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Iowa State University Extension

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Finances

Saving and Investing

Saving is Essential to Financial Well-being

piggy bank

You say you don't have much to save?  Even a little adds up!

Suppose you spend $1 a day on pop...If instead you added that amount to a retirement account, earning a 10% return:

In 20 years, you'd have almost $21,000. In 35 years, you'd have almost $99,000.

You have a new baby and a toddler, and you'd like to save for their college education, but you can only save $50/month. Is it worth it?

In an investment earning 10%, you'll have $30,000 after 18 years. That sum will make a helpful dent in the college costs of two children.

 

The following publications offer more information on saving:

 

Related Links

  • Investing For Your Future - www.investing.rutgers.edu 
    An 11-part home study course featuring in-depth, non-commercial information about investment types and key decision-making principles. Other topics include: finding money to invest; investing with small dollar amounts; sources of investment information; selecting professional advisors; avoiding investment fraud.  Developed by the national Cooperative Extension System.  Appropriate for beginning and intermediate-level investors
  • "Choose to Save" campaign - www.choosetosave.org
    Check out their savings tools, financial planning calculators and information pages. Sponsors: American Savings Education Council, Employee Benefits Research Institute
  • Think College Early - www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/thinkcollege/early/edlite-tcehome.html  
    The U.S. Dept of Education's website to help parents and students get started in saving and preparing for college
  • College Savings Iowa - www.collegesavingsiowa.com
    Learn about Iowa's state-sponsored college savings plan, offering tax-advantages, low expenses and flexibility. For parents and others who wish invest in a child's education
  • Financial Facts Toolkit - www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/toolkit.htm  
    Links to more than 20 credible sources of information to help you make smart saving and investing decisions.  Prepared by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission