America Saves published Americans Report Their Savings Habits and Progress, a press release announcing the results of a survey commissioned by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council (ASEC). The survey found that "only 53 percent say that they save at least 5% of their income, while only 57 percent of those not retired say they are saving enough for a retirement with a "desirable standard of living." The press release highlighted the following:

• Americans Report Mixed Savings Progress
• Income Differences Provide Best Explanation for Savings Differences
• During America Saves Week, Diverse Organizations Plan Activities to Encourage and Assist
• Good Savings Habits

Groups Kick off America Saves Week provides a summary of the press release and the survey results.

The America Saves Week website discusses the purpose of America Saves Week:

The personal savings rate is near zero, most Americans are not saving adequately for retirement, and most lower-income households do not have adequate emergency savings for unexpected expenditures like a car repair. But with more societal encouragement and support, more Americans will be persuaded to build wealth, not debt.

During America Saves Week, individuals will be encouraged and assisted to assess their savings progress and take action to advance this progress. This encouragement and assistance will be provided by organizations and professionals with an interest in improving the financial security of individuals and families.

For example:

• Employers encourage and make it easier for employees to participate in savings and retirement programs.
  
• Banks and credit unions promote automatic transfers from checking to savings and investments.
  
• Mortgage lenders help consumers attain homeownership by saving the down payment on a first mortgage loan.
  
• Nonprofits promote savings programs such as individual development accounts.
  
• Financial educators discuss savings opportunities such as automatic deposits and the "miracle" of interest compounding.
  
• The media report and editorialize about personal savings activities and the activities of the Week.
  
• Individuals take action to save more effectively and encourage family and friends to do the same.

Here are a couple of financial education-related posts:

• Taking The Mystery Out Of Retirement Planning
• Free Basic Financial Education