America Saves Week – April 8-12, 2024

As financial literacy and wellness continue to be paramount in today’s economic landscape, Delaware Treasurer Colleen Davis once again encourages Delawareans to participate in America Saves Week, the initiative aimed at promoting saving, budgeting, and financial stability across the nation.

The theme for America Saves Week 2024, which runs from April 8-12 is “Saving for What Matters Most.”

“Supporting America Saves Week aligns with our office’s main priorities; bolstering retirement security and readiness, creating pathways to economic empowerment, and promoting a culture of financial excellence,” Treasurer Davis said. “By participating in this initiative, we can help individuals build strong financial foundations, reduce debt, and increase savings, ultimately leading to greater financial security and peace of mind.”

The Office of the State Treasurer will provide information on how people can create an effective savings plan by highlighting several key areas that contribute to financial stability. Each day of America Saves Week carries a specific theme:

• Monday, April 8 – Saving Automatically
• Tuesday, April 9 – Saving for the Unexpected
• Wednesday, April 10 – Saving for Major Milestones
• Thursday, April 11 – Paying Down Debt is Saving
• Friday, April 12 – Saving at Any Age

Delaware’s America Saves webpage (https://treasurer.delaware.gov/asw24) will be updated every day with information and tips about each daily theme.

“While America Saves Week provides a perfect time to take a close look at your finances and saving methods, we provide unique savings opportunities throughout the year,” Davis said. “Our office oversees the design, implementation, and overall administration the DE529 Education Savings Plan, DEPENDABLE, a savings plan for people with disabilities, and DEFER, the deferred compensation program for state employees. We’re also looking forward to the implementation of Delaware EARNS later this year. EARNS is a program that will bring retirement savings to those unable to get a retirement plan from their employer.”

Members of the Delaware General Assembly joined Treasurer Davis in promoting saving by proclaiming the week of April 8, 2024 “Delaware Saves Week” with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 134 sponsored by Senator Nicole Poore and Representative Larry Lambert.

“Even a small cushion of savings can make a huge difference when it comes to helping our families overcome those unforeseen hurdles that life likes to throw in our way,” said Sen. Nicole Poore, the Senate prime sponsor of SCR 134. “That’s why I have worked closely with Treasurer Davis over the years to help our neighbors find ways to put some money aside for the future,” she said. “Whether we’re helping people with disabilities save for future expenses, making college a little more affordable for families or bringing retirement savings accounts to hundreds of workers, I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished to bring a little more financial security and peace of mind to our communities.”

“At a time when too many Delawareans are struggling to start their retirement accounts, save for their children’s education, or simply build up their nest eggs for emergencies, it’s so important that we spread awareness about the many great programs available to help residents save more for their future,” said Rep. Larry Lambert. “During Delaware Saves Week and every week, we must work to empower individuals with the resources and tools to secure their financial future.”

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of the resources available during America Saves Week and join the movement towards a financially secure future,” Davis said. “Together, we can build a more resilient and prosperous Delaware and America.”

Having a savings plan, knowing what resources are available for it, and knowing how to use those resources are the three vital factors needed to build financial confidence. State Treasurer Colleen Davis is encouraging all Delawareans to use America Saves Week as the incentive to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth over time.

The theme for America Saves Week 2023, which runs from February 27^th to March 3^rd, is “A Financially Confident You.”

“Financial literacy is important, but only when you know you have a plan to face your own unique situations or unexpected expenses do you achieve true financial confidence,” said Treasurer Davis. “Our office will share information throughout America Saves Week that will help people prepare for the future.”

Currently in its 16^th year, America Saves Week, an initiative of the Consumer Federation of America, is an annual call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully with each day having a specific theme:

• Monday, February 27 – Saving Automatically
• Tuesday, February 28 – Saving for the Unexpected
• Wednesday, March 1 – Saving for Major Milestones
• Thursday, March 2 – Paying Down Debt is Saving
• Friday, March 3 – Saving at Any Age

Information about each day’s focus as well as other useful information will be featured on Delaware’s America Saves webpage.

Since taking office, Treasurer Davis’s main priorities focus on bolstering retirement security and readiness, creating pathways to economic empowerment, and promoting a culture of financial excellence for all Delawareans.

“In addition to administering the DE529 Education Savings Plan, DEpendABLE, a savings vehicle for people with disabilities, and DEFER, a deferred compensation program for state employees, we developed new savings programs as well over the past year,” Treasurer Davis said. “Aspire529 is a program for youth in or aging out of the foster care system to help them pay for expenses related to college or vocational training, and with the help of the general assembly, Delaware EARNS, a program designed to provide workers and employers access to low-cost retirement savings plans, is currently in development.”

Members of the legislature joined Treasurer Davis again in support of education around saving by declaring the week of February 27th “Delaware Saves Week” with the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 6.

“Financial security is critical to a person’s independence and personal wellbeing,” said Rep. Larry Lambert, sponsor of HCR 6. “Saving now for your retirement – even though it is decades away – provides people with stability and peace of mind, especially as they near their Golden Years. Yet still, nearly half of all American families don’t have a retirement account, including 70% of families with below-average income.”

“That’s why I fought to pass the Delaware EARNS program with Treasurer Davis to make saving for retirement a reality for thousands of Delaware families,” Lambert said. “Encouraging residents to save during Delaware Saves Week puts this at the forefront and allows us to remind people just how important it is to start putting funds aside now for your future.”

“The pandemic has shown us that it’s never been more important for families to have savings that they can count on,” said Sen. Nicole Poore. “I was proud to work with Treasurer Davis and my House colleague Rep. Lambert last year on HB205, the Delaware EARNS bill. That’s why I also cosponsored House Concurrent Resolution 6, designating the week of February 27 as ‘Delaware Saves Week.’”

America Saves Week – February 21-25, 2002

Stressing the importance of a regular check-up of personal finances, State Treasurer Colleen Davis encourages Delawareans to participate in America Saves Week by making a pledge to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth.

The theme for America Saves Week 2022, which runs from February 21-25, is “Building Financial Resilience.”

“The last two years have taken a toll on everyone in many different ways, with financial impacts all too common,” said Treasurer Davis. “Financial resiliency is more than just having access to money, it’s also about being able to face the unexpected events that can impact finances. The loss of a job, health issues, and all-around uncertainty are just a few examples of why we need to build our financial strength.”

As a participating organization, the Office of the State Treasurer will provide information on what steps people can take to create an effective savings plan by highlighting several key areas that contribute to financial stability. Each day of America Saves Week carries a specific theme:

• Monday, February 21st – Save Automatically
• Tuesday, February 22nd – Save For the Unexpected
• Wednesday, February 23rd – Save For Retirement
• Thursday, February 24th – Save By Reducing Debt
• Friday, February 25th – Save as a Family

Information about each day’s focus as well as other useful information will be featured on Delaware’s America Saves webpage.

Members of the Delaware General Assembly joined Treasurer Davis in promoting saving by proclaiming the week of February 21st “Delaware Saves Week” with the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 49.

“As we move closer to the end of this pandemic, many Delawareans continue to deal with its financial fallout,” Treasurer Davis said. “Since taking office in 2019, my priorities have been bolstering retirement security and readiness, creating pathways to economic empowerment, and promoting a culture of financial excellence for all Delawareans. America Saves Week provides the perfect time for all of us to take steps in those directions.”