Only 39% of Connecticut residents reported spending less than they earned in 2012. Fifty percent did not have emergency funds and 57% haven’t set aside money for their children’s college education according to the 2012 National Financial Capability Study by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. UConn Extension is launching the Connecticut Saves Campaign as a new effort to motivate, encourage, and support low- to moderate-income households in Connecticut to save money, reduce debt and build wealth. Connecticut Saves is part of America Saves, a national campaign led by the Consumer Federation of America. The research-based campaign uses the principles of behavioral economics and social marketing to change behavior.

 

Connecticut Saves Week takes place Monday, February 24 through Saturday, March 1, 2014. UConn Extension is encouraging Connecticut citizens to assess their saving and save regularly for their goals during this special week. Connecticut Saves has planned a variety of events and workshops in celebration. Governor Dannel P. Malloy has issued a proclamation in honor of Connecticut Saves Week. The Connecticut Saves Campaign is coordinated by UConn Extension with the support of these partners: Connecticut Department of Banking; Connecticut Department of Labor; Connecticut State Library; Connecticut Treasurer’s Office; FDIC; Hartford Job Corps; Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc.; Naugatuck Head Start; New Haven County Extension Resource Council, Inc.; New Haven Free Public Library; and People’s United Bank. Please see the Connecticut Saves website at: www.connecticutsaves.org. The Bank of America Foundation is supporting the Connecticut Saves Week Campaign through a mini-grant. For more information about the Connecticut Saves Campaign, contact Faye Griffiths-Smith of UConn Extension at faye.griffiths-smith@uconn.edu or call 203.407.3160.