America Saves Week: Saving Strategies for Every Stage of Life

(3 Minute Read) — Day 5 is our final day of America Saves Week and we want to help you with your savings strategies right at this moment. No matter your age or income, saving money plays a key role in your financial well-being. The “right” savings strategy changes over time—but the habit of saving is always valuable.

At Unitus Community Credit Union, we’re here to help you make smart financial choices at every stage of life. And during America Saves Week, we’re spotlighting ways to build better savings habits that grow with you—from your first paycheck to your retirement years.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your strategy, here’s how Unitus can help you build savings at every step.

Early Career: Build a Foundation

You’re launching your career, managing student loans, and starting to dream about long-term goals. This is the time to build good habits and take advantage of tools that make saving easy.

America Saves Week Smart Strategies:

• Set up direct deposit to route a portion of your paycheck into savings.
• Start an emergency fund (aim for $400 to begin).
• Pay down high-interest debt when possible.
• Unitus Tip: Enroll in Unitus Rewards and save automatically every time you use your debit card. You’ll earn cash back on everyday purchases, helping you build your safety net passively.

And if student debt is a challenge, explore our loan refinance options to find a payment plan that works for you.

Mid-Career: Save for the Big Stuff

Now you might be planning a wedding, buying a home, growing your family, or juggling it all at once. Life is full—but so is your financial to-do list.

America Saves Week Smart Strategies:

• Increase your emergency fund to cover 3–6 months of expenses.
• Save for a down payment, child-related expenses, or future tuition.
• Max out retirement contributions if possible.
• Unitus Tip: Meet with one of our Unitus Financial Advisors to map out a savings and investment strategy that fits your life. And when you’re ready for homeownership, our local home experts can walk you through everything from pre-approval to move-in day—with trusted guidance and competitive rates.

Pre-Retirement: Maximize and Protect

You’re thinking about retirement—and maybe helping your kids with college or supporting aging parents. Now is the time to protect what you’ve built and plan for the future.

America Saves Week Smart Strategies:

• Maximize 401(k) or IRA contributions.
• Pay down any lingering debt.
• Consider long-term care and estate planning.
• Unitus Tip: Our Financial Advisors can help you align your retirement goals with the resources you already have. Whether you’re five years out or just starting to plan, we’ll help you feel more confident and prepared.

Retirement: Make the Most of It

You’ve spent decades saving—now it’s time to enjoy the life you’ve built. But managing your money in retirement still takes planning.

America Saves Week Smart Strategies:

• Reevaluate your budget based on fixed income.
• Continue building savings for unexpected expenses.
• Review your estate plan, beneficiaries, and healthcare coverage regularly.
• Unitus Tip: Even in retirement, your relationship with us matters. Our team is here to help you navigate the next phase—whether it’s managing distributions, adjusting investment strategies, or ensuring your loved ones are protected.

Saving Is for Everyone. And Every Life Stage.

No matter where you are on your journey, it’s never too early—or too late—to start saving. Whether you’re taking your first financial steps or preparing to pass along your legacy, Unitus is here to help you every step of the way.

During America Saves Week, we’re proud to highlight how small actions can lead to big change. Let us help you create a savings plan that grows with you—and works for your life.