tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57056826290509852012024-03-14T04:50:45.158-04:00Savvy SaverVirginia Saves offers tips and ideas to help you become a savvy saver!Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-12249914165965989392016-03-04T09:29:00.001-05:002016-03-04T09:29:24.971-05:00Miss a Webinar?If you missed one of our great webinars during America Saves Week, it is not too late to get the great information shared. Webinars have been recorded just for you! Just click on the link to view these wonderful webinars!<br />
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<b><a href="http://virginiasaves.blogspot.com/p/building-blocks-of-retirement-security.html" target="_blank">Building Blocks of Retirement Security</a></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The average American may be facing 30 or more years in retirement. Early planning can make all the difference in the quality of life you enjoy in retirement. Take action to take care of the future YOU! Topics include: 1. Social Security planning, 2. Different retirement savings vehicles and tax advantages, 3. Retirement distribution planning. Speaker: Lamont Henry, CFP®</div>
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<b><a href="http://virginiasaves.blogspot.com/p/jump-start-your-financial-plans-with.html" target="_blank">Jumpstart Your Financial Plans With Your Tax Refund</a></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Refund season is here. For many Americans the tax refund is the largest influx of cash received during the year. Using these funds to advance your financial goals can help you grow opportunity for yourself and your family. This webinar presents 5 key strategies you can use to employ your tax refund to its maximum benefit. Speaker: L. Lori Irwin, CFP®</div>
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<b><a href="http://virginiasaves.blogspot.com/p/taking-control-financial-planning.html" target="_blank">Taking Control: A Financial Planning Starter Kit</a></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting started on your financial plan is not as hard as it seems. Financial Planning steps allow you to get control of your monthly cash flow, reduce debt and build savings for your future. Your plan begins Provides eight steps to taking control of your finances. Audience will learn about budging, spending plans, setting goals, managing debt and more. Speaker: Dan Neice, CFP® </div>
Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-52459823543299263852016-03-04T09:27:00.002-05:002016-03-04T09:27:13.789-05:00#IMSAVINGFORAmerica Saves continues its commitment to inspiring savers by offering an #IMSAVINGFOR contest with a grand prize of $500! Just snap a picture of what you are saving for and post it to your social media page. Then visit http://www.americasavesweek.org/imsavingfor and tell them how to find your post! Nice way to inspire others to save and to potentially jumpstart your own savings at the same time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6fGTdWRCBRve1Vv4hyphenhyphen1BiYcDhk4j4gV8EUUd84K_hewVVaJEmmh0Tm0B_LxWUwNaMEcdq4v6Hqm3Xbar_Q1aRpLpXBYyOfGcNkGjYtkYEEAiVFvcFozPtQjcS9xcZiVEIvsHQ0-GyTxC/s1600/images_2015-art_imsavingfor_imsavingfor_Facebook_share-III.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6fGTdWRCBRve1Vv4hyphenhyphen1BiYcDhk4j4gV8EUUd84K_hewVVaJEmmh0Tm0B_LxWUwNaMEcdq4v6Hqm3Xbar_Q1aRpLpXBYyOfGcNkGjYtkYEEAiVFvcFozPtQjcS9xcZiVEIvsHQ0-GyTxC/s400/images_2015-art_imsavingfor_imsavingfor_Facebook_share-III.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-16528748512186204512016-03-04T09:23:00.001-05:002016-03-04T09:23:25.122-05:00March Money MadnessBank On Norfolk, part of our Bank On Hampton Roads team is excited to announce a kick off event for their April Bank On sessions called March Money Madness. This event is organized to be educational and fun. The Vice-Mayor of Norfolk is expected to make a special announcement at this event. Make plans to attend. <br />
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You can challenge your financial knowledge with their Financial Jackpot Game, win one of their drawings and meet one on one with a Financial Planner from FPA of Hampton Roads with no strings attached!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWjIgqSeYknXoGgc0tuRNVutDu8iLrFt4Nt5T0A1BaUChyphenhyphen9PbBqzcOhsY4CKjcyMqtRAiG8vR7GWUk_QxxIYDr9zV5vIR_z1TFzhNy9qjOLiWi6xUi7Uq5rlQfpDlkezJ7HcaD249Eh_h/s1600/MarchMoneyMadness2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWjIgqSeYknXoGgc0tuRNVutDu8iLrFt4Nt5T0A1BaUChyphenhyphen9PbBqzcOhsY4CKjcyMqtRAiG8vR7GWUk_QxxIYDr9zV5vIR_z1TFzhNy9qjOLiWi6xUi7Uq5rlQfpDlkezJ7HcaD249Eh_h/s640/MarchMoneyMadness2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-85319453896968085332016-01-12T15:17:00.001-05:002016-01-12T15:18:30.204-05:00Get Free Tax HelpWe love our refunds, but hate the process of completing taxes. Did you know there is free help for you? Check out these resources:<br />
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<b>AARP Tax Aide in Virginia Beach</b><br />
Offers free tax preparation at two library locations. http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/libraries/news-and-events/Pages/Tax-Preparation.aspx<br />
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<b>South Hampton Roads EITC Coalition:</b><br />
Free tax preparation for households earning $55,000 or less. www.shreitc.com for a list of locations available to serve you!<br />
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<b>My Free Taxes:</b><br />
Complete your own tax return for free. 800 number telephone support if you have any questions. Visit www.myfreetaxes.com<br />
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<b>Save Your Refund:</b><br />
Get rewarded for saving a portion of your refund to your savings account. $25,000 grand prize for those who share a picture of their savings goal. www.saveyourrefund.comVirginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-6790072208908360432015-10-29T12:09:00.001-04:002015-10-29T12:10:44.335-04:00Businesses Benefit When We Don't Have Savings<div id="cp_widget_bfdcc23b-9487-4220-91eb-8e89bd155346">
...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE-lBG4QSxhkCJRqmUh-uy1t0BVLToL3SL5AG-qzZJh-ltQtVICg4nEkeURWAASQalQ8gZvAWgR5xlkctpZfmWeewFEt779vo03wQ54nVU3rQdFJxPafid9y5J68EBFLpSprhn8CU58E/s1600/Electronic+Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE-lBG4QSxhkCJRqmUh-uy1t0BVLToL3SL5AG-qzZJh-ltQtVICg4nEkeURWAASQalQ8gZvAWgR5xlkctpZfmWeewFEt779vo03wQ54nVU3rQdFJxPafid9y5J68EBFLpSprhn8CU58E/s400/Electronic+Ad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.financialplanningdays.org/virginiabeach" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">RSVP</span></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-62374135748407195202015-10-29T12:06:00.002-04:002015-10-29T12:06:18.705-04:00Holiday Shopping on a Shoestring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
RSVP: Bankonvb@vbgov.com</div>
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Free Workshop to help you create a plan to enjoy the holidays without the debt hangover!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvv8_05gCPn4Qq2XqoVLSgrgbQ_A6JD6wdf-hzWeDVO5oXDH1MTbF6uTC5XnMDfxLg4sgYiCz9sLVcjn6HTZRRkdtYYfR_NbKpRtx5pxHoUXGJWqiJ8e8xQOaqfBuck7Kfv9B6pWy9MYw/s1600/FE-ShopWorkshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvv8_05gCPn4Qq2XqoVLSgrgbQ_A6JD6wdf-hzWeDVO5oXDH1MTbF6uTC5XnMDfxLg4sgYiCz9sLVcjn6HTZRRkdtYYfR_NbKpRtx5pxHoUXGJWqiJ8e8xQOaqfBuck7Kfv9B6pWy9MYw/s400/FE-ShopWorkshop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-58504248953714258882015-01-26T10:16:00.001-05:002015-01-26T10:16:12.511-05:0052 Week SavingsThe 52 Week Savings Challenge has taken savers by storm. The challenge is to save $1,378 by increasing your savings by $1 each week. This plan is challenging but simple. <br />
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During week one you save $1. Easy-peasy. <br />
Week two: $2. You get the drift.<br />
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The Challenge starts out easy and gets harder throughout the year so that at week 51, you save $51 and week 52, you save $52. With these harder weeks coming during the holiday season many people find themselves falling off the plan.<br />
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Virginia Saves offers a couple of ways to still achieve your mission but without the year-end pain.<br />
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1. Use your refund to catch up on some of the harder weeks. Set that money into your savings. Hard weeks done!<br />
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2. Do the challenge in reverse so that the easier weeks are at the end rather than the beginning. <br />
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3. Mark off the weeks as you are able to complete them. Only have $17 to save, mark that week off.<br />
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To get you copy of the 52 Week Savings Challenge click <a href="http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/human-services/Documents/FE-52wksavings.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-25562259895001446382015-01-26T10:08:00.004-05:002015-01-26T10:08:54.152-05:00Tax Refund Uses to Advance Your Goals
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Do you spend weeks
eagerly anticipating your tax refund? When the money finally comes in, is it
gone tomorrow? Many people view tax refunds as unplanned bonuses, using for
splurges or treats. A tax refund provides the opportunity to improve your
financial situation. Use these tips to get the most value from your refund
check. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pursue financial goals.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Saving for a
house or car down payment? Establishing to your child's college tuition fund?
Apply your tax refund toward these goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leverage tax refund for matched savings:</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Virginia Individual Development Accounts can
be a great way for you to fund your goals of homeownership, small business or
higher education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>VIDA can offer $2 for
every $1 you save.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit </span></span><a href="http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/index.php/business-va-assistance/startingexpanding-a-business/virginia-individual-development-accounts-vida-business.html"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/index.php/business-va-assistance/startingexpanding-a-business/virginia-individual-development-accounts-vida-business.html</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> to
see if you could be eligible for up to $4,000 matched savings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pay down your debt.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Use your refund for some much needed
debt relief. Pay down credit card balances. Your refund paired with a debt
snowball can knock years off your indebtedness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To get started on a debt snowball, you can visit </span></span><a href="http://www.powerpay.org/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.powerpay.org</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Save for a rainy day.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Put your refund into a savings
account or emergency fund to prepare for big expenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Savings helps you with a major car repair
bill, medical emergency or other unexpected expenses. Virginia Saves offers a
variety of savings and debt reduction strategies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join today at </span></span><a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.virginiasaves.org</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Build retirement.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Tax time is a great time to
establish or increase your retirement funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Starting early and letting your investment grow can provide you a secure
future in your older years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find out how
much you need to save each month, check out the Ballpark Estimate at </span></span><a href="http://www.choosetosave.org/ballpark"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.choosetosave.org/ballpark</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Enjoy. </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apply your refund to pay for your vacation,
back to school or holiday expenses to take the stress out of those irregular
expenses that can throw your budget off course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We all have things we enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use
Virginia Saves’ </span></span><a href="http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/human-services/Documents/FE-40-30-40.pdf"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">30-40-30</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
plan to earmark a portion for pleasure while still saving and reducing
debt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learn more at </span></span><a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.virginiasaves.org</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Upgrade your life.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Your refund check provides the
opportunity to improve your life. Spruce up your home (replace the siding,
stain the deck, etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repair or replace
your car to increase your transportation reliability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Improve
your career opportunities by taking a class or training course. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Train your children.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Use your refund to teach your older
children to handle money. Allow them to manage a portion of the refund,
teaching them to budget for school, clothing and entertainment expenses as well
as the importance of savings. Our children depend on our instruction to prepare
them for life’s choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Begin now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leave a legacy.</span></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Use your refund to offer hope and encouragement to others by making a
charitable contribution to a non-profit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Investing in the lives of others can offer them a helping hand at a
crucial moment in their lives and can also provide you a charitable deduction
to reduce your taxes next </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">year.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><o:p><a href="http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/human-services/Documents/FE-Taxrefunduses.pdf" target="_blank">PRINTABLE VERSION</a></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-33962177052633228842015-01-26T10:02:00.000-05:002015-01-26T10:02:08.654-05:0030-40-30 Plan Makes Taxtime Savings EasyGetting started on a savings plan is one of the hardest pieces of the puzzle. Virginia Saves website <a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/">www.virginiasaves.org</a> has some great tips to help you get started. Taxtime is a great time to carve out a little refund savings to meet your future needs. Take a look at the 30-40-30 plan. Using this plan you address past, present and future needs with your tax refund.<br />
<br />
PAST: 30% of your refund used to catch up on past due bills and debt reduction.<br />
<br />
PRESENT: 40% live a little and enjoy some of the purchases you have been putting off because of funds shortage.<br />
<br />
FUTURE: 30% set aside for future purchases (back to school, vacation, new tires, emergency, etc).<br />
<br />
Get your <a href="http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/human-services/Documents/FE-40-30-40.pdf" target="_blank">30-40-30 Plan</a> here.<br />
<br />
This year you can cover all your needs using your refund to get you jumpstarted.<br />
Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-81831348073784813172014-07-01T14:17:00.000-04:002014-07-01T14:17:07.865-04:00<div align="LEFT">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Savings Facts and Statistics </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Consumers with Savings Plans Far More Likely to Save, Reduce Debt <br />
</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">There are striking differences between the savings progress of those with and without a savings plan, as the figures below suggest. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: xx-small;">(Source: America Saves and the American Savings Education Council (ASEC) 2011 National Survey Assessing Household Saving (link)) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: xx-small;"></span></span>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0" dir="LTR" style="width: 378px;">
<tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" height="16" valign="TOP" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">With Plan </span></span></td>
<td colspan="2" height="16" valign="TOP" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">Without Plan </span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr><td height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">Spend less than income, save difference </span></span></td>
<td colspan="2" height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">88% </span></span></td>
<td height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">50% </span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr><td height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">Reducing consumer debt or debt-free </span></span></td>
<td colspan="2" height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">87 </span></span></td>
<td height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">69 </span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr><td height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">Sufficient emergency savings </span></span></td>
<td colspan="2" height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">85 </span></span></td>
<td height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">50 </span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr><td height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">Saving enough for retirement </span></span></td>
<td colspan="2" height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">61 </span></span></td>
<td height="7" valign="TOP" width="33%">27 </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-30153583355786607282014-05-30T16:05:00.003-04:002014-05-30T16:05:45.140-04:00Piggy Bank Pageant Winner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_YdNIyHVz4EXhPwcQSgffR5xSmItmz54iqE9V3O35PjBw7REhkrcNP6XPRs5GPDv4-BOPSm1xcxM346k5LIYB-SMtINLLWxRsWuEJ175UR_OHsOm6mtE1YYChUHLAqmLCQwd1QMyL4Yb/s1600/2014+Piggy+Bank+Pageant+Winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_YdNIyHVz4EXhPwcQSgffR5xSmItmz54iqE9V3O35PjBw7REhkrcNP6XPRs5GPDv4-BOPSm1xcxM346k5LIYB-SMtINLLWxRsWuEJ175UR_OHsOm6mtE1YYChUHLAqmLCQwd1QMyL4Yb/s1600/2014+Piggy+Bank+Pageant+Winners.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-18946136496518015682014-03-13T15:06:00.003-04:002014-03-13T15:07:46.041-04:00Piggy Bank Pageant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHQbeC7iSQLkcCBLOzGVJ4QTRM69yZ1Keh48FONR0hXtsocDFqHm320AbHVM-gvjM-gDGQAfNq4qzsSGiPBiK7gP1613TxS4Qm4Wxi4CXcIDxrnhYCiTmkjXxY_u-1FG1ZJCf7UTjBON2/s1600/Pink+pig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHQbeC7iSQLkcCBLOzGVJ4QTRM69yZ1Keh48FONR0hXtsocDFqHm320AbHVM-gvjM-gDGQAfNq4qzsSGiPBiK7gP1613TxS4Qm4Wxi4CXcIDxrnhYCiTmkjXxY_u-1FG1ZJCf7UTjBON2/s1600/Pink+pig.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
Deck out your pig and enter Virginia Saves' Piggy Bank Pageant! April is Financial Capability Awareness Month and is the best time for parents to introduce their children to the importance of savings. </h4>
Children ages 6 - 16 are eligible to participate. Here's how it works:<br />
<br />
Your child or children's group create a piggy bank using household items. (coffee can, soda bottle, margarine dish etc.) Snap a photo of your pig and attach an enrollment form to be considered for eligibility. Grand Prize winners win $100!<br />
<br />
Two age groups: <br />
<br />
Class A: Ages 6 - 10<br />
Class B: Ages 11 - 16<br />
<br />
Get creative, your piggy bank could actually be a house, a car, a ball, or another animal. The sky's the limit. Entries will be posted at Virginia Saves Facebook page. <br />
<br />
To find out more about this annual savers activity, <a href="http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/human-services/Documents/FE-PiggyBankPageantRegistration.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlYNSixeG3_rUheUsQDbB_WArmnHZx8QVxnBfhUg-9HQ9DnEH_2hxoYzhTmOzYLu0UIe5n4r1cHWlTk4ZKi0V2Bmgecq6H6Y0wUBMOeq3V_xa7IaLzDsGNH0qBN73VVo-Rrm6PGEHEC3j/s1600/catepiller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlYNSixeG3_rUheUsQDbB_WArmnHZx8QVxnBfhUg-9HQ9DnEH_2hxoYzhTmOzYLu0UIe5n4r1cHWlTk4ZKi0V2Bmgecq6H6Y0wUBMOeq3V_xa7IaLzDsGNH0qBN73VVo-Rrm6PGEHEC3j/s1600/catepiller.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-17631896774599747842013-06-06T13:07:00.001-04:002013-06-06T13:07:37.533-04:00It's Hurricane Season....Can you weather a financial storm?<br />
Virginia Savers:<br />
<br />
Check out this article from NEFE (National Endowment for Financial Education).<br />
It includes information on natural disasters and how to prepare for them financially, including reviewing your insurance policies.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://e2.ma/message/zhkld/b30l1b" target="_blank"> Click here for more info on: Weathering Financial Storms</a>Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-66315280428806065932013-04-15T15:00:00.000-04:002013-04-24T09:47:03.222-04:00Virginia Saves Piggy Bank Pageant & Photo Contest Winners Announced<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Congratulations to all of the sponsoring organizations,
volunteers, parents, and most of all, youth savers that participated in
Virginia Saves 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> Piggy Bank Pageant and Photo contest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we celebrate and promote financial literacy initiatives
in April each year, Virginia Saves appreciates the work by our educators,
community volunteers and family to help teach youth on the benefits of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i>These life lessons are important for all of us as we seek to help families
and communities become financially fit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year, 70 entries were received from 10 communities in
Virginia, including: Charlottesville, Dublin, Newport, Pearisburg, Pembroke,
Portsmouth, Radford, Roanoke and Virginia Beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition to individual entries submitted directly to
Virginia Saves, we would like to acknowledge the participation from these
groups:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beans and Rice, Radford<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beta Chi Omega Chapter Alpha Kapa Alpha
Sorority, Inc., Roanoke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Community Housing Partners, Yorktown and
Portsmouth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eastern Elementary/Middle School<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Girl Scout Daisy Troop #17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greenstone on 5th Neighborhood Network Community
Center, Charlottesville<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winners by Class:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaSaves?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.10151383787813443.1073741830.310495853442&type=3"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Winners
on Facebook</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Virginia Saves and Virginia Saves appreciate the support and
sponsorship of BB&T, Virginia Housing Development Authority and America
Saves. We will be coordinating with sponsoring organization for the presentation of awards.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teresa Walker</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Virginia Saves, Chair</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShJlxZPsYa6hLTOJPbn-QpzG5nbMBGctUbLDgriJUQLh5BCG19yJYnLvhMR-ML91L7Zww7MAonzCcl6bjYS2no1xxBpJO8lmp-RtzRzwM6xjv_uJ4yL533NxdEPtZbToEhEETOmMs-r94/s1600/2013+Virginia+Saves+Piggy+Bank+Pageant+Winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Piggy Bank Pageant" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShJlxZPsYa6hLTOJPbn-QpzG5nbMBGctUbLDgriJUQLh5BCG19yJYnLvhMR-ML91L7Zww7MAonzCcl6bjYS2no1xxBpJO8lmp-RtzRzwM6xjv_uJ4yL533NxdEPtZbToEhEETOmMs-r94/s640/2013+Virginia+Saves+Piggy+Bank+Pageant+Winners.jpg" title="2013 Virginia Saves Piggy Bank Pageant Winners" width="492" /></a></div>
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Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-5783864096566764162013-02-21T11:45:00.000-05:002013-02-21T11:51:56.560-05:00Virginia Governor Recognizes America Saves Week<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Virginia Saves Week<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 25 – March 2, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Set A Goal. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make A Plan. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Save Automatically.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These are the key components of
America Saves Week, a national effort to encourage personal savings. The Virginia
Saves campaign aligns with the messages and the timing launching on Monday,
February 25 and running until March 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Virginia Saves offers numerous
opportunities for individuals to assess their savings status and build their
own plans for greater financial security. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell also
supports the campaign and has issued a proclamation to recognize Virginia Saves
Week for citizens in the Commonwealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Key savings strategies include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #221e1f;">Save a portion of your refund: </span></b><span style="color: #221e1f;">Tax time is a great opportunity to boost your savings
using a portion of your tax refund.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #221e1f;">Pay off high-interest debt: </span></b><span style="color: #221e1f;">Too much debt can create a barrier to savings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eliminate high cost credit card payments and
redirect money to your savings account.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #221e1f;">Save for emergencies</span></b><span style="color: #221e1f;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone faces unexpected expenses or
repairs. Emergency funds help you to weather the financial storms of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b>Make Savings Automatic: </b>Save<span style="color: #221e1f;"> regularly through payroll deduction or automatic
transfer to a separate savings account.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Individuals are encouraged to join
the campaign and pledge to save.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
have previously joined the campaign, we encourage you to re-commit to save and
take the pledge, see </span><a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/index.php/enroll"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #34647f;">http://www.virginiasaves.org/index.php/enroll</span></span></b></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Virginia Savers receive
e-newsletters periodically and access to online tools to help you reduce debt
and watch your money grow. New savers in Virginia will also be entered in a
quarterly drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The highly popular </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Piggy Bank Pageant for youth is also
underway across the Commonwealth. A panel of judges will select winners from
two categories. Cash prizes are supplied courtesy of Virginia Housing
Development Authority. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deadline for
entries is March 31, 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You will also find Virginia Saves
tips on: Facebook, Twitter and Blogspot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For more information, visit </span><a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">www.virginiasaves.org</span></b></a><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">.</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgyBCDuB2u3h1Tjviv0kWb-yvhqRp5ndNga1YzzJCmHYz2O1Icgfd-YLjOZ8xqgmJeb0-0gRO0hQlK_A_kXVgmkSbxLTptGKKI2Q6nj5xXiJqwOEwngb6MXPOmvdk4PkOg1ObM_o5ZQ73/s1600/Virginia+Saves+Week+Small.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/images/02212013.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click Here for Full Size PDF of Governor's Proclamation</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-8287372885655117702013-01-15T13:30:00.005-05:002013-01-28T17:22:59.208-05:002013 Virginia Saves Piggy Bank Pageant & Photo Contest<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUuqhvNOjLYZssdUDlZ28nfxU2YE4paoNtNM1yqNu7G3Pchwe1br_LCNdkrA5IscDVKf78_-d-msEuhyphenhyphenTi9JdFqK0nJo47DSNlpD0q3Ep-qb84jrYi_qiCpg7tofMN7_EEavPgqouID_e/s1600/VA2color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUuqhvNOjLYZssdUDlZ28nfxU2YE4paoNtNM1yqNu7G3Pchwe1br_LCNdkrA5IscDVKf78_-d-msEuhyphenhyphenTi9JdFqK0nJo47DSNlpD0q3Ep-qb84jrYi_qiCpg7tofMN7_EEavPgqouID_e/s320/VA2color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"> </o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 30pt;"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;">Virginia Saves <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #708b39; font-size: 30pt;"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;">2013<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #708b39; font-size: 30pt;">Piggy Bank Pageant</span></b><span style="font-size: 30pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Help us
Celebrate Virginia Saves Week 2013!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Create a bank
and send us your photo<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #708b39; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text1;">Youth
(ages 4-12) may enter the contest and compete for prizes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text1;">One grand
prize awarded to an organization promoting the Virginia Saves 2013 Piggy Bank
Pageant.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">It’s easy to
participate!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">• <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Take a container (your choice) and make a
bank to hold money. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Use recycled materials to decorate
your bank. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">• <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sizes up to: 14” x 14” and banks must be able to hold coins.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Submit a photo to: </span></b><a href="mailto:virginiasaves@gmail.com"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">virginiasaves@gmail.com</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"> along with your registration form and <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">What you are saving for (<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Limit 50 words). Registration forms available
at </span></span></b><a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">www.virginiasaves.org</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Compete for Prizes (valued at): 1<sup>st</sup> place - $100; 2<sup>nd</sup>
place - $50; 3<sup>rd</sup> place - $25</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">A panel of judges will select the three winners from each category.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Judging based on visual presentation, creativity of materials used and
savings goals. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Eligibility: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Class A – Youth ages
4-8 • Class B – Youth ages 9-12</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Virginia Schools, youth organizations, church groups and individual
savers welcome to participate!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Winners notified by April 15, 2013</span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong> </div>
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<a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/images/create%20a%20piggy%20bank-final-registration.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">For Registration Form, Click Here!<o:p></o:p></span></a></h3>
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<a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/images/create%20a%20piggy%20bank-final-flyer.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">For Official Flyer, Click Here</span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">For additional information:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Contact
Teresa Walker or Maron El-Khouri, Virginia Saves c/o VCC <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Email: Virginiasaves@gmail.com,
twalker@vccva or <a href="mailto:mel-Khouri@vccva.org">mel-Khouri@vccva.org</a>, or <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Phone: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>804-344-5485 x 120 or 540-260-3126 x 102<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #708b39; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">See also: virginiasaves.org or Virginia-Saves
on Facebook<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></div>
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Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-56119638407774658282013-01-09T15:39:00.003-05:002013-01-09T15:40:46.129-05:00SaveUp No Spending Challenge<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Savings Challenge: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Commit to 30 Days of No Spending With SaveUp<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">America
Saves and Virginia Saves are committed to finding innovative ways to help you
save successfully. That's why we have teamed up with </span></span><a href="http://www.saveup.com/" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4f6228; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SaveUp</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4f6228; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">, a free
program that rewards Americans for saving money and paying down their debts,</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> to provide you a fun and engaging
experience while you save for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">BONUS: </span></span><a href="http://americasaves.org/for-savers/203"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join Virginia Saves</span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and we
will send you an email with the special link to earn 100 bonus credits with
SaveUp.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of
the top New Year’s resolutions is to save more and stick to a budget. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Research shows if you can change your
behavior for 30 days you are likely to stick to your goals.</span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #4f6228; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">Join the SaveUp 30 Day </span></b></span></span><a href="http://www.saveup.com/nospend?utm_source=americasaves&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=blog" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4f6228; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No Spend Challenge</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4f6228; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"> – and kick start the New Year right.</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4f6228; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Be a champion for your personal economic recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <strong>H</strong></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>OW
IT WORKS <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose
any credit card in your wallet and commit to 30 days of no spending on that
card by registering it for the SaveUp No Spend challenge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
more days you check-in and stick to your challenge the more chances you have to
win the grand prize of $5,000 to pay down your debt. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">BONUS:
Be a champion for change – share to bring others to the SaveUp No Spending
Challenge and win an additional $5,000 in rewards. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">BENEFITS:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> SaveUp’s Financial Detox helps you in the following ways:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saving
real dollars. Based on compound interest, an average household would save close
to $15,000 in interest over 10 years if it paid down $1,000 now in credit card
debt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
challenges you to NOT spend on anything but what is needed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s
a game – how many days can I go without using money?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
forces you to look at other more creative options than spending.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
makes you become more conscious of your spending habits.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
discourages thoughtless, throwaway purchases and allows you to discover how
little you truly need to be happy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
encourages planning-ahead-spending and the use of cash or debit cards.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SaveUp
is a great online tool to motivate and reward people while saving and paying
down their debt. As our members save more/pay down their debt, they earn
opportunities to win great prizes like a $5,000 No Spend Fund, or a $5,000 Save
and Share prize. SaveUp users can also organize all their savings and debt in
one place, track their progress, and learn more about making the right
financial choices.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more
savings tips, see </span></span><a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4f6228; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.VirginiaSaves.org</span></span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #4f6228; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-32087832836462504652013-01-09T14:26:00.000-05:002013-01-09T14:26:01.541-05:00New Year's Savings Strategies
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><b><span style="color: #ff6633; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Happy
New Year Virginia Savers!</span></b><span style="color: #ff6633; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="color: #ff6633; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #ff6633; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">As 2013 begins, make sure to give your finances a checkup and
discover if you need to make saving your New Year's resolution. You may
discover that you have debt you need to pay down or that you are ready to take
the next step in savings. Helping yourself and your family save successfully
for the future should be near the top of your resolution list - and it's one
resolution you can't afford to break! Remember, you don't have to make a lot of
money to save successfully. Start Small. Think Big.</span><span style="color: #ff6633; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #ff6600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5
Resolutions to Get You Saving in the New Year</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1. Get Out of Debt </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The best investment most borrowers can
make is to pay off consumer debt with double-digit interest rates. <b>How
to do it:</b> Find places to cut your spending so that you can <a href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2d157674610078741176&ls=fdc3157075610d7b771371706c&m=fef91174716702&l=fe8a16777162027571&s=fe1b1d777d6401757d1073&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="pay down your debts faster"><span style="color: blue;">pay down your debts faster</span></a>.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2. Save for Emergencies </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having an emergency savings fund may be
the most important difference between those who manage to stay afloat and
those who are sinking financially. In a <a href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2c157674610078741177&ls=fdc3157075610d7b771371706c&m=fef91174716702&l=fe8a16777162027571&s=fe1b1d777d6401757d1073&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="recent survey"><span style="color: blue;">recent survey</span></a>, only 49% of families said they
had extra funds (not including lines of credit) available to pay for an
unexpected expense of $1,000. <a href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2b157674610078741178&ls=fdc3157075610d7b771371706c&m=fef91174716702&l=fe8a16777162027571&s=fe1b1d777d6401757d1073&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Don't find yourself unprepared in 2013"><span style="color: blue;">Don't find yourself
unprepared in 2013</span></a>. <b>How to do it: </b><a href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2a157674610078741179&ls=fdc3157075610d7b771371706c&m=fef91174716702&l=fe8a16777162027571&s=fe1b1d777d6401757d1073&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Save a Portion of Your Tax Refund"><span style="color: blue;">Save a Portion of Your Tax
Refund</span></a>. Use the 30 - 40 - 30 plan. Designate 30% of your refund to pay
off debt and catch up on outstanding bills. Earmark 40% for current use.
Use 30% to jump start an emergency fund or long term savings. You can use
form 8888 to split your refund into separate accounts and buy a U.S. Savings
Bond. Bonds are a safe and easy way to save for the future. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3. Save for Retirement </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many employees turn down free money from
their employer by not signing up for a work-related retirement program
such as a 401(k) plan. If they did participate, with a dollar-for-dollar
match they would likely receive an annual yield of greater than 100% on
their investment. <b>How to do it:</b> Participate in a work-related
retirement program or <a href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe32157674610078741270&ls=fdc3157075610d7b771371706c&m=fef91174716702&l=fe8a16777162027571&s=fe1b1d777d6401757d1073&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="open up a Roth IRA"><span style="color: blue;">open up a Roth IRA</span></a>. Already saving?
Increase the amount you save toward retirement by 1% in 2013.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">4. Make Savings Automatic</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It can be hard to put aside money for
savings. But there is an easy way to save money without ever missing it - <a href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe31157674610078741271&ls=fdc3157075610d7b771371706c&m=fef91174716702&l=fe8a16777162027571&s=fe1b1d777d6401757d1073&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Make your savings automatic"><span style="color: blue;">Make your savings automatic</span></a> in
2013.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5. Buy a Home and Pay Off the Mortgage Before
You Retire </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The largest asset of most middle-income
families is their home equity. Once these families have made their last
mortgage payment, they have far lower housing expenses. How to do it:
Almost anyone can afford to own a home with <a href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe30157674610078741272&ls=fdc3157075610d7b771371706c&m=fef91174716702&l=fe8a16777162027571&s=fe1b1d777d6401757d1073&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="proper preparation"><span style="color: blue;">proper preparation </span></a>. Develop a savings plan
to build up money for a down payment at purchase, for moving expenses, and
for post-purchase emergency expenditures such as needed home repairs.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-20876918413335553042012-07-25T11:18:00.003-04:002013-01-09T14:34:36.105-05:00Creating a Savings Plan: Pay Yourself First<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Creating a Savings
Plan: Pay Yourself First<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You’ve probably heard the phrase “pay yourself first.” But what
does it really mean? It means you should consider your savings account in the
same manner you consider your monthly bills—as a necessary expense. In fact,
you should pay yourself <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before </i>you
pay your monthly bills. Professional blogger </span><a href="http://www.jdroth.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">J.D.
Roth</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> lists these three reasons why:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When you
pay yourself first, you’re mentally establishing saving as a priority</b>.
You’re telling yourself that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> are
more important than the electric company or the landlord. Building savings is a
powerful motivator—it’s empowering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Paying
yourself first encourages sound financial habits</b>. Most people spend their
money in the following order: bills, fun, saving. Unsurprisingly, there’s
usually little left over to put in the bank. But if you bump saving to the front—saving,
bills, fun—you’re able to set the money aside <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i> you rationalize reasons to spend it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">By paying
yourself first, you’re building a cash buffer with real-world applications</b>.
Regular steady contributions are an excellent way to build a nest egg. You can
use the money to deal with emergencies. You can use it to purchase a house. You
can use it to save for retirement. Paying yourself first gives you freedom—it
opens a world of opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Virginia Saves</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
offers a variety of resources to help you get started—join today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-57767518160224353302012-07-25T11:18:00.001-04:002013-01-09T14:26:56.715-05:00Paying Off High Interest Debt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasbUk2s9kfrX2-SqXObaFBHqV0ulRsApqNVy6Tx2nYDGYz7BnNIqvi0womC2FI-LQeXI4THbRHU6rggCxyPMum6oyGQGaZ1ME-_bCjz4JZBKAw0jxO_gS6ujbRQC401ULUHkB_-xHRZhP/s200/VA2color.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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Paying Off High-Interest Debt</h2>
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Borrowing more money than you can afford is costly in many ways. Americans spend well over $75 billion a year just on credit card interest and fees. That means that families who revolve credit card balances pay an average of $1,500 a year in interest and fees. If they saved that $1,500 in an account with a five percent yield, in 40 years they would have nearly $200,000! Taking on too much debt also <u>lowers your credit score.</u> That means you will end up paying higher interest rates on all your consumer and mortgage loans. A low credit score can also make it harder to rent an apartment, get utility services, and even get a job.</div>
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Too much debt isn't just expensive. People with lots of debt often say they lack peace of mind. They worry constantly about paying off debts and making ends meet. The stress of these worries affects their family life, work performance, and other areas of their lives. </div>
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Are you in Trouble? </h3>
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If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, then you probably need to get your debts under better control: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXZTK63OTAkc9LeJZ5g1feGxIdefL3FKx4Oz6htgpE_3SIGKExIIOAiMvliS6Wz24WfkA83aO55d3LrBkfzHlZu4s3eYQ0QcUfDt6Dol9qtyIB_dp7bqq2vvULpqy9EsUjhHyGIOhxqyc/s1600/I%2527m+Saving+to+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXZTK63OTAkc9LeJZ5g1feGxIdefL3FKx4Oz6htgpE_3SIGKExIIOAiMvliS6Wz24WfkA83aO55d3LrBkfzHlZu4s3eYQ0QcUfDt6Dol9qtyIB_dp7bqq2vvULpqy9EsUjhHyGIOhxqyc/s320/I%2527m+Saving+to+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Can you only afford to make minimum payments on your credit cards?</div>
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Do you worry about finding the money to make monthly car payments?</div>
</li>
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Do you borrow money to pay off old debts?</div>
</li>
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Have you used a home equity loan to refinance credit card debts, and then run up new revolving balances on your cards?</div>
</li>
</ol>
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The good news is that there is hope. With planning, discipline, patience, and maybe some outside help, almost anyone can reduce their debts and start to accumulate wealth. </div>
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How to reduce your Debts</h3>
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The first step in getting out of debt is to stop borrowing. To do that, you have to stop spending more than you earn. So, make a budget and cut out any expenses you can. It may help to cut up your credit cards or lock them away in a safe place. </div>
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Set a Goal.</h4>
<ul>
<li> Example: I want to pay down $5,000 in debt in one year.</li>
</ul>
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Make a Plan.</h4>
<ul>
<li> Figure out the most you can afford to pay each month to reduce your debts, then make those payments without fail. See if you can automatically pay your bills each month to ensure you make your payments on time.</li>
</ul>
<strong>TIP:</strong> If you have debts on more than one credit card, either pay off the card with the highest interest rate first and work your way down to the card with the lowest rate, or pay off the smallest loan first and work your way up to the largest. Once you've paid off your debts, don't give in to the temptation to start over spending again. Instead, take the money you were paying each month on your debts and begin to save it. That will give you a financial cushion the next time an emergency strikes.<br />
<h3>
Where to get help</h3>
In communities, there are agencies that can help you manage your debts.<br />
<h4>
Consumer Credit Counseling Services </h4>
The most helpful and most widely available are <u>non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling </u><br />
<u>Services (CCCS). </u>CCCS counselors can work with you privately to help you develop a <br />
budget, figure out your options, and negotiate with creditors to repay your debts. <br />
Call 1-800-388-2227 to locate the office nearest you. <br />
<h4>
Cooperative Extension Offices</h4>
Some national credit counseling non-profits, who provide advice online or over the phone, <br />
can also be helpful. However, others charge high fees for little service, so be sure to shop<br />
carefully. In many communities, <u>Cooperative Extension offices</u> offer workshops, home-study<br />
courses, and other services to help people manage their money, including their debts.<br />
Cooperative Extension offices are listed in the blue pages of the phone book under county <br />
government.<br />
<h3>
Are you ready to set your goal?</h3>
Virginia Saves is a non-profit that encourages individuals and families to save money and build personal wealth, can help you develop your goals and take action. When you <u><a href="http://virginiasaves.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2" target="_blank">join as a saver</a></u> you'll receive the following benefits:<br />
<ul>
<li>Free subscription to the quarterly American Saver newsletter</li>
<li>Free monthly e-mail newsletters with savings advice from national experts.</li>
<li>Free access to the members-only Savers Tracking Tool to help you reach your goals</li>
<li>Access to online financial prizes and games. Get 100 bonus credits with SaveUp at <a href="http://saveup.com/">saveup.com</a></li>
<li>Like us on Facebook at: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Virginia-Saves/310495853442?ref=hl" target="_blank">Virginia Saves</a></li>
<li>Join today at <a href="http://www.virginiasaves.org/">www.virginiasaves.org</a></li>
</ul>
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Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-74837258979370082562012-07-24T15:46:00.000-04:002012-07-24T15:46:58.660-04:00Saving for a Large Purchase<h2 align="center">
Saving for a Large Purchase</h2>
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Traditionally when we think about saving for a large purchase we think about saving for a <a href="http://americasaves.org/for-savers/172" target="_blank">car</a> or a <a href="http://americasaves.org/for-savers/166" target="_blank">home</a>. But there are other short-term and life event purchases that could also fall into this category. For example, saving for a new computer, a vacation, or a wedding could all fall nto the large purchase category.</div>
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No matter what you are saving for, the way to achieve your goal is the same: </div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
Set a Goal.</h3>
<ul><ul>
<li>Decide what you want to save for.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
Make a Plan.</h3>
<ul><ul>
<li>Determine how much you want to save a month and for how long.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
Save Automatically. </h3>
<ul><ul>
<li>Set up direct deposit or put part of your pay into a savings account automatically each month.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
Strategies for Saving for a Large Purchase</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Build adequate emergency savings -</strong> Before you begin to save for any large purchase, make sure you have adequate emergency savings. You wouldn't want to save for months or years only to have to dip into your large purchase savings in order to pay for an emergency.</li>
<li><strong>Pay Yourself First - </strong>Once you have set your goal and made a plan on how long it will take to reach your goal, having money automatically put into an account through direct deposit or an automatic transfer from your checking account.</li>
<li><strong>Keep your savings safe and protected</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>If you are looking to save for a few years, consider putting your savings in a Certificate of Deposit (CD), a U.S. Savings bond, or <a href="http://americasaves.org/september-2011/275-saving-for-college-529-accounts" target="_blank">a 529 account (for college savings).</a> These types of accounts generally yield more than a typical savings account but also have limitations to when you can access your funds. <a href="http://americasaves.org/for-savers/19" target="_blank">Learn more about financial products to help you save.</a></li>
<li>Some large purchases, like saving for an appliance, a computer, or a vacation take less time to save for. For these types of purchases consider putting your savings into a savings account or share account. This will keep your money safe and secure and you can usually access your savings at any time.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
Are you ready to set your Goal?</h3>
<a href="http://virginiasaves.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Saves</a> are here to help. Virginia Saves can help you develop your goals and take action. When you <a href="http://virginiasaves.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2" target="_blank">join as a saver</a>, you'll receive the following benefits:<br />
<ul>
<li>Free subscription to the quarterly American Saver newsletter.</li>
<li>Free monthly e-mail newsletters with savings advice from national experts.</li>
<li>Free access to the members-only Savers Tracking Tool to help you reach your goals.</li>
<li>100 bonus credits with SaveUp</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div align="left">
Courtesy of Katie Bryan, America Saves communications manager</div>
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</div>Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-54329800842915371072012-07-11T10:15:00.000-04:002012-07-11T10:15:45.786-04:00<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A
Lesson from the IRS for Students Starting a Summer Job</span></strong><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
School’s out, but the IRS has another lesson for students who will be
starting summer jobs. Summer jobs represent an opportunity for students to
learn about the tax system.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Not all of the money they earn will be included in their paychecks because
their employer must withhold taxes.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Here are six things the IRS wants students to be aware of when they start a
summer job.<br />
<strong>1. </strong>When you first start a new job you must fill out a Form
W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. This form is used by
employers to determine the amount of tax that will be withheld from your
paycheck. If you have multiple summer jobs, make sure all your employers are
withholding an adequate amount of taxes to cover your total income tax
liability.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>2. </strong>Whether you are working as a waiter or a camp counselor,
you may receive tips as part of your summer income. All tips you receive are
taxable income and are therefore subject to federal income tax.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>3. </strong>Many students do odd jobs over the summer to make extra
cash. Earnings you receive from self-employment – including jobs like
baby-sitting and lawn mowing – are subject to income tax.<br />
<strong>4. </strong>Even if you do not earn enough money to owe income tax,
you will probably have to pay employment taxes. Your employer will withhold
these taxes from your paycheck. If you earn $400 or more from self-employment,
you will have to pay self-employment tax. This pays for benefits under the
Social Security system that are available for self-employed individuals the
same as they are for employees that have taxes withheld from their wages. The
self-employment tax is figured on Form 1040, Schedule SE, and Self-Employment
Tax.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>5. </strong>Food and lodging allowances paid to ROTC students in
advanced training are not taxable. However, active duty pay – such as pay
received during summer camp – is taxable.<br />
<strong>6. </strong>Special rules apply to services you perform as a
newspaper carrier or distributor. You are treated as self-employed for federal
tax purposes regardless of your age if you meet the following conditions:<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You are in the business of delivering newspapers.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All your pay for these services directly relates to
sales rather than to the number of hours worked.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You perform the delivery services under a written
contract which states that you will not be treated as an employee for
federal tax purposes. <br />
If you do not meet these conditions and you are under age 18, then you are
generally exempt from Social Security and Medicare tax.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">More information about income tax withholding
and employment taxes can be found at IRS.gov, the official IRS website.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-90135788569089473452012-07-11T10:12:00.002-04:002012-07-11T10:12:55.238-04:00Big Purchases, Big DecisionsFDIC Consumer Newsletter Offers Tips on Buying a Bank CD, Paying for Education, Financing a Car<br />
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Big purchases - and the financial decisions that come with them -- can have major implications for consumers. The Spring 2012 issue of <strong><em>FDIC Consumer News</em></strong> features practical tips for buying a certificate of deposit (CD), paying for higher education, and financing the purchase of a car. <br />
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<a href="http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnspr12/Spring12Color.pdf" target="_blank">Spring 2012 FDIC Consumer News</a>Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705682629050985201.post-86691842311891290942012-07-11T10:12:00.001-04:002012-07-11T10:12:33.342-04:00Retirement Shortfall Risk Making College Saving Tougher, Even for Affluent<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>RETIREMENT SHORTFALL RISK MAKING COLLEGE SAVING TOUGHER, EVEN FOR AFFLUENT</strong></div>
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Financial planners are helping affluent families confront a financial quandary that most families didn't face 30 or 40 years ago: How to plan for both their retiremnt and their children's college tuition. <br />
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National studies show that most Americans run the risk of running out of money in retirement thanks to the combination of factors, which include record unemployment, declining wealth, low savings rates, investment losses and falling home values. For more <a href="http://www.fa-mag.com/fa-news/10239--retirement-shortfall-risk-making-college-saving-tougher-even-for-affluent.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
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Courtesy of Financial Advisor and Virginia 529</div>Virginia Saveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527055419259157028noreply@blogger.com1