FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM
THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Contact
Lyn Peters, Director of Communications
PH (360) 349-8501 or CommunicationDir@dfi.wa.gov

02/20/2013
Washington joins national campaign aimed to help residents "Build Wealth, Not Debt"

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is working with the Washington Jump Coalition and many other state agencies, non-profit organizations and financial institutions to promote Washington Saves Week as part of the seventh annual national America Saves Week campaign.

"In a time when we all are striving to make our dollars do more and go farther, it’s more important than ever to ensure we are setting aside funds for tomorrow," DFI Director Scott Jarvis said. "Making savings automatic makes sure it happens, makes it easier to plan around and makes it easier to continue. Even if you have to start small, with five or 10 dollars, that small start can make a big difference later."

America Saves is a national campaign involving more than 1,000 non-profit, government, and corporate groups that encourages individuals and families to save money and build personal wealth. Organizations throughout Washington are coordinating Saves Week activities aimed at offering Washington residents savings resources and education.

Understanding that having emergency savings, retirement funds and being able to manage one’s debt are crucial to Washington residents’ personal financial security, Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed Feb. 25-March 2, 2013 Washington Saves Week.

The campaign theme "Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Save Automatically." is aimed at reminding consumers to utilize the automatic payroll deduction options at their place of employment to begin building an emergency fund, create a retirement fund or develop a targeted savings fund for their future.

We invite all Washington residents to participate in Saves Week, Feb. 25- March 2, 2013 by visiting www.americasavesweek.org and enrolling to be an American Saver.

If your organization wants to support Washington Saves and promote the campaign, the Saves Week organizers offer a variety of promotional materials at www.americasavesweek.org.

A few ways your organization can get involved include:

  • Distribute America Saves fliers and brochures and display America Saves posters
  • Set up display/area for reading/research and Web access to saving, debt reduction and wealth building
  • Host motivational workshops and topic seminars for patrons and employees
  • Encourage enrollment as a Saver
  • Place America Saves Week article(s) in employees newsletter and patron news
  • Enclose an America Saves flier as a payroll stuffer
  • Place a link to America Saves/Washington Saves on Web site and internal network

To learn more about the campaign and register, visit the national Web site www.americasavesweek.org.