In an effort to battle the lowest national savings rates since the Great Depression, Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI), a non-profit credit counseling agency, is dedicated to educating and encouraging consumers to make a commitment to savings, or to be counted as an America Saver if they are already saving, during America Saves Week February 24- March 2.

“The national savings rate in 2006 was 1%,” said Lillie Booth, a North Carolina local coordinator. “North Carolina is better than that, so we are dedicating time and energy to educate our community about the need to have savings for emergencies, education, a home, retirement, a car or a vacation. Our NC Saves Week goal is to enroll at least 1,000 new savers.”

If you are already saving or willing to start now, enroll as a new America Saver during Saves Week at http://www.americasaves.org. North Carolina residents can enroll by logging in at http://www.northcarolinasaves.org.

Saving Tip: An easy way to begin saving is to split your tax refund. Keep some to spend on your current needs, then, save some. Ask your tax preparer for form 8888. This form allows you to split your tax refund. Make it automatic. You know if it isn’t in your pocket or easily accessible, you are more likely to save it.

For more information, contact Lillie Booth at (910) 678-0201 or lillie@mycesi.org.