Who We Are,
What We Do

Arizona Saves was founded to address the decline of savings in Arizona, and to promote asset development and wealth-building among financially-vulnerable individuals and families, in particular those households whose income level is low or moderate. This decline is especially troubling because most low- and moderate-income households have accumulated few assets that will allow them to survive a financial crisis and to have an adequate living into retirement. They have difficulty investing in a college education or a business that can help them improve their economic condition. In the absence of improvement, our community may pay a high price ranging from larger income transfer to crime-related costs. The goal of Arizona Saves is to convince all persons, including youth and children, that they can save, get our of debt, and build assets by becoming a Saver, and to assist them through our financial action program to do so.

Who founded Arizona Saves?

Arizona Saves was founded by a broad collaboration of community groups, employers, government, faith-based groups, and financial institutions who want to help individuals and families save and build wealth through free services. It is a partner with America Saves, which began as a collaboration between the Consumer Federation of America Foundation and The Ford Foundation.

How does Arizona Saves help Arizonans?

Through education, information, and coaching, we assist Arizonans pay down debt, build an emergency fund, save for a home, save for an education, or save for retirement.  Our goal is to provide the financial knowledge and skills by which individuals and their families can attain financial self-reliance, security, and stability.  Many believe that they cannot manage their finances well, save, and build assets.  We believe that all people can achieve financial stability and that all have the ability to save, reduce debt, and build assets/wealth over time. The lack of “wealth” among Arizonans adversely affects communities as well as households; financial problems at home reduce productivity at work and can sometimes end in unemployment.  Those without a material stake in their community are less likely to take responsibility for helping to maintain and improve their community.  In the absence of improvement, our community pays a high price ranging from larger income transfer to crime-related costs, increased poverty, homelessness, and abuse.  Without a financial base to fall back on, many in our community cannot meet emergencies, afford a home, pay for their own or their children’s education, start a business, and support themselves in retirement.  Arizona Saves addresses the cycle of poverty and financial distress among our most financially vulnerable residents, and promotes education, saving, and asset development as a solution. By using the basic principles of financial fitness and public awareness, Arizona Saves works to convince all Arizonans that they can build a stable financial future.

What are the benefits of becoming an Arizona Saver?

Any Arizona resident may participate in our programs at no cost. We encourage them to set and work toward a saving goal and to become an “Arizona Saver.” Arizona Saves works with the Savers to achieve sustainable financial stability, and develop future financial security. To assist Savers in reaching their goal, Arizona Saves offers the following programs and services:

• Financial education classes on a wide variety of topics, including budgeting, using credit wisely, credit repair, preparing to buy a home, preparing to buy a car, predatory lending, and identity theft.
• Workshops that show Arizonans how to save, reduce debt, and build assets.
• Access to no-fee saving accounts.
• Individual financial coaching from financial experts who assist Savers in identifying an appropriate financial goal and developing a plan to meet that goal.

Participation in the program does not cost the participant anything, except time and an interest in learning to wisely and sustainably manage their finances!

How do I become an Arizona Saver? To become an Arizona Saver, enroll online.