America Saves Week Starts Monday
Aimee Shaffer had to make it work. After years of working as a public service news director at a radio station, her employer downsized, leaving Schaffer jobless, and unable to seek radio jobs at competing local stations (the fine lines of her contract). Left without a steady paycheck for the first time, Shaffer started saving.
By paying her bills with unemployment money, and cutting back on spending altogether, she made it work. For example, for her entertainment, Shaffer purchased a $10 pass to her local parks, and took to hiking and biking. She also steered her way onto a different career path and started her own business as a professional pet sitter. Shaffer even saved for retirement along the way. As she shared with America Saves, “I didn’t think I had enough money to save but I started by putting $25-$50 away with each paycheck and now I have a nice little fund.”
Shaffer’s story on saving, along with others’, can be found on the America Saves Week website.
As it just so happens, next week is America Saves Week (February 24th – March 1st). I know, it certainly doesn’t sound as fun as World Bartender Day, which is also next Monday, but it’s a week worth observing…and an action to start taking if you aren’t already. Since 2007, the week has been an opportunity for organizations to promote fruitful saving practices, and for individuals to confront their own savings habits (or lack there of).
Maybe your story is similar to Shaffer’s, or perhaps “saving” to you means scoring a great deal on a fabulous pair of shoes. Chances are you could be saving more. Don’t by it? The organization’s website also has a test you can take to assess your savings IQ. For instance, how much do you think the average American spent on the unexpected (i.e. emergencies) last year? Hint: It’s a lot.
For more on America Saves Week – what it’s all about, how to pledge, and above all, how to save more – head over to the organization’s site.
