In recognition of America Saves Week Feb. 23 - 28, we are offering tips to help customers assess and improve their saving strategy.

• Set a goal. The first step is to establish a realistic savings goal. Consider your expenses, make a budget and determine how much you can put away each month. Click here to help plan your financial future.

• Track your spending. Hold yourself to the budget you’ve set by tracking your expenses. Consider using our website or mobile banking that segment your spending so you can easily see what areas, if any, you are going over budget then adjust accordingly.

• Pay yourself first. Arrange to have a specific amount transferred to your savings account every pay period. If you wait till the end of the month to see what's left over, you are less likely to save.

• Consult a banker. Stop in at your local bank and speak with a banker about which package of products and services would best suit your saving needs.

• Consider investments. For long-term goals, such as saving for a home or retirement, look into bonds, mutual funds, real estate and stocks. Click here for different savings accounts.
  
  
• Set up automatic bill pay. Although 97 percent of Americans pay their bills on time, some consumers find themselves paying late fees. Set up automatic bill pay so you’re never paying more than you have to.

America Saves Week (started in 2007) is coordinated by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council.