Promoting Saving Basics
Learning to save is a cornerstone of personal financial health, which is why America Saves is making “Saving Basics” our first quarterly theme for 2010. The materials here are intended for use by partner organizations, campaigns, and companies.

Downloadable Materials

• Talking points on saving.
• A sample newsletter article.
• A sample op-ed.

Articles & Advice

• How can those who currently aren’t saving afford to save money? And how can those saving only a little save more? Here are our top ten tips for saving money when budgets are tight: Saving on a Tight Budget.
• Find out how to utilize IRS Form 8888 to save all or part of your tax refund.
• Read savings advice from expert educators from eXtension personal finance.

Online Calculators & Resources

• Learn how a simple lifestyle change, like bringing rather than buying your lunch, can add up to big savings with AARP’s Lunch Savings Calculator.
• Determine your current and projected personal wealth with the two-part America Saves Personal Wealth Estimator.
• Learn the benefits of compound interest with the US Treasury’s Savings Planner by calculating when you’ll reach your savings goal.
• Create your own household budget and start saving with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling’s Budget Worksheet.

Public Service Announcements
From the “Savingsman” series created by the American Savings Education Council:

• How to Save
• Many Adventures of Savingsman
• Marathon
• Prepare
• Savingsman Rap- Old Spenders
• Wake-Up Call