America Saves Week – Promoting Saving through

Savings BondsBuild awareness among partners & networksInclude as part of America Saves Week – press releases, press events, talking points, etc.

Include blurb in newsletters

Issue e-mail 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

www.bondsmakeiteasy.org

Visit www.bondsmakeiteasy.org 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

Sample Online