Digital
Communications
Resource Kit
Thank you for participating in Military Saves Week 2015, a time when we encourage all military servicemembers, retirees and family members to assess their savings progress and Set a Goal, Make a Plan, and Save Automatically (Haven’t signed up yet? Click here).
To reach even more individuals in this effort, the Military Saves team has created content for you or your organization to promote during the Week through social media, newsletters, and blogs.
Have questions or comments? Contact James Lander, Military SavesDirector.
The toolkit contains:
- Promote a different savings strategy each day of Military Saves Week
- Sample NewsletterArticles
- Military Saves Graphics
- 30 days of content toshare onsocial media
- Military Saves Week Events & Activities
Promote a Different Savings Strategy Each Day of Military Saves Week
We encourage you to promote these strategies each day of Military Saves Week.
- Monday, February 23: Save for Emergencies
- How to do it: Find ways that you can save, even on a tight budget.
- Save for Emergencies: Save a portion of your tax refund.
- Tuesday, February 24: Pay Off High-Interest Debt
- How to do it: Find places to cut your spending so that you can paydown your debts faster.
- Find places to trim your expenses.
- Wednesday, February 25: Save Automatically
- It can be hard to put aside money for savings. But there is an easy way to save money without ever missing it –by making your savings automatic in 2015.
- How to do it: Set up an allotment in MyPay.
- Thursday, February 27: Save for Retirement
- How to do it: Participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Save for Retirement:Increase the amount you save toward retirement by 1% in 2015.
- Friday, February 27: Save for a Large Purchase
- Make a plan, save for a SMART Goal
- How to do it: Participate in the Savings Deposit Program while deployed.
- Saturday,February 28: Save (wrap up of previous days)
- How to do it: Are you ready to set your savings goal and make a plan to achieve it? Take the Military Saves Pledge today!
Sample Newsletter Articles
An easy way to promote savings and your efforts to build wealth on your installation and in your community is to share information about Military SavesWeek through email, newsletters and social media.
Use the following articles in newsletters, emails, and blogs:
- Military Saves Week February 23 – February 28James Lander, Military Saves Director
- The unexpected is expensive!The USAA Educational Foundation Staff
- Rainy Days Forecast - Pack an UmbrellaFINRA Investor Education Staff
Military Saves Week February 23 –February 28By James Lander,Military Saves Director
Military Saves Week (February 23 – February 28, 2015), part of the DoD Financial Readiness Campaign, is a chance for servicemembers and their families to assess their own saving status and take financial action. Studies show that having a savings plan with specific goals can have beneficial financial effects, regardless of income level.The Military Saves Week theme‘Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Save Automatically.’ encourages individuals to do just that.
This Military Saves Week, join the more than180,000 people who have pledged to save by taking the Military Saves Pledge. Already taken the pledge? Military Saves encourages you to recommit to your savings goal and re-pledge today.
When saverstake the Military Savespledgetheycan receive:
•Free subscription to the monthly Military Saves e-Newsletter
•Free myFICO credit score for servicemembers and their spouses courtesy of FINRA Investor Education Foundation
•Quarterly e-newsletters from America Saves
Savers can also get tips by following Military Saves on Facebook and Twitter and by reading the Military Saves blog. Encourage people to go viral with their savings goal. Take a picture and post it on Facebook and tag @MilitarySaves.
The unexpected is expensive!
By The USAA Educational Foundation
Unexpected expenses come in many forms and can quickly get you into debt or push you further into debt. Prepare for these unexpected expenses with an emergency fund.
Life happens when we are busy making other plans. It never fails, you wake up ready for a normal day when BAM you get a flat tire on the way to work. Your son comes home from school with a toothache. Your husband hurts his back performing his touchdown dance ritual during the big game. The unexpected is expensive.
Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing when unexpected life events will ruin your day, but you can be prepared for it. If you don’t have an emergency fund already set up, you need to start building one now to stay out of debt.
An emergency fund is money saved that is only to be used to pay for unexpected expenses. Since you normally don’t know how much an unexpected life expense will cost, we recommend starting with at least $1,000 in your emergency fund.
If $1,000 seems like a lot right now don’t panic! Small deposits will add up quickly over time. As this fund grows don’t stop! You should try to save three to six months of your living expenses that can only be used in case of emergency.
The easiest way to start an emergency fund is to automatically transfer a portion of your pay as soon as it is deposited. Add extra money from gifts, rebates and federal income tax refunds to grow the fund.
Unexpected expenses can happen at any time. So get started building your emergency fund now to help keep you out of debt in the future.
The USAA Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization, does not endorse or promote any commercial supplier,
product, or service.
Rainy Days Forecast - Pack an Umbrella
By FINRA Investor Education Foundation Staff
Most of us appreciate a sturdy umbrella on a stormy day. We don’t always know when we’ll encounter rain, but unless we live in the desert, we know that eventually rain will fall. So we buy umbrellas, raincoats and boots to protect ourselves against the inevitable downpour.
Rainy day funds, or emergency savings, protect us too. We can’t always predict when we’ll have a money emergency, but we know that eventually a financial crisis will arrive. Setting aside money in a rainy day fund shelters you from a financial storm.
Chances are, you’ve already experienced a financial squall or two; it’s tough to go through life without them. An unexpected automobile or home repair, a surprise tax bill, or an unplanned trip home for a funeral or wedding all qualify.
Sometimes, financial rainfall lands not in the form of a bill to pay, but as a sudden loss of income. This could be due your spouse’s layoff, a divorce or your unplanned separation from the service.
It’s a good idea to make a rainy day fund one of your highest savings priorities. Put $20 a week in an emergency fund and your account will grow to over $1,000 in just one year. That’s often enough to cover a repair bill or emergency travel. A rainy day fund can also shield you from the high cost of borrowing, and keep you from hydroplaning into debt.
A good way to set up a rainy day fund is to save automatically. Arrange to put money into an emergency fund account through an allotment from your military pay. You can accomplish the same thing through a systematic transfer from your regular checking or savings account at your bank or credit union. Keep your rainy day funds separate from your checking account, and label it “for emergency use only.” Just writing down an account’s purpose can keep you from spending the money for any other reason. Visit Start an Emergency Fund on SaveAndInvest.org for more tips.
Even if you start out small, keep saving. You should put aside enough in your rainy day fund eventually to cover living expenses for 3 – 6 months. If you anticipate a job loss or separation from the service, try to save even more.
An easy way to save for your rainy day fund is by taking the Military Saves Savers’ Pledge. Choose “Emergency Fund” from the drop-down menu. It’s a commitment you make to yourself to take shelter from financial storms.
We know that rainfall is inevitable, and we prepare for it. Like an umbrella sheds rain, a rainy day fund sheds financial rainfall. Storms arise unexpectedly. Protect yourself—with a rainy day fund.
Military SavesGraphics
Use our co-brandable graphicspackage to promote savings during Military Saves Week.
Content for Social Media
Follow Military Saves:
- Follow @MilitarySaves
- Promote the hashtag #MSW2015 in any savings or MSW-related content at the end of each 140 (or less) character posting.
- Inform us of your Twitter handle so we can follow you and retweet your posts.
- Become a fan of and promote the Military SavesFacebook page on your organization’s page. Once you ‘like’ an organization, you are able to tag them in your postings by typing @organizationname (ex: @MilitarySaves).
- Promote the hashtag #MSW2015 in any savings or MSW-related content at the end of each post.
- Send us your Facebook URL so we can become a Fan of your page(s).
Tweets and Facebook Posts Leading to the Week:
#MilitarySaves Week is 4 weeks away! Sign up at Individuals can take the Pledge at #MSW2015
Are you tracking your #spending? Get tips & toolkits from @FINRAFoundation saveandinvest.org website #MSW2015
Individuals & organizations can participate in @MilitarySaves Week! Click for simple ideas & free materials #MSW2015
Servicemembers who take the @MilitarySaves Pledge get a free #myFICO score courtesy of @FINRAFoundation #MSW2015
Learn how to #budget, #save, #invest and more - get tools & resources from @USAA Educational Foundation #MSW2015
Assess your #savings progress today to see if you are saving in all the right places. #MSW2015
Don't let #debt stand in the way of your #savings goals & aspirations! @MilitarySaves #MSW2015
Putting aside $.50 a day will allow you to #save nearly 40% of a $500 #emergency fund each year. More tips: #MSW2015
Using a tax refund wisely is one key to financial success. More tips on how to plan wisely: @MilitarySaves #MSW2015
Already a #Saver? This year re-pledge to build #wealth not #debt. Begin your journey to #financial freedom!
Assess you #credit. Take the Military Saves Pledge @ get your free FICO credit score from @FINRAFoundation #MSW2015
With planning, discipline, patience, & some outside help, almost anyone can reduce #debt & build #wealth #MSW2015
SET A GOAL: Paying off debt is the number 3 goal that savers in America select when they pledge to save #MSW2015
MAKE A PLAN: Do you spend less than your income & #save the difference? See how much $ you can #save #MSW2015
SAVE AUTOMATICALLY w/each paycheck. You won’t have to think about how much to #save or take additional steps #MSW2015
54 Ways to #Save! From food and clothing to housing and entertainment! Find them all at #MSW2015
Discover how to grow your #tax #refund with savings #bonds #MSW2015
Are you #saving enough for #retirement? Get on the right track for retirement no matter what your age #MSW2015
A FINRA Survey found 46% of Servicemembers don't have an emergency fund- Start saving for one today! #MSW2015
Set a goal. Make a plan. Save automatically. Resources from @USAA Educational Foundation can help: #MSW2015
Plan for success - take the #MilitarySaves Pledge @ get your free #myFICO #credit score from @FINRAFoundation #MSW2015
Do you have a #savings tip you want to share with others? Share it with @MilitarySaves Facebookpage: #MSW2015
SET A GOAL: Is your New Year’s resolution to save for #retirement? Get tips on traditional and #Roth IRAs at #MSW2015
MAKE A PLAN: Track your #spending &#save. Get tips from @FINRAFoundation saveandinvest.org website at #MSW2015
SAVE AUTOMATICALLY: Using your #tax refund to #save? Ask your tax preparer for Form 8888 #MSW2015
Assess your current #finances & create a plan of action with tools from @USAA Educational Foundation
#MilitarySaves Week begins in 2 days! Register today at #MSW2015
#MilitarySaves Week begins tomorrow! Have you taken the Pledge? Sign up at #MSW2015
Military Saves Week 2015 (February 23 – February 28) Tweets:
We encourage everyone to share each post below, and then post their own savings tips. Don’t forget to use #MSW2015 so everyone can view your Tweets easily! Also, tune in to the posts by @MilitarySaves as we will retweet your activities and news during the Week!
Monday, February 23: Save for Emergencies
#Save $.50 a day for a year & you can build nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund! via @MilitarySaves #MSW2015
Start an emergency fund by saving $10/week or $40/month to save $500 by the end of the year #MSW2015
Having emergency #savings may be the most important way to stay afloat financially. Tips on starting one: #MSW2015
3 reasons to save for emergencies this #MilitarySaves Week! #MSW2015
Tuesday, February 24: Pay Off High-Interest Debt
Let @MilitarySaves help you reach your #savings & #debt goals. Take the #MilitarySaves pledge today. #MSW2015
Don't let #debt stand in the way of your #savings goals & aspirations! @MilitarySaves #MSW2015
Don't let credit card #debt control you. Check out "6 Tips to Help Reduce Credit Card Debt" #MSW2015
Use your #tax refund wisely by using 30% of your refund to pay down debt. More tips at
Wednesday, February 25: Save Automatically
The easiest way to #save is automatically. Transfer $ to a #savings account every paycheck. #MSW2015
I will help my #family & #country to Build #Wealth, Not #Debt - Take the #MilitarySaves Pledge! #MSW2015
#Save automatically using an allotment with #myPay to transfer funds monthly into a #savings account #MSW2015
No need to fear #saving and #investing. Do it automatically and move forward with your goals! #MSW2015
Thursday, February 26: Save for Retirement
You don't have to choose between paying off #debt & #saving for #retirement! @MilitarySaves #MSW2015
Starting your #savings now ensures a more comfortable #retirement later on! via @MilitarySaves #MSW2015
Save for #retirement this #MilitarySaves Week! Get tips on traditional and Roth IRAs at
Use your #tax refund to start or add to your #IRA or #401(k) Put aside money now for #retirementlater. #MSW2015
Friday, February 27: Save for a Large Purchase
How to save for a car this #MilitarySaves Week #MSW2015
Don't let small impulse purchases derail your big dreams! #MSW2015
#Saving for a home? Don't forget to #save for some of these overlooked costs of home ownership: #MSW2015
Establish a #savings plan for the milestones in your life this #MilitarySaves Week: #MSW2015
Saturday, February 28: Savings Wrap-Up
Pledge or re-pledge to #save w/ @MilitarySaves! Receive goal-based #savingstips & advice.
Want regular #savingstips & real-time #savings advice? Follow @MilitarySaves on Twitter all year ‘round! #MSW2015
Savers w/a plan are 2x more likely to save for #retirement, have #emergency #savings, & stick to a #budget @MilitarySaves #MSW2015
Create#financial goals & strive for milestones. Positive outcomes start with a goal vision. #MSW2015
Don’t forget to report how you used this Digital Communication Kit! Look for the post-Week reporting survey from Military Saves via suverymonkey.com in March 2015.
Thank you!
Snapshot: Military Saves Week Events & Activities
Organizations across the world are providing helpful ways for individuals to save as part of Military Saves Week. To locate events and activities in your area or online, please visit (This page will continue to be updated as Military Saves receives information from local campaigns, savings friends, & partners.)
Army / Coast Guard / MarineCorps / JointBasesNavy / AirForce / National Guard
Army
Darby Military Community, Italy
- Wednesday, 4 February 0830 - 1400
Caravan of Savings - Take an adventure in learning basic thrift and savings skills while shopping on the economy. The outing includes trips to several consignment and second hand stores in Livorno and Stagno. Shop owners explain how they apply discounts to merchandise based on the number of days the item has been in the store. This event offers the opportunity to take the Pledge, encouraging all to prepare for Military Saves Week. Cost is FREE; call DSN: (314)633-7084 or Commercial: +39 (0)50-54-7084 for further information.
Fort Belvoir, VA
- Monday, 23 February 1200 - 1230 - Army Community Service
Military Saves Commander's Proclamation signing
Fort George G. Meade, MD
- Thursday, 26 February 2015 0900 - 1600- McGill Training Center
Financial Readiness Fair
USAG Ansbach, Germany
- Monday, 23 February 0900 - 1600- Urlas Exchange Mall
Certified Financial Counselors from ACS will be available to answer your questions.
USAG Miami, FL
- Monday, 9 February 0800
US Southern Commanders will sign the Military Saves Commander's Proclamation
- Monday to Friday, 23-27 February 1100-1300 - Exchange
Military Saves Pledge Drive
- Monday, 23 February 1300 - ACS Classroom
Budgeting 101/ Money Mistakes
- Tuesday, 24 February 0900 - Child Development Center
Sammy’s Seven Savings Secrets
1100-1300 - Exchange
Personal Finance Fair - including Army OneSource, Better Business Bureau, American Red Cross, and Operation Homefront
- Wednesday, 25 February 1300 - ACS Classroom
When Love Money and Marriage Come Together/Money Savers for New Parents
- Thursday 26 February 1300 - ACS Classroom
Estate Planning
- Friday, 27 February 1300 - ACS Classroom
Divorce and Credit and Financial Strategies for Single Parents
Navy
Naval Air Station Oceana, VA
- Wednesday, 28 January 1330 - 1530 - Bldg. 531, Oceana Theater
Military Saves 2015 Kick-Off - Guest speaker, Peter Bielagus, “America’s Financial Educator,” will share tips and strategies to build wealth, emergency savings, eliminate debt, and increase personal net worth. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with finance experts, credit unions, banks, non-profit institutions and other military and community partners for financial information and assistance at the event.