America Saves Week 2011

The fifth annual America Saves Week (ASW) was conducted February 20 – 27, 2011. With the help of partner organizations, local America Saves campaigns, financial institutions, and national media, ASW reached over 50 million people with the message to build wealth, not debt.

America Saves Week is coordinated by the America Saves campaign and the American Savings Education Council (ASEC). During the week, ASW and ASEC partner with thousands of organizations with a goal to reach millions of Americans with savings advice, encouragement, and opportunities to take financial action.

This report summarizes what was accomplished during the Week and highlights some notable successes.

ASW 2011 Highlights:

• Over 2,000 organizations from across the country participated in the week including: FDIC, ING U.S. Retirement Services, The Certified Financial Planners Board, NIFA Extension Educators, and The Boeing Company.
• About one-third of financial institutions that completed the post ASW survey reported they had an increase in the number of accounts opened during the week, showing that participation benefits consumers and is good for business.
• Local America Saves campaigns across the country reached millions of people at the local level through financial events, contest, seminars, and local media.
• Key government officials offered endorsements, statements, and YouTube videos on behalf of the Week, including:
  • J. Mark Iwry, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury and Deputy Assistant Secretary (Retirement and Health Policy)
  • Sheila Bair, Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  • Mary Shapiro, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
  • Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
  • John Walsh, Acting Comptroller of the Currency
• With the help of the Military Saves campaign, Armed Forces Bank (AFB) and Armed Forces Bank of California (AFBCA) opened 319 savings accounts with balances totaling $327,332. They also opened 696 CD’s totaling $174,000 in deposits.
• Top media outlets from across the country including TIME, U.S. News & World Report, Wall St. Journal, and Consumer Reports promoted America Saves week and garnered over 15 million media impressions.