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America Saves Annual Report 2015
America Saves Annual Report 2015
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Letter from the Director 4
Financial Supporters & America Saves Team 5
America Saves Research 6
Reaching Savers 10
Working with Partners 12
National Savings Forum 13
Local America Saves Campaigns 14
America Saves for Young Workers 16
America Saves Week 20
Table of Contents
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Friends of America Saves:America Saves is now 14 years old and is firmly in a teenage growth spurt, and like a teenager, growing in expected and unexpected ways. Launched in 2001, America Saves is a national research-based campaign that uses the principles of social marketing and behavioral economics to encourage low-to-moderate income households to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Since its inception, America Saves has grown to include local, regional, and state-wide campaigns in nearly 60 communities. National campaigns serve active duty servicemembers and their families,
through Military Saves, and young Americans receiving their first paycheck in summer jobs programs as well as those employed throughout the year by businesses across the country, through America Saves for Young Workers. Over 447,000 individuals have taken the saver pledge to save for a specific goal.
America Saves Week, a core strategy of the campaign, reaches millions of individuals, engages over 3,000 organizations and annually encourages savers to assess their savings and organizations to provide support and opportunities for their constituents to save. Our challenge is to make savings an individual and organizational priority both during America Saves Week and throughout the year. You will see examples of our work with national organizations including Federal Government agencies, associations, nonprofits, and financial institutions to form initiatives, and to create and promote resources and opportunities to save.
This report highlights our ability to reach individual savers through social media, the research that informs us about saver attitudes, behavior, and products, the campaign’s use of research, products, evaluation, events, and both traditional and electronic communication strategies to assist savers to do the hard work of saving, often with scarce financial resources.
The America Saves team appreciates the many partners who work with us to provide the products and services that encourage and support their constituents to save. We strive every day to promote and facilitate financial action—for individuals to begin saving or saving more, especially for the unbudgeted expenses that can so easily create financial emergencies. We are so grateful to the financial supporters of America Saves and Military Saves who have funded national program development, local campaign support, the National Savings Forum, communications strategies and resources, campaign infrastructure, and America Saves Week.
America Saves encourages everyone to Set a goal. Make a plan. Save automatically. Join the America Saves team in 2016 as we focus on making saving automatic for America Saves Week February 22-27, 2016 and throughout the year.
---Nancy Register, Director, America Saves
Letter from the Director
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Financial SupportersAmerica Saves’ work is generously supported by a number of partners:
• Bank of America Charitable Foundation
• Capital One
• Experian
• JPMorgan Chase
America Saves TeamThe America Saves team thanks the thousands of organizations and individuals who work with us to encourage and support successful saving during America Saves Week and throughout the year.
Nancy RegisterDirector, America Saves
George BaranyFinancial Education Director
Alecia BlairMilitary Saves Communications Associate
Katie BryanCommunications Director
Sara CooperProject Director
Lindsay FergusonCampaigns and Outreach Coordinator
Tammy GreynoldsCommunications Coordinator
James LanderDirector, Military Saves
Anna Marie LoweryMeeting and Program Manager
Laura RolerMilitary Saves Associate
• The Investment Company Institute
• National Credit Union Foundation
• USAA Educational Foundation
• Wells Fargo
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America Saves is a research-based campaign that uses the principles of behavioral economics and social marketing to change financial behavior. Each year, the campaign develops and administers a series of surveys to track the attitudes and behaviors of savers and to report on the state of savings. These surveys help guide campaign programming, savings messages, and material developed for both individuals and organizations.
The research on the following pages illustrates an increase in Americans’ savings interest, effort, and effectiveness, across-the-board improvements in savings indicators, and that a majority of America Savers use traditional bank and credit union savings accounts to save, and that they save automatically.
America Saves Research
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Personal Savings IndexSince 2013, America Saves has surveyed Americans tri-annually on their interest, effort, and perceived effectiveness of saving on a 10-point scale. The surveys show a decline in interest, effort, and effectiveness, from September 2013 to January 2014. Fortunately, the January 2015 results showed that interest, effort, and effectiveness increased three to five percent from January of 2014. See the full report at AmericaSaves.org/JanPSI.
National Survey Assessing Household SavingThe 8th annual savings survey revealed across-the-board improvement in the past year. See the full report at AmericaSaves.org/images/asw2015finalrelease.pdf.
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
Sept. ‘13 Jan. ‘14 May ‘14 Sept. ‘14 Jan. ‘15
Interest
E�ort
E�ectiveness
Saving at least 5 percent of their
income
Making good or excellent savings
progress
Had no or were reducing their consumer debt
2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015
68% 71% 47% 52% 35% 40% 76% 78% 65% 66%
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How We Save: Saver Product SurveyAmerica Saves released the results of a new survey of America Savers that detailed the products and methods they use to save money – not counting savings for retirement. The survey revealed that a majority of respondents use traditional bank and credit union savings accounts to save and that they save automatically. See the full report at AmericaSaves.org/howwesave.
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Bank savings account
Credit union savings accountChecking account
Money market accountBrokerage account
Certi�cate of deposit529
Safe place at home
Survey of SaversEach year, America Saves surveys those who have taken the America Saves Pledge to learn more about who these savers are, how much and what they are saving for, and how they feel about their savings.
Highlights from the America Saves Saver Survey• Savers reported largely saving for one of three goals: an emergency fund,
retirement, or debt repayment.
• The longer people have been with America Saves, the more they have been able to save. Savers who joined in 2011 reported saving $7,000 since joining America Saves.
• Married respondents were able to save much more than single respondents, even though they didn’t report trying to save that much more.
• What females and males reported saving for differed widely. Females heavily favored saving for an emergency fund, while males heavily favored saving for retirement.
• Savers reported that since joining America Saves they are saving more, have become more confident about their ability to manage their money, are actually managing their money better, are managing their debt better, and feel more hopeful about their financial situation.
http://www.americasaves.org/2014saversurvey
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Reaching Savers
The PledgeAt the core of America Saves is the Saver Pledge. Savers who complete the pledge choose a goal, an amount to save per month, and a timeframe. The process helps individuals create a basic savings plan and encourages them to take financial action.
As of March 1, 2015, 420,951 individuals have pledged to save and 17,249 have recommitted to save.
America Saves continues to support and motivate those who have taken the Savers Pledge with reminders, advice, and resources to help them save for their goal.
Over 70,000 savers receive the quarterly e-newsletter
Over 34,000 savers receive monthly e-wealth coach emails
Over 4,000 savers receive goal-based text message tips and reminders
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
2001
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2014
2013
2012
2011
2015
Total Pledges
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AmericaSaves.org
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TA
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OL
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RS
TO
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IKE
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OT
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VIS
ITO
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5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
2012 2013 2014 Jan/Feb 2015
1,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,0007,0008,000
2012 2013 2014 Jan/Feb 2015
100,000200,000300,000400,000500,000600,000700,000800,000
2012 2013 2014 Jan/Feb 2015
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA GROWTH
Working with PartnersPartner Resource PacketsAbout every six weeks, America Saves provides organizations with a resource packet that focuses on one aspect of saving. Materials are provided to help them communicate with the public, constituents, and other organizations about how their company or organization promotes and encourages saving.
Each packet includes:
• Guest posts from America Saves
• Social media content
• Tools and resources
2014–2015 Themes• Money Smart Week
• Test Your Credit Score Knowledge
• How to Build an Emergency Fund
• Saving for College
Working with PartnersAmerica Saves works with groups to encourage all Americans to save money, including:
• American Savings Education Council
• Clinton Global Initiative
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Conference of State Bank Supervisors
• Cooperative Extension
• D2D Fund – Savings Bond Working Group
• Department of Defense – Financial Readiness Campaign
• Department of Labor
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
• FINRA Investor Education Foundation
• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
• National Credit Union Administration
• Social Security Administration
• U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Saving for Retirement
• Holiday Spending
• Tax Time Savings
• America Saves Week
NATIONAL SAVINGS FORUM
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• Department of Labor
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
• FINRA Investor Education Foundation
• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
• National Credit Union Administration
• Social Security Administration
• U.S. Department of the Treasury
NATIONAL SAVINGS FORUM
The 2014 National Savings Forum brought together nearly 100 leaders and members of the savings and financial capability community to address issues including:
• Which behavioral economics theories have the most potential to succeed on a large scale
• Viable business models with innovative savings products that will serve the low- to moderate-income market
• The role government agencies play in promoting and supporting successful lifelong saving
Members of the audience engaged the panelists in robust discussions of these topics and everyone emerged from the meeting with sharper insights on how best to encourage, support, and facilitate savings.
Catch up with these video recaps of the National Savings Forum.
The America Saves National Savings Forum was developed with the help of our co-conveners.
The Aspen Institute - Initiative on Financial Security, Credit Union National Association, Investment Company Institute, National Credit Union Foundation, and The Pew Charitable Trusts.
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Since 2001, America Saves has established a network of 67 local community campaigns that focus on serving individuals in their area with information about the benefits of saving and having a savings account, particularly one dedicated to meeting unexpected expenses. America Saves local campaigns are independent efforts linked to the national America Saves campaign through an affiliation agreement and by a common belief that positive savings behavior is the cornerstone of financial stability and wealth creation. America Saves campaigns play a key role in creating a culture of saving that focuses on financial action.
Developing a local campaign involves creating new or building upon existing partnerships, community outreach, and planning. Meeting regularly with the America Saves team, the following 7 campaigns have spent a significant amount of time over the past year organizing and planning to develop their campaigns:
* Relaunched under new leadership
One of the strengths of becoming a local America Saves campaign is a uniformity of core services, messages, and products that each campaign customizes to reflect their own community. These campaigns are motivating individuals to save at the local level, reaching those we could not reach if America Saves only employed national outreach strategies.
• Alaska Saves
• DC Saves
• Great Lakes - Michigan Saves
• Los Angeles Saves
• Northwoods Saves*
• Okaloosa Saves*
• Southwest Iowa Saves
Local America Saves Campaigns
Map of Local American Saves Campaigns
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Campaign Coordinator MeetingsIn 2014, America Saves expanded our twice yearly Coordinators Meeting by doubling the length and placing more emphasis on providing practical training and examination of best practices. These meetings provide local Saves campaign
coordinators with an opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues as well as learn from outside experts.
On April 2, coordinators heard about how to incorporate America Saves into a coalition agenda from Nika Elugardo, Director of MassSaves. A panel exploring how to partner with financial institutions featured WesBanco Assistant Vice President Lisa Werner, New York Community Bank Vice President Krissy Wittman, Regional Manager Jennifer Hennings, and Regional Executive Erin Mansfield.
The October 24 meeting featured a social media training by strategic communications firm Turner 4D that provided insight and advice for getting the most out of using social media. In breakout sessions tailored for new and established campaigns, coordinators discussed the role of America Saves Week in their annual calendar, and shared best practices for engaging financial institutions and increasing saver pledges.
Wisconsin Saves
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation has
coordinated the efforts of Wisconsin Saves for many years. They are extremely proud of the accomplishments of their nearly 10,000 savers and plan to continue their motivational efforts to ensure future successes. One of their goals for 2014 was to reinvigorate existing partnerships and invite new partners to participate. They also provided more regular updates to partners and highlighted success stories that started through their partnerships.. In addition, they are revising and condensing their pledge process to allow simple communication and promotion of their program, especially for those who don’t pledge electronically.
Philadelphia Saves
Since 2003 Clarifi has been the home of Philadelphia
Saves, working tirelessly to promote personal savings in the region. During each counseling appointment and workshop, clients have an opportunity to take the Philadelphia Saves pledge. To increase pledges they produced a short video explaining the benefits of participating in America Saves, #WhyISave, to show at workshops. Clarifi has also been working with local legislators and financial institutions to pass a state-wide prize linked savings bill, which would incentivize automatic savings for low- and middle-income savers in Pennsylvania.
Local Campaign Spotlight
America Saves thanks the Investment Company Institute for hosting our 2014 meetings and
continuing to do so in 2015.
Local America Saves Campaigns
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Nearly 20 million 16- to 24-year-olds are employed each summer. For the past three years, America Saves has been working with summer jobs programs to encourage youth to save money the same way the most successful savers do – by utilizing direct deposit to save a portion of their pay into a separate account.
In 2014, America Saves assisted programs in 12 cities across nine states. Four of the cities piloted an all-electronic program where an instructional video and the America Saves pledge were completed before or at orientation on computers.
America Saves for Young Workers
HOUSTONBRYAN
MIAMI
NYC
WASHINGTON DC
CINCINNATIMILWAUKEE
ST. LOUIS
CHICAGO
CLEVELAND
INDIANAPOLIS
EVANSVILLE
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America Saves for Young Workers
HOUSTONBRYAN
MIAMI
NYC
WASHINGTON DC
CINCINNATIMILWAUKEE
ST. LOUIS
CHICAGO
CLEVELAND
INDIANAPOLIS
EVANSVILLE
4,360 youth pledged to save nearly three million dollars in 2014.
2014 Cities
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Clinton Global InitativeAmerica Saves was pleased to make America Saves for Young Workers their commitment to action as part of the Clinton Global Initiative. CGI America commitments are new, specific, and measurable plans to address economic recovery and growth in the U.S. America Saves’ commitment to action seeks to encourage first-time workers to save by introducing them to direct deposit and automatic saving during their employee orientation.
Learn more at https://www.clintonfoun-dation.org/clinton-global-initiative/com-mitments/america-saves-first-time-work-ers-program
2014 Young Worker Pledge Details
2014 Young Worker Savings Goals
Coming in 2015. America Saves is working to build and pilot a new platform to make it easier for cities to sign up for and implement the program. Workers will also have access to a redesigned experience optimized for mobile phones.
Consumer Product
Education
Motor Vehicle
Emergency Fund
Other
Special Event
Vacation
Debt Repayment
Total Employees Pledged
4,361
Total Pledged to Save
$2,772,707.46
Average Number of Months to Save
6
Average Dollars to Save Per Month
$120.67
Median Number of Months to Save
2
Median Dollars to Save Per Month
$50.00
Am
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You
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Wor
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2014 Young Worker Savings Goals
Total Employees Pledged
4,361
Total Pledged to Save
$2,772,707.46
Average Number of Months to Save
6
Average Dollars to Save Per Month
$120.67
Median Number of Months to Save
2
Median Dollars to Save Per Month
$50.00
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AmericaSaves WeekTo see all participating organizations click here.
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AmericaSaves Week
Reached nearly 39 million individuals through America Saves Week efforts
231,950 people reached through community events, financial counseling and workshops, and tax sites
43,027 individuals pledged or repledged
1,212 organizations signed up to participate at AmericaSavesWeek.org
622 organizations signed up to participate at MilitarySaves.org
133 people entered the #imsavingfor contest
19 America Saves Designation of Savings Excellence Recipients
16 states or cities proclaimed a week as America Saves Week
8 Federal government agency endorsements
By the numbers...
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Leveraging the materials prepared by America Saves, TIAA CREF developed a toolkit with daily
emails and posters/flyers that plan sponsors could use during the week to encourage employees
to focus on building positive savings behavior.
Toolkit materials had calls to action that:
• Encouraged employees to ‘Take the pledge’ (link to America Saves site) and commit to a sav-
ings goal and plan
• Visit their virtual environment to sign up for live webinars
• Reminded them they can contact TIAA-CREF for help with retirement planning
See the full toolkit here https://www.tiaa-cref.org/public/land/america-saves-week-
2015?tc_mcid=em_selectrmasw020215&ECID=VxsMp8dch
Organization Success StoriesDuring America Saves Week, thousands of organizations encourage others to “Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Save Automatically.” These are a few of their stories. To see all participating organizations, click here.
M&T Bank offered a drawing called M&T’s Save & Win Sweepstakes that featured automated
entries with savings deposit activity. M&T Bank also contributed $5,000 to help a randomly
selected saver who participated in the sweepstakes reach their savings goal. In addition, M&T
Bank actively encouraged savings during America Saves Week and throughout February 2015
by sending over one million emails to customers, distributing 105,200 branch flyers, calling over
3,570 customers to schedule savings plan review appointments, and sharing information with
its social media followers. The promotional materials used during M&T Bank’s February savings
focus encouraged the use of automated savings plans through direct deposit and automatic
transfers. Through the America Saves Week effort, M&T Bank established more than 2,330 new
savings relationships with customers.
Success Story 2
M&T Bank
Success Story 1
TIAA CREF
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Over 100 cooperative extension offices from 20 states and 80 counties participated in America
Saves Week 2015. They reported that 7,254 people set a savings goal or took the America
Saves Pledge. These individuals pledged to save $400,279 each month or an average of $50
each per month. 32% of cooperative extension offices reported partnering with a local financial
institution to promote the use of automatic savings, direct deposit, and incentivized savings.
Colleges and universities across the country including Ball State University, California State
University Northridge, Lake Michigan College, Purdue, and The University of Illinois Saves,
challenged students, faculty, and staff to choose a savings goal and create a plan to save
through the America Saves Pledge. During the first quarter of 2015 these colleges signed up a
total of 2,713 new savers.
The number of 401(k) deferrals changed from an average of 1% per week to 6% during
America Saves Week. This was a positive result for Strategic Partner who plans to participate
again next year.
Prior to America Saves Week, the department included information about the week in their
newsletter, which was sent via the state's email network to approximately 45,000 Tennessee
state employees. During the ASW event week, members of partner groups -Tennessee Saves,
University of Tennessee Extension, TNStars College Savings Plan, Tennessee Department of
Treasury, United Way of Nashville and the Nashville Financial Empowerment Center - hosted
a booth in Legislative Plaza of the Tennessee General Assembly. An e-mail was sent to all state
employees to invite them to stop by the booth and take the pledge, plus take a "selfie" with
items to indicate what they were saving for and to enter the drawing for the funds to be added
to their savings account.
Success Story 4 TN DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Success Story 5 COLLEGES
Success Story 3 STRATEGIC PARTNER
Success Story 6 COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
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Federal Agency EndorsementsSeven government agencies contributed endorsement quotes for the America Saves Week website to encourage organizations and individuals to participate.
“During America Saves Week, The Treasury Department joins many organizations and our federal partners in renewing our commitment to promoting the importance of saving. To help more Americans save, Treasury has created a new way to kick-start saving for retirement - myRA (My Retirement Account). This is a simple, safe and affordable savings option for people without access to employer-sponsored retirement savings. Additionally, we are working to ensure that more Americans have the knowledge and tools to manage money and credit responsibly - because educated and financially capable consumers contribute to the strength of our overall economy. America Saves Week is an ideal time for people across the country, especially young people, to think about ways that they can invest in their futures and lead healthy financial lives.”
Jacob J. Lew, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Department
“America Saves Week brings increased focus on the importance of saving and investing. For most Americans, the way to attain financial security is to save and invest a little each day and over a long period of time. As part of the SEC’s mission to protect investors, we are working to help investors make smart investment decisions.”
Lori J. Schock, Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
“Parents play a critical role in teaching their children about saving money. America Saves Week 2015 is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to start a savings activity – like helping a child open a savings account – with their children. I encourage every parent and caregiver to talk to their children about the importance of savings.”
Richard Cordray, Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
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“Social Security enthusiastically supports America Saves Week. To enjoy a comfortable retirement, think of Social Security as the foundation for your financial planning. You will also need other reliable sources of income, such as pensions, savings, and investments. Get started on your retirement plan today by creating a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to get estimates of your future benefits. It’s never too early to start planning for your ‘Someday’!"
Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner, Social Security Administration
“If you are a small business owner and looking for a way to reward hard work, why not start a retirement savings plan? Putting away even a small amount each paycheck is a first step towards a secure retirement and there are real tax advantages for you and your employees. Participate in America Saves Week by setting up a plan to start to save for retirement. The Labor Department has tools and information that can help you get started.”
Phyllis C. Borzi, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employee Benefits Security
“Saving money on a regular basis in a federally insured financial institution is a proven way to safely and steadily reach your financial goals. Whether you are opening your first savings account or have had one for a while, during America Saves Week I encourage you to establish a regular contribution to an insured account. You might be surprised how the habit of regular savings—even in small amounts—can help you make progress to a stronger financial future.”
FDIC Chairman, Martin J. Gruenberg
“It is crucial to teach children about the benefits of saving for important goals. America Saves Week provides an opportunity for national banks and federal savings associations to work with consumers to promote the development of strong savings habits that provide lifetime benefits.”
Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency
DoD Military Saves Campaign Video Endorsement, https://youtu.be/JnCGMwF2uuo
SEAC Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia and Mrs. Lisa Battaglia.
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Designation of Savings Excellence
On Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 19 banks and credit unions received the America Saves Designation of Savings Excellence at the National
Savings Forum. The new designation recognized banks and credit unions that went above and beyond to encourage people to save money during America Saves Week. This is the first year America Saves offered the Designation and we are excited to offer it again in 2016. Selection committees composed of leaders from the banking and credit union communities worked with America Saves to determine the criteria for the designation and select the financial institutions that were recognized.
Designation of Excellence Recipients• BancorpSouth
• Belvoir Federal Credit Union
• Democracy Federal Credit Union
• Electro Savings Credit Union
• FedEx Employees Credit Association
• First Citizens Bank
• First State Bank of St. Charles
• Keys Federal Credit Union
• Luso Federal Credit Union
• M&T Bank
• Monroe Bank and Trust
• New York Community Bank
• Pen Air Federal Credit Union
• Security Service Federal Credit Union
• St. Louis Community Credit Union
• The First, A National Banking Association
• Torrington Savings Bank
• TS Bank
• VISIONBank
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Local America Saves CampaignsAt the core of organizations participating in America Saves Week are the 60 local America Saves campaigns. Many local campaigns make America Saves Week the focal point of their year and encourage thousands of individuals to save. These are a few highlights.
• Conducted seminars, piggy bank pageants, and other community events statewide in collaboration with partner organizations.
• Alabama Governor George Bentley marked Alabama Saves Week with a proclamation that emphasized saving as an essential component of financial well-being with implications for families and the state economy.
• 140 youth and 116 savers pledged to save $31,600.
• Made 93 businesses and 1,891 visitors aware of Okaloosa Saves during the March 7 Expo.
• Reached 500,000+ indirectly through marketing and media outreach.
• Assisted 121 people at VITA sites, saving $18,150 in tax prep fees.
• Reached 100 youth through the Teach-A-Child-to-Save campaign to encourage youth to open a savings account or add to an existing account.
• Held an Okaloosa Saves event and partnership, which was featured on the front cover of Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties program distributed to 25,000 in Okaloosa County.
• Placed ads in daily newspaper with 31,000 readers, reached 100,000+ people through radio PSAs, earned 400,000 impressions through billboards, and was featured on TV to over 500,000 viewers.
• Conducted Piggy Bank Pageant for youth with 31 participants in the final contest, winners were selected by votes from 898 event attendees. Also, four businesses participated in the Corporate Piggy Contest and two companies partnered to provide prizes.
• Provided three wealth building workshops.
• Created a banner for a selfie booth and encouraged Savers to post photos on social media.
• Enrolled 163 savers in Okaloosa Saves or Military Saves.
Okaloosa Saves
Alabama Saves
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• Treasurer’s Office sent emails throughout the week to the public school system.
• Over 30 schools hosted onsite financial education through various financial institutions, primarily St. Louis Community Credit Union.
• Most of the presentations/workshops resulted in students opening accounts.
• Held employee financial empowerment lunch & learns (City of St. Louis). Various financial institutions taught these as well and provided lunch. These workshops are scheduled to continue
through 2015.
• Conducted three TV interviews, exhibited at a wellness fair, held four workshops, and emailed state employees.
• More than 1,100 VITA clients took the Tennessee Saves pledge.
• Hosted five different workshops centered on savings habits.
• Created a promotional video using staff’s savings goals and participated in and promoted #imsavingfor contest.
• Participated in a partner call with U.S. Bank and 130 of their Wisconsin branch managers to explain America Saves Week and the pledge.
• Presented saving tips utilizing technology during a media segment with local Fox affiliate.
• Obtained executive proclamations on America Saves Week from:
• Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker
• Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
• Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman
• Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser
• Gave away $100 to the partner organization with the most new
pledges.
• Hosted nine America Saves workshops targeting millennial audiences.
• Partnered with PA 529 to host America Saves webinar.
• 112 savers pledged to save $14,500.
Philadelphia Saves
St. Louis Saves
Tennessee Saves
Wisconsin Saves
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Military Saves WeekMilitary Saves Week is a dedicated opportunity for installations, financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to motivate servicemembers and their families to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. 2014 saw the largest participation to date. 622 organizations signed up to participate or reported participating. Those organizations included 399 installations, commands, and detachments, 113 financial institutions, and 110 non-profit and other organizations.
#MSW2015• 561 contributors used #MSW2015
• 1,800 tweets included #MSW2015
• 6 million earned impressions
Tweets with highest reach: @Bankrate, @USAA, @swhelpercom, @Military1Source, @military_family, @NavyFederal, @SEC_Investor_Ed
To see the full Military Saves Week report click here.
0
100
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2012 2013 2014 2015
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
2011 2012 2013 2014
Pledges
Repledges2015
Total Number of Organizations from 2012 – 2015
Pledges from from 2011 – 2015
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#imsavingforNew for 2015, America Saves held the #imsavingfor contest with one saver winning $500 towards their savings goal. Over 130 individuals entered and shared their savings goal pictures on social media.
To enter, contestants put a photo of themselves and their saving goal, tagged with #imsavingfor on their favorite social media site and entered to win on AmericaSavesWeek.org.
And in an America Saves Week first, NBC Nightly News picked up this story and featured it on Friday, February 27th.
Twitter Reach#imsavingfor
• 322 contributors
• 481 tweets
• 1.1M impressions
Winner Rachel Hough. She is saving for her son’s future.
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Twitter Reach#imsavingfor
• 322 contributors
• 481 tweets
• 1.1M impressions
In the MediaFor America Saves Week 2015, 14 national papers, 51 regional papers, and 75 blogs covered America Saves Week with combined impressions of 16,734,580.
Below are samples of top media hits:
• Bankrate.com - Are you saving enough? (3/4/2015)
• Huffington Post - Start Small This America Saves Week (3/2/2015)
• USA Today - Young adults: More credit card debt than savings (2/28/2015)
• NBC Nightly News - How to Kickstart Your Savings Account (2/27/2015)
• U.S. Department of the Treasury - Helping More Americans Save (2/26/2015)
• CBS Boston - Save on Dinner for Two (2/26/2015)
• Detroit Free Press - Young adults have more credit card debt than savings (2/25/2015)
• CBS This Morning - Money and milestones: How to plan for life's big events (2/25/2015)
• Washington Post - Saving money is like cold weather: You can hate it, but you still need to do it (2/24/2015)
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Survey: Americans are getting better at saving for retirement (2/24/2015)
• CNBC - Americans are saving more, but is it enough? (2/23/2015)
• CBS News - Survey sheds new light on Americans' savings habits (2/23/2015)
• Bloomberg - Millennials Are Getting Surprisingly Good at Saving (2/23/2015)
• New York Daily News - America Saves Week arrives to help people put aside money (2/23/2015)
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February 22 – 27AmericaSavesWeek.org
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