This document printed from the University
of Illinois Extension Crop, Stock and Ledger at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/champaign/
America Saves Enrolls 50,000th Saver!
July 7, 2006
Steve Ayers
Unit Educator, Farm Business and Marketing
Champaign County Unit 801 Country Fair Drive
Suite D
Champaign, IL 61821
Phone: 217-333-7672
FAX: 217-333-7683 srayers@uiuc.edu
Last month I had the opportunity to attend the National Savings Forum in Washington D. C. representing our local America Saves affiliate, Champaign County Saves. Saves campaigns from New York to California were represented and one of the highlights was the enrollment of the 50,000th saver in the America Saves program. America Saves is a nationwide campaign in which a broad coalition of nonprofit, corporate, and government groups help individuals and families save and build wealth. Through information, advice, and encouragement, we assist those who wish to pay down debt, build an emergency fund, save for a home, save for an education, or save for retirement. Research indicates there are "spenders" and "savers" in all income classes. The goal of the campaign is to convince all Americans they can build wealth and to assist them in doing so.
Individual Americans are on a ten mile path to saving. Those who haven't walked a mile don't understand the importance of saving, so do not save. Those at mile three are aware of the value of saving, but don't believe they are capable of saving, so they don't do so. Those at mile six see the importance of saving and think they might be able to do so, but haven't started yet. Those at mile seven have begun to save! Those at mile ten are saving and effectively managing their money and debts. What mile are you?
The America Saves 50,000th saver was Kathleen Lindsay from Philadelphia Saves. She is a single mom who coordinates adult literacy programs in Philly. She was aware of the Philly Saves program and attended a motivational workshop where the seed was planted that she could change her mind set from spender to saver. The seeds began to sprout and she overcame her denial that she couldn't do it. Each month another bill would come due and she would decide that she could not enroll as a saver this month, but maybe next month. With help, feedback, and support from Philly Saves, she conquered her "stinkin' thinkin". Kathleen took the action step to enroll as a Philly Saver to save for a home and vacation!
Our local Champaign County Saves program continues in its pilot phase and we plan a public launch during the 2007 America Saves Week. America Saves Week will be February 25 to March 4, 2007. How can you become involved in Champaign County Saves?
Overcome your own "stinkin' thinkin" and enroll as a Champaign County Saver
Coordinate a Champaign County Saves site
Volunteer as a motivational speaker or wealth coach
Help plan the campaign by joining our working group
To find out more information on Champaign County Saves, please contact me at 333-7672.
