April 6-10 is the annual week set aside to remind Americans it pays to save
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee Extension is proud to join organizations across the nation in celebrating America Saves Week 2026 from April 6 -10. This is an annual call to action that encourages individuals and families to strengthen their financial futures through saving and debt reduction. This year’s theme is “Own your financial story: small steps, big impact.”
America Saves Week has been celebrated since 2007 as a nationwide movement empowering everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. Thousands of organizations, including nonprofits, educational institutions, financial institutions, government agencies, military services and community groups, work together each year to promote financial confidence and resilience.
Chris Sneed, associate professor and consumer economics specialist in the UT Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, works to help individuals improve personal financial success. “America Saves Week is an opportunity for Tennesseans to pause, reflect, and take practical steps toward financial wellness,” says Sneed. “Small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful long-term change.”
America Saves Week provides an opportunity for individuals and families to “check in” on their finances, reviewing goals, strengthening savings habits, and building long-term financial stability. Even for those facing financial challenges, the week serves as a starting point for creating realistic, goal-based savings plans and taking control of their financial future.
For organizations like UT Extension, participation strengthens community impact by promoting research-based financial education, increasing financial confidence, and helping Tennesseans build resilience. Participation also connects local communities to a broader national conversation about the importance of saving, reducing debt, and planning for the future. Sneed adds that during the 2025 America Saves Week celebration more than 5,000 individuals representing organizations nationwide reached over 28.5 million Americans with messages and resources focused on saving and financial well-being. Participating banks and credit unions reported more than $155 million in deposits directly resulting from their America Saves Week efforts.
Participation in America Saves Week is simple and free. Sign up to be a saver by taking the America Saves Week pledge online at americasaves.org/pledge. At this site, you can set a savings goal, take the savings pledge, and make a plan to get started. The site also has excellent resources, tips and personal stories designed to help and inspire your savings.
For more information about America Saves Week 2026, visit www.americasaves.org. For information about local resources available through UT Extension, contact your local county Extension office. You may also download the free publication Small Expenses, Big Impact co-authored by Sneed from the UT Extension publications catalog online at utextension.tennessee.edu/publications.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu