Florida Saves
University of Florida Extension, working with other state and national organizational partners, has launched a comprehensive statewide program to help Floridians save and build wealth. Through financial and savings education, the objectives of the Florida Saves program include building and protecting wealth, planning for a secure financial future, paying down debt, and protecting against financial fraud.
Many believe that low- and moderate-income families cannot afford to save and build wealth. Yet research shows that there are "savers" and "spenders" in all income classes. While those with modest incomes cannot save as much as the affluent, almost all have the ability to build wealth over time. Through contributions to a workplace retirement program, home purchase, and other savings during their working years most can accumulate six-figure assets. The goal of the campaign is to convince all Americans that they can build wealth and to assist them to do just that.
We find it useful to see individual Americans on a ten mile path to saving. Those that haven't walked a mile don't understand the importance of saving, so don't save. Those at mile three are aware of this value, but don't believe they are capable of saving, so don't do so. Those at mile six see the importance of saving and think they might be able to do so, but haven't started yet. Those at mile seven have begun to save. Those at mile ten are saving as effectively as they can, which also means that they are effectively managing their money and debts.
We encourage all Americans, especially the financially vulnerable, to travel down this saving path, keeping in mind it is difficult to move more than a mile or two at a time. If many Americans start moving down the path, then the whole country will place greater importance on saving. Parents, schools, employers, financial institutions, government agencies, the press, and nonprofit groups will increasingly focus attention on wealth-building and assist those they serve to do so. As a result, it will become much easier for everyone to save and build wealth.
All over Florida people just like you are proving that you don’t have to be rich to build wealth. As members of Florida Saves, they are paying off their debts, and saving to reach their financial goals. We can help with tips and tools to help you set goals, develop strategies to reach those goals, and to start saving. So what are you waiting for? Enroll in Florida Saves and start making your dreams a reality.
For More Information Contact:
Dr. Michael Gutter
msgutter@ufl.edu
Documents
America/Florida Saves is a national campaign involving more than 1,000 nonprofit, government, and corporate groups that encourages individuals and families to save and build personal wealth. UF Extension offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, age, cultural origin, sex, veteran status, religion or disability, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.