Kentucky Saves is led by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service as part of the national America Saves campaign. The initiative, which culminates during  Kentucky Saves Week the last week of February, encourages individuals and families to save money and build personal wealth. 

Research suggests that those who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. The Kentucky Saves Pledge is a tool to help consumers visualize their goals by writing down what they’re saving for and how much they plan to save. The Breckinridge County Cooperative Extension office challenged consumers to take the Kentucky Saves Pledge and make a personal commitment to save.

Breckinridge County had at least nine consumers who pledged to save a total of $2,160 over the next year or less. Monthly savings pledges ranged from $5 to $120. Most set their savings goal for 12 months, pledging an average monthly savings of about $17. Most (45%) are saving for a vacation or special event. Others are saving for an emergency fund (33%), homeownership (11%), or debt repayment (11%). 

Breckinridge Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent Lynnette Allen said the number of Breckinridge County savers who signed up can be attributed to a multi-faceted approach. The county 4-H agent promotes a Kentucky Saves piggy bank contest with at least one class each year, and Allen helps with judging. Also, in 2021, a variety of money management materials and pledge promotions were shared through the Big Blue Goals Challenge, MoneyWi$e newsletter articles, and the FCS newsletter. 

Research shows that sharing goals can help consumers stay on target toward success. Another benefit of the Kentucky Saves Pledge is that those who sign up can choose to become a part of the national America Saves campaign’s community of savers to receive email or text reminders and resources. One of Breckinridge’s nine savers opted to receive text reminders, and all have access to resources online.