Take WECU’s Financial Health Survey

At WECU, we recognize that everyone’s financial journey is unique. While opportunities to save may look different for each person, there are simple steps anyone can take to build stronger financial habits for greater security.

That’s why WECU proudly participates in America Saves Week, a nationwide initiative held during the first full week of April that empowers individuals to save effectively. Each day highlights a key area of healthy savings, focusing on practical strategies to strengthen your financial footing.

Here are five saving strategies from America Saves Week to support you at any stage of your financial journey—plus ways WECU can help you take action with every step.

1. Save Automatically1

Saving doesn’t have to be hard—it just needs to be consistent! Automating your savings is one of the easiest ways to build financial stability.

Take action:

  • Set up automatic recurring transfers into your savings account through online banking, the WECU mobile app, or by talking to a WECU team member.
  • Review your current savings contributions and make adjustments as needed. If you get a raise or lower your expenses, increase your savings transfers!
  • Earn great rates by opening a High Yield Savings or Stash Savings account.

2. Save for the Unexpected1

Life happens—whether it’s a surprise car repair, medical bill, or home expense. Having an emergency fund can provide peace of mind and reduce reliance on credit when unexpected costs arise.

Take action:

  • Set a realistic emergency savings goal. While saving at least three to six months of living expenses is ideal, experts recommend having at least $2,500 in emergency savings.2
  • Use our emergency savings calculator to find out how long it will take to build up your fund.
  • Start or grow your emergency fund with WECU’s Stash Savings account, designed to help you save for life’s curveballs.

3. Save for Major Milestones1

Big financial goals—like buying a home, funding higher education, or planning for retirement—can feel overwhelming. But breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps makes them more manageable.

Take action:

  • Get a clear view of your finances by taking WECU’s Financial Health Survey (more details below).
  • Identify your major financial goals and determine your monthly savings targets. Our savings goal calculator can help.
  • Establish or revisit your spending and savings plan regularly to ensure consistent progress toward your goals.

4. Paying Down Debt is Saving!1

Did you know that reducing debt is a form of saving? High-interest debt, like credit cards, can drain your budget and limit financial flexibility. Paying it down frees up more money for future goals.

Take action:

  • Use our credit card payoff calculator to determine how long your payoff will take.
  • Consider consolidating high-rate credit cards with a WECU Personal Loan, which could help lower your payments and simplify repayment. Prequalify today and get an answer in minutes—with no impact to your credit score.†
  • Take advantage of our partnership with Money Management International, which offers free debt management plans and financial counseling for WECU members.

5. Save at Every Age1

Financial conversations matter. Whether you’re teaching kids about saving, talking with friends about budgeting, or discussing retirement plans with family, sharing financial knowledge builds confidence across generations.

Take action:

  • Have a financial conversation with a loved one—whether it’s about saving, budgeting, or planning for the future.
  • Teach children about saving early to help them develop healthy money habits. Our Youth Accounts make it easy for them to put this learning into practice.
  • Explore WECU’s Financial Education resources to keep learning and to keep the conversations going.

How Financially Healthy Are You?

If you’re a WECU member, take WECU’s annual Financial Health Survey to see how you compare to national averages. Your personalized results will help you identify areas to improve and set goals for the year ahead!

Take WECU’s Financial Health Survey

If you’re not a WECU member yet, you will be invited to take the survey when you join us!

WECU has been committed to financial education since 1936. As a member-owned not-for-profit credit union, we’re here to support your financial journey—this week and every week. Let’s take these small steps together toward a stronger financial future!

 

 

WECU is Federally Insured by NCUA

References

  1. “Learn About the 2025 Toolkit.” America Saves Week. https://americasavesweek.org/asw-tool-kit/learn-about-the-2025-toolkit/. Accessed March 12, 2025.
  2. Sabat, J., & Gallagher, E. (2019). Rules of thumb in household savings decisions: Estimation using threshold regression. Social Science Research Network.

† Information contained in your credit report will be used to qualify you for an offer. An offer is not guaranteed. Loan approval is subject to verification of income, debt-to-income ratio, credit information, and application information needed to meet the minimum requirements established for the offer.