment to see if you are saving adequately.
- Make your savings automatic.
Happy saving!