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      For Your Life March 30, 2026

      America Saves Week, April 6-10: Small Steps That Build Financial Confidence

      Each year, America Saves Week serves as a national call to action — encouraging individuals and families to pause, reflect, and take steps toward stronger financial habits. Since its start in 2007, the week has focused on helping people gain clarity around their finances, set savings goals, and create realistic plans to achieve them.

      This year, America Saves Week takes place April 6-10, with a theme that closely mirrors what Old National Bank sees every day in our work with communities: “Own Your Financial Story: Small Steps, Big Impact.” The message is simple but powerful, as lasting financial progress rarely comes from one big decision. It comes from small, consistent actions over time.

      “One of the biggest misconceptions about saving is that you need to have a lot of extra money to get started,” said Ben Joergens, Financial Empowerment Program Director at Old National Bank. “In reality, saving is a habit. Even small amounts, saved consistently, can make a meaningful difference over time.”

      Why Small Steps Matter

      For many people, money management can feel overwhelming — especially when juggling everyday expenses, unexpected costs, and long‑term goals. America Saves Week encourages individuals to complete a simple financial check‑in to better understand where they are today, and to identify one step they can take next.

      To show how those small steps add up, consider what happens when saving becomes consistent.

       Savings chart.png

      This chart shows how saving $20 to $100 per week could grow over one, five, and 10 years. The left side reflects saving with no interest — simply setting money aside. The right side shows an illustrative estimate of growth when savings earn interest over time.

      • Saving $20 a week adds up to more than $10,000 over 10 years, even without interest.
      • Saving $100 a week can reach $52,000 over 10 years — and potentially more when interest is factored in.
      • The biggest driver of growth isn’t the amount — it’s consistency.

      “This is why we emphasize starting small and making it automatic,” Joergens said. “When saving becomes part of your routine, the progress often surprises people.”

      Turning Saving into a Habit with Automation

      One of the simplest — and most effective — ways to build savings is by making it automatic. Automated savings transfers remove the guesswork and temptation that can come with manual saving.

      “Automation is one of the most powerful tools available,” Joergens said. “When savings happens automatically, people are more likely to stick with it. You’re paying yourself first, without having to think about it every month.”

      Setting up automatic transfers — even for a modest amount — can help individuals steadily build emergency savings, prepare for future expenses, or work toward personal goals. Over time, those small, consistent deposits can provide both financial stability and peace of mind.

      How Old National Bank Can Help During America Saves Week

      At Old National Bank, financial education is a year‑round commitment. Through partnerships, workshops, and accessible resources, the bank works alongside clients and community organizations to support financial learning at every stage of life.

      “Our role as a bank goes beyond products and services,” Joergens said. “We’re here to help people understand how those tools fit into their lives — whether that’s learning how to budget, setting up savings goals, or building confidence around everyday financial decisions.”

      America Saves Week provides a meaningful opportunity to highlight these resources and encourage individuals to take a first, or next, step toward financial wellness.

      A Simple Call to Action

      At its core, America Saves Week reminds us that progress doesn’t require perfection.

      “You don’t have to have everything figured out,” Joergens emphasized. “Start where you are. Take one step — open a savings account, automate a transfer, review your budget, or ask a question. Those small actions can lead to big outcomes over time.”

      As America Saves Week approaches, the invitation is simple: take a moment to check in on your finances and choose one small step forward, because your financial story is worth investing in.

      To learn more how Old National can help you build for the future, click here.

       

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