New research from FINRA Investor Education Foundation’s Financial Capability in the United States 2016 report showed that Americans’ satisfaction with their personal finances has nearly doubled from 16% in 2009 to 31% in 2015. Unfortunately, the percent who are spending less than their income, and therefore have money to save, has not seen the same improvement.

The same report found that 40% of Americans are spending less than their income. That leaves 60% of Americans who spend about equal to their income (38%) or who spend more than their income (18%). These numbers have stayed relatively consistent since 2009, staying within two to three percentage points of those reported above.

In an economic climate where it is not always easy to earn more money, or where the amount individuals make month to month may wildly fluctuate, America Saves is motivating people to find places where they can spend less, so that they can free up money to save.

America Saves own research finds that those with a plan are nearly two times as likely to spend less than they earn and save the difference than those without a plan. The idea of putting together a financial plan may seem daunting and cause anxiety and stress. But the act of discovering where your money is going each month and creating a plan, that includes money to save, can provide create feelings of pride and excitement.

America Saves information and resources go beyond financial education. The information and advice individuals receive encourages them to take action and put strategies to work that will actually help them save.

Last month, America Saves challenged those who have taken the America Saves pledge to save $50 more than their savings goal. 1,623 people accepted the challenge and reported that they saved $50 more – for a total of $81,150 more saved by our savers. We were touched by the savings goal of @MoonBlue2010 who is saving to provide some additional support for a nephew who is preparing to go to college. And we were excited to hear that some saved even more than we challenged them to:

@AmericaSaves #ImSavingFor college and traveling. Glad I saved over $100 more this month than my goal! — jatan93 (@jatan93) July 31, 2016

thanks to @AmericaSaves #ImSavingFor our family vacation. Since June my family has saved $1000 #AmericaSaves — Christopher Street (@crstreet) July 19, 2016

The research from FINRA Investor Education Foundation reminds us that many are still in need of help, motivation, and support to create a plan and a lifestyle that allows them to spend less than they earn and save the difference. With the help of our 60 local campaigns and thousands of organizations America Saves is working hard to create this change.

Need motivation and support to reduce your debt or want to get involved? Individuals can join by taking the pledge to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth over time here. Organizations can sign up to receive partner resources with article, social media content, graphics, and resources and can participate in America Saves Week. Learn more at americasavesweek.org.

Research shows 60% of Americans are spending all or more than their income: http://bit.ly/2bst0LG from @FINRAFoundation v/ @AmericaSaves

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