DARKE COUNTY — As part of America Saves Week 2021, scheduled for Feb. 22 to 26, 2021, Ohio Saves and OSU Extension professionals are encouraging their communities to take a moment to focus on the importance of emergency savings and saving automatically, in an effort to better prepare Americans for the unexpected, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since 2007 America Saves Week, coordinated by America Saves and its partners, has been an annual celebration as well as a call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. Through the support of thousands of participating organizations, local community residents are encouraged to do a ‘gut-check’ on their finances and saving behaviors. The America Saves pledge is the framework that allows savers to set a goal, and make a plan to achieve better financial stability. OSU Extension professionals in Partnership with Ohio Saves are offering a number of free, financially-focused Zoom presentations as part of America Saves Week. Also, Nicholas Hancart from the Ohio Treasurer’s Office who present on Ohio STABLE Accounts. A full list of Zoom presentations includes:

Mon., Feb. 22, 2021 | Save Automatically

11:15 to 11:45 a.m. | Planning a Debt Free Vacation, Presentation by Melissa Rupp, Fulton County Extension Educator

12 to 12:30 p.m. | Saving Automatically, Presentation by Emily Marrison, Coshocton County Extension Educator.

Tues., Feb. 23, 2021 | Save for the Unexpected

12 to 12:45 p.m. | Saving Under Pressure, Presentation by Whitney Gherman MSW, Marion County Extension Educator.

Weds., Feb. 24, 2021 | Save to Retire

12 to 12:30 p.m. | STABLE Accounts 101, Presentation by Nicholas Hancart with STABLE Accounts, Ohio Treasurer of State.

3 to 3:30 p.m. | Don’t Delay – Save Today! Presentation by Roseanne Scammahorn, Darke County Extension Educator & Misty Harmon, Perry County Extension Educator

Thurs., Feb. 25, 2021 | Save by Reducing Debt

12 to 12:30 p.m. | The Benefits of Becoming an Ohio Saver, Presentation by Amanda Woods, Ohio Saves Campaign Coordinator.

Fri., Feb. 26, 2021 | Save as a Family

12 to 12:30 p.m.| Family & Finances, Presentation by Susan Colbert, Franklin County Extension Program Director

Visit OhioSaves.org to learn more about the presentations and be sure to tune in each day of America Saves Week by visiting go.osu.edu/AmericaSavesWeek2021 and use the password: ohiosaves.