The Connecticut Saves social marketing campaign is managed nationally by the Consumer Federation of America. Cooperative Extension has been involved in the campaign since its early beginnings in 2007. UConn Extension coordinates the Connecticut Saves Campaign with the support of several partners such as the Connecticut Department of Labor; the Connecticut Department of Banking; Connecticut State Library; People’s Bank; Hartford Job Corps Academy; HRA of New Britain, Inc.; Connecticut Association for Human Services; Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut; Chelsea Groton Bank; and others.

If you would like to arrange for a Connecticut Saves Campaign workshop or event for your organization, visit www.ConnecticutSaves.org for more information.

What to do after Connecticut Saves Week

Although Connecticut Saves Week has passed, you can still work towards being a more financially sound version of yourself! The overall goal of Connecticut Saves Week is to encourage people to take sound financial actions that will help them reach their goals. The resources and information distributed during the week are still available on americasaves.org

On your journey to a better financial status, be aware that there are different methods and tools you can use to help you manage your money well. What works for one person may not work for you as your situation and what motivates you may be different. For example, have you used a spending plan (or budget)? Some people find using a spreadsheet helpful. Others like using an app. Based on what you know about yourself, how can you set yourself up for financial success?

A central part of financial literacy is pursuing the information you need to make wise decisions. Look at the intentions of authors that post specific tactics and methods to reach your financial goals. Financial information is widely available and much of it is for free. Make sure that the information you use is high quality and without bias toward specific products or services. Check out the library for personal finance books you can borrow.

America Saves promoted numerous free videos, articles, and resources to supplement each daily theme during America Saves Week. Each theme revolved around saving as the foundation for a more financially stable life. Setting up an automatic savings account can be a great way to motivate yourself to work towards your goals without putting in physical effort each month. A great way to encourage yourself to save is to take the Connecticut Saves Pledge. Located on the Connecticut Saves Website, it can take close to 5 minutes to sign yourself up. You can identify a goal, make a savings plan, and take the pledge to hold yourself accountable.

Once you’ve identified your goal, it is easier to save when you have something in mind to reach for. It can be a practical goal like a retirement fund or a social goal, like a concert. Saving isn’t limited to young adults and can help anyone achieve any financial goal. It is always important to remember that financial stability is not a linear journey. Financial setbacks happen. If you have set aside money for emergency savings, those funds can help you weather financial challenges more easily. Determining what your goals and priorities are now will help you begin to work on a plan for your financial future.