Arizona Saves Inc

The need for programs that advance financial education and financial action stems largely from the extremely low U.S. saving rate (-1%), and the failure of most Americans to have assets to fall back on for emergencies and retirement. Because Arizona ranks among the worst in the nation in numerous areas (37th for the percentage of people in poverty, 43rd for homeownership, 49th for high school dropouts), the need to improve the financial condition of Arizonans is particularly acute. The financial burdens many Arizonans face contributes to poverty, homelessness, hunger, and crime, all of which negatively affect the entire community. Arizona Saves strives to improve Arizonans' ability to build sustainable financial self-sufficiency through education, saving and asset building, reduced spending, and debt reduction. Our Arizona Kids Save program addresses the concern that of Arizonans with children under 18 years of age, over 18% have incomes below 100% of poverty level. In addition, the number one reason teens are dropping out of college is excessive consumer debt. By bringing financial education to our kids, we can help them overcome the cycle of poverty and build secure futures.