NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz was selling savings in a Thursdayrelease from the agency, promoting America Saves Week and Military Saves Week, which run from Feb.25 through March 2.

The purpose of the annual events is to educate members and theirfamilies about the importance of saving. The NCUA said creditunions can partner with local campaigns to offer motivationalworkshops and obtain posters, brochures and other resources.

“Having a savings account is the first step towards financialstability, but a recent study indicated a little more than 29% ofAmerica's households do not have a savings account,” Matz said.

“People need to learn more about how to save and have a place tosave. This year's campaign is a perfect opportunity for creditunions to educate and empower their members and their families sothey can balance their budgets, buy a home, or put money aside fortheir children's educations,” she said.

This year's national campaigns, both managed by the ConsumerFederation of America, unite government, nonprofit andcorporate groups to encourage individuals and families to save,reduce debt and build personal wealth.

American Saves Week is coordinated by America Saves and theAmerican Savings Education Council. Military Saves Week is part of the Defense Department'sFinancial Readiness Campaign.