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Feed your piggy banks: It’s America Saves Week

My 5-year-old son is a diligent saver; he received a piggy bank as a birthday gift when he was 2, and has been feeding him ever since with every loose coin he finds in our car or between our couch cushions. He has never opened it. Even when there were things he really wanted — like stickers, ice cream or Transformers — he’s resisted, saying, “I want my piggy to stay fat.” I pray that he stays this way all his life.

Unfortunately, too many of us (myself included) weren’t raised with such a firm emphasis on saving, and it’s taken a huge financial meltdown and years-long recession to shake some sense into us. As they say, “Adversity is the foundation of virtue” and I think it’s a fitting way to describe Americans’ newfound appreciation for saving.

However, even though we now appreciate the virtue of saving, statistics show that less than three-quarters of us (70%) have sufficient emergency savings. And don’t even get me started on retirement.

Since we’re still a long way off from saving the way that we should, it’s good to have an annual reminder like America Saves Week (Feb. 20-28). Sponsored by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council, ASW aims to provide education and encouragement toward better savings habits.

Here’s a link to more information for employers on promoting ASW in the workplace.

Share any other tips or ideas you have in the comments. Meantime, may all of your piggy banks remain fat.

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