America Saves Week – Promoting Saving through Savings Bonds Build awareness among partners & networks Include as part of America Saves Week – press releases, press events, talking points, etc. Include blurb in newsletters Issue blasts Hand out leaflets and brochures to your customers Encourage local VITA sites or asset building coalitions to promote savings bonds Encourage public officials to publicize the new bond purchase option in constituent communications Have public officials speak about the option Work with employers and employee unions to promote opportunity

Visit for tools: To tell your partners – Download outreach toolkit – communications templates To plan for America Saves Week: – Free marketing support – ability to co-brand flyers and posters, download and order outreach materials – Access high quality training for practitioners To spread the word to community members: – Download outreach toolkit – communications templates Join the Campaign: – Pledge to invest in a savings bond using your refund – Follow the campaign on twitter, facebook, and youtube

Tax time Bonds Bonds via tax filing – January 2011 Use IRS Form 8888 to place order Tax filers may buy bonds for themselves or others Paper bond(s) mailed to purchaser’s address (per tax return) $50 to $5,000 worth, in multiples of $50 First $250 in $50 bonds; remainder in as fewest possible bonds Remainder of refund can be sent in a paper check Filers with FMS offset not eligible

Built-to-Order for New, Small Savers Safe – backed by “full faith & credit of U.S. government” Accessible – buy for as little as $50, no credit check Competitive return – good interest rate at present, no fees Simple – sold at face value ($50 buys $50 bond), rate adjusts 2x/year Portable – redemption at most banks & credit unions Protected from inflation Convenient – can order directly via federal tax return Giftable Long term – earn interest for 30 years; may redeem (“cash in”) after 1 year Opportune Product: Savings Bonds Other Bond Details: Redemption (“cashing in”) – At most banks & credit unions – Requires valid ID Minimum holding – Must be held for 1 year – If redeemed before 5 years, lose 3 months’ interest Loss / theft replacement – Complete Treasury Form PDF 1048 – Get signature certification from bank – Mail to Treasury

Sample Materials

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