Dear Saver,

This month's e-Wealth coach is Jason J. Fichtner, Ph.D., Chief Economist at the Social Security Administration (SSA). He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, his Masters in Public Policy from Georgetown University, and his Ph.D. in Public Administration & Policy from Virginia Tech. Social Security programs touch the lives of virtually every American, whether after the loss of a loved one, at the onset of disability, or during the transition from work to retirement.  Dr. Fichtner oversees financial literacy research at SSA, developing products that help Americans better understand Social Security benefits and encourage saving.

Click here to read this month's e*Wealth Coach.

Thanksgiving doesn't have to equal no money!

Thanksgiving is a great time to spend with family, but it's a bad time on your budget! This year try having a potluck dinner. Have each family member bring a favorite dish of their own. It will save on your budget and help everyone get to know something about each other.

For other frugal Thanksgiving tips visit these sites:

• beingfrugal.net
• suite101.com
• Associatecontent.com

Does the state have your money?
By Claes Bell, BankRate.com

Many of us have accounts we haven't checked up on in a while: savings accounts we started for a specific goal that we've since put on hold; dividend reinvestment accounts we started to finance a child's higher education.
We probably assume that these accounts will be there when we need them.

Because of a practice called escheat, however, that assumption could end up turning your financial life upside down. Read on...

Inside a Great Save Site
US asked Zions Bank employee, Stephanie Tobey, to explain what systems they have put in place to make Zions Bank such a top notch Save Site. For more information on having your organization or business become a save site contact Jenna at jenna.innis@usu.edu.

"Zions Bank has been a Saves site since Utah Saves began. With over 2500 employees in Utah and Idaho, it has been a challenge to make sure that all employees get the word about Utah Saves, and how this program can help bank employees in their quest for financial freedom."

"In an effort to meet this challenge, the bank launched an intranet site for employees in 2005. It serves as a resource for employees, offering weekly tips and advice. Each month, the site features a new topic, and coordinates its Tip of the Week feature to coincide with the month's theme."

Employees are reminded about Zions Saves every week through the bank's weekly online newsletter.

"The bank began hosting monthly trivia quizzes in 2008. Employees are entered into a drawing after providing the correct answer to the question of the month."

"As an added bonus, the bank recently authorized the Utah Saves program as an eligible service for its employee referral program. Employees are encouraged to make a certain number of referrals each month. Starting last October, employees are able to count referrals they've made to Utah Saves. This includes referrals to family, friends, clients, and the employees themselves."

"The bank is excited about adding Utah Saves to its referral list. It hopes that it will help spread the word about Utah Saves, and get more Utahns involved in this great program."

- Stephanie Tobey
 Zions Bank, MBA, Assistant Vice President, Community Development

Saver Perk Winners:
Congratulations to October's Winners

It was a hard pick and thank you for all who sent in pictures. It was hard to choose!

First Place: Scott Malcom
"Gordon" from the Thomas the Tank Engine. Costing $0 dollars, it is made almost entirely of cardboard (free from furniture store) and cereal boxes. The face is made from paper mache, and the eyes and smokestack are old plastic lids. The paint was either free from neighbors (red, black, and blue) or left over from old projects (white and yellow). It is held together by wood glue, tape, and craft yarn all of which is from old projects.


Second Place: Lesa Ruesch
Bag of Jelly Beans:

A large clear garbage bag
Multi colored water balloons-filled with air and tied
a printed label.

This costume cost less than $2




Third Place: Gwen Ruebush
Basketball star on a Wheaties box:
 
Cardboard box: free
Spray paint: $2
Old jersey: free (already had)
Paper and glue: $1
Total: $3

Whiz Kid Investor

Have you had thoughts on being to small to make a contribution to your family or your community? John-Paul Pigeon, a successful fourteen year old investor, didn't let those thoughts stop him. Starting off with a successful lemonade stand, John-Paul was able to grow his business skills into a nationwide name.

Learn more about his story by visiting MoneyTrack.org and watching his 6 minute story (312: Whiz Kid Investor) on his eagerness to become a force in the finance world now.

Utah Saves is

*Utah State University Extension is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.