This week, Feb 24-29th, Okaloosa Saves with America Saves observes, America Saves Week.
Residents in Florida and across the country are encouraged to take small steps to reach their savings goals. Although consumer’s savings habits have improved since our countries last economic crisis, there are still folks out there who don’t make a plan to save. The Federal Reserve reported that in 2017, “Four in 10 adults would either borrow, sell something, or not be able to pay if faced with a $400 emergency expense”. You can celebrate America Saves Week by taking the “Pledge to Save” at Okaloosasaves.org; and you don’t have to live in Okaloosa County to be an Okaloosa Saver.
Okaloosa Saves encourages Florida residents to set a goal with this pledge to become an active saver. Actively saving means that you are taking action and making progress towards your savings goal. You don’t have to save big to start. Saving just five dollars a week adds up quickly; in one year, you could have $260 saved; plus interest if you are saving at a bank or credit union. Follow the Okaloosa Saves Facebook page for more tips and tricks to start or build your savings fund.
Here are a few easy things you can do to that can add up to big savings :
- Use direct deposit at work to automatically save some of your pay into a savings account.
- Put all of your loose change into a jar, deposit into a savings account once it is full.
- Use coupons when you grocery shop.
- Use a refillable water bottle instead of buying disposable (this is good for the environment too!)
- Use on-line banking or bill pay to avoid late fees
Do you think you have a good savings story, goal or tip? This week you can also enter the #ImSavingForSweepstakes for a chance to win up to $750. Start by taking the Okaloosa Saves Pledge at okaloosasaves.org for a chance to win $500. For a chance to boost your potential winnings by $250, share your goal, personal story, or favorite savings tip on social media with the hashtag #ImSavingForSweepstakes. Visit https://americasaves.org/im-saving-for-rules for more details and official rules.
Need a little more help saving or don’t know where to start? Contact Jill Breslawski, Family and Consumer Science Agent, with the UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension at 850-689-5850 or jbreslawski@ufl.edu to make an appointment to create a personalized action plan to start your savings journey.
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