Digital

Communications


Resource Kit

Thank you for participating in Military Saves Week 2016, 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:

  1. Savings Goals for eachDay of Military Saves Week
  2. Sample NewsletterArticle
  3. Military Saves Graphics
  4. Content toShare onSocial Media
  5. Military SavesWeek Events& Activities

Promote a Different Savings Goal Each Day of Military Saves Week


We encourage you to promote these goals and strategies each day of Military Saves Week.

  1. Monday, February 22: Save for Emergencies
  • How to do it: Find ways thatyoucan save, even on a tightbudget.
  • Save for Emergencies: Save a portion of your tax refund.
  1. Tuesday, February 23: Pay Off High-Interest Debt
  • How to do it: Cut your spending so that you can paydown your debts faster.
  • Find places to trim your expenses.
  1. Wednesday, February 24: Save Automatically
  • How to do it: Set up an allotment in MyPay.
  • It can be hard to put aside money for savings. But there is an easy way to save money without ever missing it –make your saving automatic in 2016.
  1. Thursday, February 25: Save for Retirement
  • How to do it: Participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.
  • Save for Retirement:let the miracle of compound interest work for you.
  1. Friday, February 26: Save for a Large Purchase
  • Makea plan, save for a SMART Goal.
  • How to do it: Participate in the Savings Deposit Program while deployed.
  1. Saturday,February 27: Keep Saving Year Round
  2. How to do it: Are you ready to set your savings goal and make a plan to achieve it? Takethe Military Saves Pledge today!

Sample Newsletter Article


An easy way to promote savings and your efforts to build wealth on your installation and in your community is to share information about MilitarySaves through email, newsletters and social media.

Use this content for your newsletter, blog, email communications, and any other publications. You can either rewrite the information or use as a guest post.

Military Saves Week 2016 - Meet the Challenge in Three Steps
Military Saves Week 2016 is fast approaching! Every year, military installationsand organizations around the world join forces to motivate, support, and encourage servicemembers and military families to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth through a week of financial focus and education. Since 2007, more than 200,000 Savers have accepted the challenge of Military Saves Week. What is that challenge? The Military Saves Pledge. The Pledge is a commitment to exercise good financial habits, improve financial readiness, and encourage other Americans to do the same.

"I will help myself by saving money, reducing debt, and building wealth over time. I will help my family

and my country by encouraging other Americans to Build Wealth, Not Debt."

Military Saves encourages all servicemembers, their families, and civilian employees to take the Military Saves Pledge, and to "Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Save Automatically."

Step 1: Set a Goal
Why is a goal important? If you don't know what you're saving for, you haven't established what you won't spend it on. By saving for a car down payment, you've established that you won't spend that saved money on a new TV instead. When you take the Military Saves Pledge, you're asked to identify a savings goal. The top two goals selected by our Savers are:

  • Saving for a rainy day with an Emergency Fund
  • Saving for Retirement

If you have another goal in mind, that's OK - in fact, it's GREAT! The important thing is that you have a goal, and that you commit to it. That's what the Military Saves Pledge is about - deciding what's important to you, and taking action. One small step can lead to another, then another, until your goal is met.

Step 2: Make a Plan
To take action, you need to save money. How do you go about doing that? This may be the most difficult part of the challenge - finding money to save. It's most likely in your paycheck (somewhere) - the problem is that so many priorities are fighting over the same dollars. Housing, transportation, food - all are essential needs that MUST be met. However, when something is a priority, you plan for it. Plan to save for your goal, whatever it is, just like you plan for your rent, for your car, and for your groceries. To do that, create a budget or spending plan for your monthly expenses. Assign each and every dollar of your paycheck to a category - including savings. By including savings in your monthly spending plan, you're committing to paying one very important bill - to yourself.

Step 3: Save Automatically

The theme for Military Saves Week 2016 is "Make Savings Automatic."Automating your savings will allow you to save regularly without having to think about it. Here are four ways you can set it and forget it:

  • Contribute to the TSP, and have a portion of your paycheck transferred into your retirement account before you get paid. Many other employer retirement plans offer a similar option - simply decide how much you want to contribute each month to meet your savings goal.
  • Set up allotments via myPay. Designate an amount go to an account that is separate from a regular checking account - preferably a savings account!If you are paid through a different system, your employer may still allow you to divide your paycheck into different accounts.
  • Set up regular transfers using your financial institution’s bill pay system. Automatically transfer money from a checking account to a separate savings account each payday.
  • Tax time is a great opportunity to save for those who receive a refund. Use Form 8888, Allocationof Refund, to direct deposit your refund in up to three different accounts - make sure one is a savings account! Another incentive to this option? Visit SaveYourRefund to learn how saving at least $50 of your tax refund could win you $25,000 in 2016!

Military Saves Week 2016 is February 22 - 27th - one week out of the year to focus on paying yourself first by saving. Your installation or an organization near you may be participating in the Week, offering educational workshops, events, and resources to help you meet the challenge of saving. Take advantage of these opportunities and build your financial knowledge and ability. Only you can accomplish each step of the challenge: it all begins with the Military Saves Pledge and making the commitment to save.

Military Saves, managed by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA), seeks to motivate, encourage, and support servicemembers and military families to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Learn more at militarysaves.org.

Military SavesGraphics


Use our co-brandable graphicspackage to promote savings during Military Saves Week.


Encourage Savers to complete the "I'm Saving For..." Poster.

Fill in your Saver Goal and post to Facebook!
Don't forget to tag Military Saves!


Content for Social Media
Follow Military Saves:

On Twitter

  • Follow @MilitarySaves
  • Promote the hashtag#MSW2016 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.

On Facebook

  • 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 #MSW2016 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 1 month away! Sign up at Individuals can take the pledge at #MSW2016

"The promise of a New Year and #MSW2016 is the perfect time to reboot financially!" #MilitarySaves

#Save $.50 a day for a year & you can build nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund! via #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

How well are you managing your #debt? Find out with this assessment! #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Let @MilitarySaves help you reach your #savings & #debt goals. Take the #MilitarySaves Pledge today. #MSW2016

#Housing is likely your largest #debt each month. Know how much home you can #afford. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Have 5 minutes? Test your #credit knowledge! Take the quiz at creditscorequiz.org. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Use your #tax refund to start or add to your #IRA or #401(k). Put aside money now for #retirementlater. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Savers with a plan are 2x more likely to #save for #retirement, have #emergency #savings, & stick to a #budget #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

I will help my #family & #country to Build #Wealth, Not #Debt - Take the #MilitarySaves Pledge! #MSW2016

#Save for 3-6 months of basic living expenses prior to your #transition or #retirement. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Did you know that the #TSP is the gift that keeps on giving to you? Here's why: #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Visit @SaveYourRefundto learn how saving $50 of your #tax #refund could win you $25,000. #MSW2016

#Military security #clearance could be revoked due to #debt and poor #credit management. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

How would you pay for #military life’s surprises? #Emergency #Fund. Set your goal! #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Do you have too much #debt? Find out with this assessment from Hands on Banking: #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

How could $3000 help you #save for a car, your child's education, or another $$$ goal this #MSW2016? #MilitarySaves
Prepare for "gotcha" moments w/an #emergency #fund. Pledge to be financially prepared this #MSW2016! #MilitarySaves

Get tips & tools on #spending & #saving from @FINRAFoundation saveandinvest.org #MilitarySaves #MSW2016
Learn how to #budget, #save, #invest & more - get tools & resources from @USAA Educational Foundation #MSW2016

54 Ways to #Save! From food and clothing to housing and entertainment! Find them all at #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Special #deployment pay can be an opportunity to #save. What are you #saving for? #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

#MilitarySaves Week begins tomorrow! Have you taken the Pledge? Sign up at #MSW2016

Military Saves Week 2016 (February 22 – February 27) Tweets:

We encourage everyone to share each post below, and then post their own savings tips. Don’t forget to use #MSW2016 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 22: Save for Emergencies

3 reasons to #save for #emergencies this #MilitarySaves Week: #MSW2016

"A #tax #refund is a great way to give your #emergency #fund that initial boost." #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

44% of Americans don't have $ for an unexpected $1K expense.#Save for an #emergency #fund. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

#Emergency #Savings: We all need it. Here's how to build it: #MSW2016

Tuesday, February 23: Pay Off High-Interest Debt

Don't let #debt stand in the way of your #savings goals & aspirations! #MilitarySaves #MSW2016
This #MSW2016, keep your spending (and#debt) in check. Keep a log of your spending for a week!

Know what you owe - being realistic aboutyour #debt load will help you conquer it. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Manage #debt: Avoid #credit repair scams & consider bankruptcy a last resort. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Wednesday, February 24: Save Automatically

#Save automatically using an allotment with #myPay to transfer funds monthly into a #savings account #MSW2016

Pledge or re-pledge to #save with #MilitarySaves - receive goal-based #savings tips & advice. #MSW2016

#Save automatically. It's the easiest way to save for an #emergency #fund. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Set it & forget it - transfer $$ to a #savings acct every paycheck - it's the easiest & most successful way to save. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Thursday, February 25: Save for Retirement

Starting your #savings now ensures a more comfortable #retirement later on! via #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Mid-career & no #retirement #savings? There's still time - start your ‪#TSP‬today. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016‬

#Save for a comfortable standard of living for ‪#retirement‬ by setting it on autopilot! #MSW2016

What to plan before #retirement: a spending plan, emergency #savings, and #debt repayment. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Friday, February 26: Save for a Large Purchase

Don't let small impulse purchases derail your big dreams! #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

There's more to the cost of a #car than the #purchase price. Tips to consider: #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

"Before you #spend a big chunk of your net worth on something, ask yourself 5 questions:" ‬#MSW2016

Resist #debt & buy using a #SMART goal: Specific-Measurable-Attainable-Relevant-Timely. #MSW2016

Saturday, February 27: Keep Saving Year Round

Set a Goal: What to #Save For #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Make a Plan: How to #Save #Money #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Save Automatically: Improve your financial life & build wealth. Set #savings on autopilot. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Start small, think big. Plan, #save, & make wise spending choices to keep your $$$ in shape. #MilitarySaves #MSW2016

Don’t forget to report how you used this Digital Communication Kit! Look for the post-Week reporting survey from Military Saves via surveymonkey.com in March 2016.

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.)

Air Force Army Marine Corps Navy Joint Bases Other Organizations

Air Force

Buckley AFB, CO

Contact 720-847-6681 to register for the following workshops:
Financial Literacy and Outsmarting Investment Fraudpresented by FINRA Foundation and AARP
22 Feb, 1130 - 1300
Know the risk factors for investment fraud, the most common persuasion tactics, and the most powerful prevention strategies.Open to anyone who has an ID Card/Access to Buckley AFB
Being a Savvy Consumerpresented by FINRA Foundation and Colorado Division of Securities
23 Feb, 1130-1300
Increase your understanding of the marketplace and learn how to discern between a bargain and a rip-off. Discover resources that will provide you a larger body of information before making important decisions with your money.
Estate Planningpresented by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office
24 Feb, 1200-1300
Learn basic information on the process of anticipating and arranging for the disposal of your estate, eliminate uncertainties, and maximize the value of your estate.
Home and Car Buyingpresented by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Credit
25 Feb, 1130-1300
Acquire in-depth knowledge of the process involved in making some of your largest financial decisions. Learn tips on how to make the best decision and save money.
Health Insurance and Claims Fraudpresented by Colorado Division of Insurance and Colorado Attorney General’s Office of Financial Fraud Investigations
26 Feb, 1100-1200
Gain insight into health care scams costing Americans billions of dollars each year. Learn what you can do to fight back.

Cannon AFB, NM

Military Saves Kick Off29 Feb, 0800 - 0900
Thrift Savings Plan(E-1 thru E-6; Lunch and Learn) 29 Feb, 1100 - 1200
VA GI Bill and Post 9/11 Ed Benefits29 Feb, 1400 -1445
Teens and Money29 Feb, 1730 - 1900
Understanding Your Military Pay1 March, 0900 - 1000
Thrift Savings Plan(Snr Enlisted & Officers; Lunch and Learn) 1 March, 1200-1300
Financial Life Changes1 March, 1500 - 1600
Financial Life Changes2 March, 0830 - 0930
Thrift Savings Plan(GS Employees; Lunch and Learn) 2 March, 1100 - 1200
Thrift Savings Plan(GS Employees) 2 March, 1700 - 1800 Thursday
VA GI Bill and Post 9/11 Ed Benefits3 March, 0800 - 0845
Thrift Savings Plan(Snr Enlisted & Officer; Lunch and Learn) 3 March, 1100 - 1200
Scholarship Workshop3 March, 1730 - 1900
Thrift Savings Plan(E-1 thru E-6) 4 March, 0900 - 1000
Thrift Savings Plan(GS Employees; Lunch and Learn) 4 March, 1200 - 1300
Understanding Your Military Pay4 March,1430 - 1530

Hill AFB, UT

The following are open to Active Duty Members,Guard, Reserve, Retirees andtheir families.Participants must RSVP 3 days prior to the day of the workshop. For more information or to RSVP call (801)777-4681.
Scavenger Hunt
22 - 26 Feb

Participants will search for “Savings Bucks” boxes located around base and complete an entry form to be entered in for a grand prize drawing.

Giving Every Dollar a Name
22 Feb, 1200 -1300

Lunch & Learn workshop that will focus on teaching individuals the importance of establishinga budget regardless of rank/income.

Saving for Retirement Part A
23 Feb, 1200 -1300

Wells Fargo lunch & learn workshop that will help individuals learn and understand the importance of saving today for their retirement.

Saving for Retirement Part B
25 Feb, 1200 - 1300

Wells Fargo lunch & learn class that is a continuation of “Savings for Retirement Part A”. Participants will learn and understand the importance of saving today for their retirement.

Thrift Savings Plan
26 Feb, 1200 -1300

Lunch & Learn class that will teach individuals the fundamentals of TSP (Thrift Savings Plan).

Holloman AFB, NM

First Term Airmen's Center Personal Finance Briefing (A&FRC CPFC)22 Feb, 0800
New Mexico State University, Otero County Extension Service Briefing23 Feb, 1000 at the Base Exchange
Babies Cost Bundles Financial Briefing23 Feb, 1300
Managing Money(MFLC AFC)24 Feb, 1400
Saving for Financial Security 1st Command Educational Foundationspeaker25 Feb, 0900
Otero Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo Bank Briefing25 Feb, 1100
Plan My Move25 Feb, 1400