At Ascend Federal Credit Union, we believe that financial wellness starts with smart saving habits. That’s why we’re excited to celebrate America Saves Week, a national initiative dedicated to helping individuals and families build a secure financial future.

Why Saving Matters
Saving money isn’t just about setting aside cash — it’s about creating opportunities and financial security. Whether you're saving for an emergency fund, a dream vacation, or a down payment on a home, consistent saving habits can make a huge difference over time.

Saving for the Unexpected - Life is full of surprises, and having a financial cushion can help you navigate unexpected expenses. A good rule of thumb is to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund.

Saving for Major Milestones - Whether you’re planning for college, buying a home, or preparing for retirement, saving for major life milestones requires discipline and a clear strategy. Consider opening a designated savings account for each goal and setting a realistic timeline to track your progress.

Paying Down Debt - Reducing debt is just as important as saving. Prioritize paying off high-interest balances. The snowball or avalanche method can help you stay on track and build momentum toward becoming debt-free.

Saving at Any Age - It’s never too early — or too late — to start saving. Young adults can begin by setting aside money for emergencies and retirement, while those in their prime earning years should focus on maxing out retirement contributions and reducing debt. Seniors should ensure they have sufficient savings to maintain their lifestyle and cover healthcare costs in retirement.

Simple Steps to Start Saving
Not sure where to begin? Here are a few easy ways to kickstart your saving journey:

• Set a Goal – Define a specific saving goal, such as saving $500 for emergencies or contributing more to your retirement fund.
• Make Saving Automatic –Our digital banking tools allow you to set up automatic transfers so you’re consistently building your funds without much effort.
• Track your Spending – Utilize free budget worksheets from Ascend to take a close look at your spending and find small ways to cut back, such as making coffee at home or canceling unused subscriptions.
• Open a Certificate Account – Certificate accounts offer guaranteed returns and higher rates than traditional savings or checking accounts, so you can grow your money faster without the risk of the stock market.

Join Us in Celebrating America Saves Week

Ascend has many free tools and resources to help you develop better saving habits. Schedule a free financial health checkup to receive personalized guidance on how you can reach your financial goals.

Federally insured by the NCUA.