The document discusses promoting savings among lower-income taxpayers through the tax preparation process. It notes that Americans had stopped saving in 2008 and debt levels had risen. It then outlines the benefits of saving, including for emergencies, investments, and security. Challenges to saving for lower-income individuals are discussed. Examples are given showing that even modest savings are possible with programs that match savings. The remainder of the document provides guidance on promoting U.S. Savings Bonds to tax clients as a convenient and trusted way to begin saving at tax time.
http://bondsmakeiteasy.org For several years, Doorways to Dreams (D2D) Fund has tested strategies to help lower-income working people direct part of their annual tax refunds to savings. During tax season 2009, D2D and partners around the country offered nearly 40,000 tax filers a chance to buy a U.S. Savings Bond with part of their refunds.The findings from the study point to the unique power of U.S. Savings Bonds to re-energize America’s historical orientation toward thrift and to help all Americans participate in saving as a hedge against crises and a resource to enable strategic investments, like a home purchase or college education.
Managing your expenses within the framework of a budget is necessary to survive financially. A budget is the best way to break the crippling cycle of debt. U.S. consumer debt has reached epidemic proportions. According to the Federal Reserve, Americans have accumulated more than $2 trillion in consumer debt and charged more than $740 billion on their credit cards.
Details on how the architecture and engineering firm McKinstry uses the cloud BI & CPM software suite from Adaptive Insights to manage and grow its business.
Banners Broker is a new approach to online advertising that’s intent on increasing your sales revenue while promoting your brand. What differentiates us from other banner impression sites is our initiative to sell on your behalf – you get paid for your impressions, while maintaining full control over the monetization of your campaign.
Plus, register today and receive 1000 FREE banner impressions. It’s our way of welcoming you to the team
Read more on
https://bannersbroker.com/euro2012
and watch this presentation
http://www.bbagent.com/presentation/?ref=euro2012
http://bondsmakeiteasy.org For several years, Doorways to Dreams (D2D) Fund has tested strategies to help lower-income working people direct part of their annual tax refunds to savings. During tax season 2009, D2D and partners around the country offered nearly 40,000 tax filers a chance to buy a U.S. Savings Bond with part of their refunds.The findings from the study point to the unique power of U.S. Savings Bonds to re-energize America’s historical orientation toward thrift and to help all Americans participate in saving as a hedge against crises and a resource to enable strategic investments, like a home purchase or college education.
Managing your expenses within the framework of a budget is necessary to survive financially. A budget is the best way to break the crippling cycle of debt. U.S. consumer debt has reached epidemic proportions. According to the Federal Reserve, Americans have accumulated more than $2 trillion in consumer debt and charged more than $740 billion on their credit cards.
Details on how the architecture and engineering firm McKinstry uses the cloud BI & CPM software suite from Adaptive Insights to manage and grow its business.
Banners Broker is a new approach to online advertising that’s intent on increasing your sales revenue while promoting your brand. What differentiates us from other banner impression sites is our initiative to sell on your behalf – you get paid for your impressions, while maintaining full control over the monetization of your campaign.
Plus, register today and receive 1000 FREE banner impressions. It’s our way of welcoming you to the team
Read more on
https://bannersbroker.com/euro2012
and watch this presentation
http://www.bbagent.com/presentation/?ref=euro2012
Stephen Cagnassola | Presenting few templates on financial literacy Stephen Cagnassola
Stephen Cagnassola explaining here few templates on financial literacy & basic strategies. Most people are thinking about growth in longevity in terms of an aging population’s burden on society. But we have the opportunity to look at it another way to reshape current models so that we live decades longer than our ancestors in a way that improves quality of life at all ages
Streamline your objectives for financial future with stephen cagnassolaStephen J. Cagnassola
Stephen cagnassola leads a professional tax and financial organisation that serves clients around the USA. A brilliant person could study for 4 weeks and pass the exam without any difficulty. If you want to offer life insurance the process is equivalent and the study period is about the same
Compound Interest & Rule of 72
Biggest Wealth Killer
High Cost of Waiting
Unnecessary Transfers
Opportunity Costs
Be The Bank
Eleven Ways to “Find” the Money
The REAL Retirement Miracle
Learn practical skills to take control of your finances. This presentation was prepared for a statewide partnership with the SC Department of Education Adult Education Division, specifically for GED candidates.
Today's Realities, "Think About It . . . What Would It Be Worth? clyde leverett jr
* Toughest financial era since the Great Depression
* Average US debt is over $16,000 excluding mortgages
* More than one-in-four Americans have no savings / 49%
have no retirement
* Only 18% know they are on track to reach their income
goal in retirement (Source: Forbes)
* 65% have no will, 82% have no trust & 71% have no
power of attorney (Source: Lawyers.com, 2009)
* Every 3 seconds an identity is stolen (Source: Javelin
Strategy & Research Identity Fraud Survey Report,
* About 43 million people have a 599 credit score or lower
America Saves Week Presentation for IndividualsAmerica Saves
Information for consumers about America Saves Week. Great for sharing at events. includes information about: why you should be saving, how to save more effectively, and how individuals can get involved.
Compound Interest & Rule of 72
Biggest Wealth Killer
High Cost of Waiting
Unnecessary Transfers
Opportunity Costs
Be The Bank
Eleven Ways to “Find” the Money
The REAL Retirement Miracle
what is the future of Pi Network currency.DOT TECH
The future of the Pi cryptocurrency is uncertain, and its success will depend on several factors. Pi is a relatively new cryptocurrency that aims to be user-friendly and accessible to a wide audience. Here are a few key considerations for its future:
Message: @Pi_vendor_247 on telegram if u want to sell PI COINS.
1. Mainnet Launch: As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Pi was still in the testnet phase. Its success will depend on a successful transition to a mainnet, where actual transactions can take place.
2. User Adoption: Pi's success will be closely tied to user adoption. The more users who join the network and actively participate, the stronger the ecosystem can become.
3. Utility and Use Cases: For a cryptocurrency to thrive, it must offer utility and practical use cases. The Pi team has talked about various applications, including peer-to-peer transactions, smart contracts, and more. The development and implementation of these features will be essential.
4. Regulatory Environment: The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is evolving globally. How Pi navigates and complies with regulations in various jurisdictions will significantly impact its future.
5. Technology Development: The Pi network must continue to develop and improve its technology, security, and scalability to compete with established cryptocurrencies.
6. Community Engagement: The Pi community plays a critical role in its future. Engaged users can help build trust and grow the network.
7. Monetization and Sustainability: The Pi team's monetization strategy, such as fees, partnerships, or other revenue sources, will affect its long-term sustainability.
It's essential to approach Pi or any new cryptocurrency with caution and conduct due diligence. Cryptocurrency investments involve risks, and potential rewards can be uncertain. The success and future of Pi will depend on the collective efforts of its team, community, and the broader cryptocurrency market dynamics. It's advisable to stay updated on Pi's development and follow any updates from the official Pi Network website or announcements from the team.
what is the best method to sell pi coins in 2024DOT TECH
The best way to sell your pi coins safely is trading with an exchange..but since pi is not launched in any exchange, and second option is through a VERIFIED pi merchant.
Who is a pi merchant?
A pi merchant is someone who buys pi coins from miners and pioneers and resell them to Investors looking forward to hold massive amounts before mainnet launch in 2026.
I will leave the telegram contact of my personal pi merchant to trade pi coins with.
@Pi_vendor_247
how can I sell pi coins after successfully completing KYCDOT TECH
Pi coins is not launched yet in any exchange 💱 this means it's not swappable, the current pi displaying on coin market cap is the iou version of pi. And you can learn all about that on my previous post.
RIGHT NOW THE ONLY WAY you can sell pi coins is through verified pi merchants. A pi merchant is someone who buys pi coins and resell them to exchanges and crypto whales. Looking forward to hold massive quantities of pi coins before the mainnet launch.
This is because pi network is not doing any pre-sale or ico offerings, the only way to get my coins is from buying from miners. So a merchant facilitates the transactions between the miners and these exchanges holding pi.
I and my friends has sold more than 6000 pi coins successfully with this method. I will be happy to share the contact of my personal pi merchant. The one i trade with, if you have your own merchant you can trade with them. For those who are new.
Message: @Pi_vendor_247 on telegram.
I wouldn't advise you selling all percentage of the pi coins. Leave at least a before so its a win win during open mainnet. Have a nice day pioneers ♥️
#kyc #mainnet #picoins #pi #sellpi #piwallet
#pinetwork
where can I find a legit pi merchant onlineDOT TECH
Yes. This is very easy what you need is a recommendation from someone who has successfully traded pi coins before with a merchant.
Who is a pi merchant?
A pi merchant is someone who buys pi network coins and resell them to Investors looking forward to hold thousands of pi coins before the open mainnet.
I will leave the telegram contact of my personal pi merchant to trade with
@Pi_vendor_247
Even tho Pi network is not listed on any exchange yet.
Buying/Selling or investing in pi network coins is highly possible through the help of vendors. You can buy from vendors[ buy directly from the pi network miners and resell it]. I will leave the telegram contact of my personal vendor.
@Pi_vendor_247
If you are looking for a pi coin investor. Then look no further because I have the right one he is a pi vendor (he buy and resell to whales in China). I met him on a crypto conference and ever since I and my friends have sold more than 10k pi coins to him And he bought all and still want more. I will drop his telegram handle below just send him a message.
@Pi_vendor_247
The European Unemployment Puzzle: implications from population agingGRAPE
We study the link between the evolving age structure of the working population and unemployment. We build a large new Keynesian OLG model with a realistic age structure, labor market frictions, sticky prices, and aggregate shocks. Once calibrated to the European economy, we quantify the extent to which demographic changes over the last three decades have contributed to the decline of the unemployment rate. Our findings yield important implications for the future evolution of unemployment given the anticipated further aging of the working population in Europe. We also quantify the implications for optimal monetary policy: lowering inflation volatility becomes less costly in terms of GDP and unemployment volatility, which hints that optimal monetary policy may be more hawkish in an aging society. Finally, our results also propose a partial reversal of the European-US unemployment puzzle due to the fact that the share of young workers is expected to remain robust in the US.
how to sell pi coins in all Africa Countries.DOT TECH
Yes. You can sell your pi network for other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, usdt , Ethereum and other currencies And this is done easily with the help from a pi merchant.
What is a pi merchant ?
Since pi is not launched yet in any exchange. The only way you can sell right now is through merchants.
A verified Pi merchant is someone who buys pi network coins from miners and resell them to investors looking forward to hold massive quantities of pi coins before mainnet launch in 2026.
I will leave the telegram contact of my personal pi merchant to trade with.
@Pi_vendor_247
how to sell pi coins in South Korea profitably.DOT TECH
Yes. You can sell your pi network coins in South Korea or any other country, by finding a verified pi merchant
What is a verified pi merchant?
Since pi network is not launched yet on any exchange, the only way you can sell pi coins is by selling to a verified pi merchant, and this is because pi network is not launched yet on any exchange and no pre-sale or ico offerings Is done on pi.
Since there is no pre-sale, the only way exchanges can get pi is by buying from miners. So a pi merchant facilitates these transactions by acting as a bridge for both transactions.
How can i find a pi vendor/merchant?
Well for those who haven't traded with a pi merchant or who don't already have one. I will leave the telegram id of my personal pi merchant who i trade pi with.
Tele gram: @Pi_vendor_247
#pi #sell #nigeria #pinetwork #picoins #sellpi #Nigerian #tradepi #pinetworkcoins #sellmypi
The Evolution of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India: Challenges...beulahfernandes8
Role in Financial System
NBFCs are critical in bridging the financial inclusion gap.
They provide specialized financial services that cater to segments often neglected by traditional banks.
Economic Impact
NBFCs contribute significantly to India's GDP.
They support sectors like micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), housing finance, and personal loans.
Turin Startup Ecosystem 2024 - Ricerca sulle Startup e il Sistema dell'Innov...Quotidiano Piemontese
Turin Startup Ecosystem 2024
Una ricerca de il Club degli Investitori, in collaborazione con ToTeM Torino Tech Map e con il supporto della ESCP Business School e di Growth Capital
Turin Startup Ecosystem 2024 - Ricerca sulle Startup e il Sistema dell'Innov...
Impact al training11112010
1. Tax Time
Savings for All
Training
Webinar
November 11, 2010
2 p.m. EST
Impact Alabama
2. 2
A Savings Crisis
Some alarming facts:
■ Americans had stopped saving –
in early 2008 our personal savings
rate fell to just 0.1%.
■ Debt has grown – from 1994 to
2008, average family credit card
debt doubled from $4.3k to $9.6k.
■ Inequality is high – the bottom 40% of
Americans own 5% of the nation’s wealth.
■ Vulnerable are hardest hit – poorest 25% of
families have negative net worth.
■ Finally, a window of opportunity to help
people save again - the savings rate is
creeping upward as a result of the recession
3. 3
Why Saving Matters
Role of Savings:
■ emergency reserves
■ for “get ahead” investments (home,
education, retirement)
■ alternative to costly credit
■ provides sense of security, comfort
Process of Saving:
■ promotes thinking ahead, prioritizing
■ models behavior for kids
■ emotional payoff (pride, satisfaction)
“No one has ever
spent his way
out of poverty.”
~ Dr. Michael
Sherraden
4. 4
But Saving is Hard
Challenges lower-income savers
face:
■ Limited income – a minimum wage
worker makes $15K a year.
■ Consumerism – pressure to buy is
everywhere.
■ Family & friends – are often in need,
creating pressure to share resources.
■ Few opportunities – most people save
with structured help (e.g., 401(k) plans),
but poor people get little or no such help.
Q: How many
Americans
currently hold
Savings Bonds?
A: 55 Million.
(That’s 1 in 6!)
5. 5
With Help, Anyone can Save
Some Examples:
In one matched saving test:
■ 2,300 people saved $1.3MM - 2.2%
of their income, an average of $550
■ Almost half lived below poverty level;
4 in 5 lived below 2x the poverty line
In test of U.S. Savings Bonds:
■ 1,385 VITA tax clients (6%) saved
$250k+ in bonds for 2,300 people
■ Buyers’ average income: $20K
■ Average amount saved: $192
$500 invested in a US
Savings Bond at 4% for
10 years will grow to
$743.6
Tax Clients want to Save
In one study, 49% of
VITA clients agreed:
“I wish that when I had
cash, I was better
disciplined & saved it
rather than spent it.”
6. 6
A Quick Quiz…
Low and moderate income tax filers receive how
much money each year in federal tax refunds?
■ $100 million (average of $500 per household)
■ $1 billion (average of $1,000 per household)
■ $100 billion+ (average of $1,680 per household)
7. 7
A Quick Quiz…
Low and moderate income tax filers receive how
much money each year in federal tax refunds?
■ $100 million (average of $500 per household)
■ $1 billion (average of $1,000 per household)
■ $100 billion+ (average of $1,680 per household)7
What might help people
save some of these funds?
8. 8
Tax Time Opportunity
Key elements to foster saving:
■ Funds to Save - $100 billion is
returned to poor families each year
● On average, $1,680 per household
● Up to 20% of annual income
■ Assistance – tax preparers can serve
as trusted helper to suggest saving
■ Convenience – saving at tax time
requires no 2nd
step, extra trip to bank
Assistance and guidance
from a trusted tax
preparer is a critical to
helping tax clients save
at tax time
9. 9
Something to Consider
For many lower-income clients
■ tax season is the only chance each
year when saving seems possible.
■ a tax preparer may be the only
person all year who asks them to
think about saving.
Most people won’t save unless someone
asks them to consider it.
VITA volunteers & staff owe it to their
clients to raise this important topic.
Buying $100 U.S. Saving
Bonds every year for 20
years would leave a tax
client with over $3,000 –
enough to fill the gaps in a
child’s college scholarship.
10. 10
It’s easy to do on Form 8888
Just complete Part II for
U.S. Savings Bonds
If bonds are for tax filer
just complete Line 4
If bonds are for others,
complete Lines 5 and 6
■ If beneficiary check
box
Enter amounts on RHS
.
11. 11
A Proposition
How about a “Return to Thrift”?
■ culture that supports saving
■ more families with financial reserves
■ emphasis on the future, planning
■ especially critical for working families
But How?
■ need a secure, trustworthy product
■ available to all, at key moments
■ long-term in nature
■ able to be gifted…
Did You Know?
From 1917-1966, the
YMCA and others
sponsored “National
Thrift Week,” complete
with local “Thrift
Captains”
Sounds like U.S. Savings Bonds
12. 12
How many Americans own U.S. Savings Bonds?
■ Over 1 million
■ Over 10 million
■ Over 50 million
Quick Quiz
13. 13
How many Americans own U.S. Savings Bonds?
■ Over 1 million
■ Over 10 million
■ Over 50 million
55,000,000 Americans own savings bonds – 1 in 6!
Quick Quiz
14. 14
How many Americans own U.S. Savings Bonds?
■ Over 50 million
55,000,000 Americans own savings bonds – 1 in 6!
In the 1960s, tax filers could receive their federal
refund in the form of a savings bond.
■ True
■ False
Quick Quiz
15. 15
Yes! Here’s an example…
How many Americans own U.S. Savings Bonds?
■ Over 50 million
55,000,000 Americans own savings bonds – 1 in 6!
In the 1960s, tax filers could receive their federal
refund in the form of a savings bond.
■ True
■ False
Quick Quiz
1962 Form 1040A
With option to receive refund as U.S. Savings Bond
16. 16
U.S. Savings Bonds Overview
Series I U.S. Savings Bonds
an “IOU” from the US Government:
■ safe – principal protected by “full faith &
credit of U.S. government”
■ accessible – buy for as little as $50
■ smart – solid return (.74%), no fees
■ simple – sold at “face value” ($50 buys
$50 bond), rate adjusts twice a year
■ long-term – must be held for 1 year
before “redemption” (cashing in)
■ portable – may be redeemed at most
banks & credit unions
U.S. Savings Bonds
have been a
popular, respected
investment option
for over 70 years.
17. 17
Important Bond Facts
Redemption (“cashing in”)
■ At most banks & credit unions
■ Requires valid ID
Minimum holding
■ Must be held for 1 year
■ If redeemed before 5 years, lose 3
months’ interest
Loss / theft replacement
■ Complete Treasury Form PDF 1048
■ Get signature certification from bank
■ Mail to Treasury
Proceeds from Savings
Bonds are exempt from
federal tax if used for
secondary education
(check IRS Publication
970 for details).
18. 18
Savings Bonds as Gifts
Tax Clients can buy bonds for:
■ Themselves
■ And/or up to three other people
■ e.g., kids, grandkids, spouses,
nieces / nephews, godchildren, etc.
Details
■ Tax client needs only name of gift
recipient (no SSN)
■ Client & gift recipient will be listed on
bond as co-owners
■ Either party may redeem bond
In a 2008 study, 68% of
buyers purchased
savings bonds for
others, mostly children
& grandchildren
19. 19
John Q. Saver
123 Main Street
Anywhere, WA 99000-0000
OR Jen Saver
123-45-6789 01 2009
FRB-MPLS
04-15-07
2
:C000090007 :04 000000000000 C000000000I
Purchaser’s Social Security Number
Owner’s Name & Address (Co-Owner Name, if any) Authentication Stamp
Issue Date
Example Savings Bond
20. 20
Bond Features & Benefits
Benefits
Reach saving goal sooner
No fees to erode savings
Simple tax site order process saves time
Easy to give savings as a gift
Value not lost as prices rise
Feature
Competitive return (.74%
currently)
No fees
Convenient
Can buy for others
Inflation protection
Loss & theft protection Savings are safe
21. 21
Bonds vs. Savings Accounts or CDs
Savings Bonds: CD-like returns, no fees and a $50 minimum
Typical Savings
Account*
Typical 1 Year
Certificate of
Deposit (CD)*
Series I U.S.
Savings Bond
Rate of Return .17% .53% .74%
Annual Fees $0 $0 $0
Minimum to Open $100 $1,000 $50
Rate Fixed No Yes Adjusts bi-annually
Minimum Holding
Period
None 1 year 1 year
Early Redemption
Penalty / Forfeiture
None
All interest earned
to withdrawal date
3 months interest
(redemptions within 5
years of purchase)
ChexSystems Review Yes Yes No
May Buy as a Gift No No Yes
*Source: National Average rates, www.bankrate.com
22. 22
Another Quiz
Which of the following are true about Series I
U.S. Savings Bonds:
A. They pay a competitive interest rate (.74% currently).
B. They can be purchased for as little as $50.
C. They can only be redeemed where they were purchased.
D. They can be purchased as gifts for anyone else – all you
need is the gift recipient's name.
23. 23
Another Quiz
Which of the following are true about Series I
U.S. Savings Bonds:
A. They pay a competitive interest rate (.74% currently).
B. They can be purchased for as little as $50.
C. They can only be redeemed where they were purchased.
D. They can be purchased as gifts for anyone else – all you
need is the gift recipient's name.
All of these statements are true except letter C.
U.S. Savings Bonds can be redeemed at most banks and credit
unions nationwide, not just where they were purchased.
24. 24
Final Quiz
How long must savings bonds be held before
they may be redeemed?
A. 6 months
B. 12 months
C. 5 years
D. They may be redeemed any time
25. 25
Final Quiz
How long must savings bonds be held before
they may be redeemed?
A. 6 months
B. 12 months
C. 5 years
D. They may be redeemed any time
U.S. Savings Bonds must be held for at least 12 months
before they may be redeemed.
Bond buyers should understand that they can not access funds
saved in bonds for one year after purchase.
26. 26
Finding: People Want to Save
LMI tax clients value saving
● 49-63% of buyers saved part of
refund in the past
● 48% of decliners
Saving is a growing concern
27. 27
Finding: People Like Savings Bonds
Pleased with bond purchase
Familiar with bonds
● 65% of tax clients “familiar” (vs.
32% for IRAs)
● 63% of tax clients had bought bond,
received bond as gift or known
someone who has owned
28. 28
Finding: Who Saves
Demographics
● Parents: 70-75% of buyers; grandparents: 4-15%
● Gender: 79% female
● Age: ~ 40 years, same as sample
● Income: average AGI of buyers ~ $20k
● Ethnicity: African American over represented among buyers;
Hispanic slightly under
Other
● Large tax refund ($3.4k for buyers vs. $1.7k)
● First time savers: as high as 50%
29. 29
Finding: Why People Save
Who: for kids & grandkids
● 70%+ of buyers bought for others
● 59% of buyers “I want to put something
away for my kid’s future”
What: for education, retirement
● Children / family (27%), Education (23%),
Retirement (18%)
Time horizon: long-term
● 2/3rds still saved after 3 years (in line
with national average)
30. 30
Finding: How People Decide to Save
When: at “point of sale”
● ~50% report deciding to save at tax site
How: human contact
■ “learned about option to buy bonds today…”
● 79%+ when someone talked to me
● 12% from brochure or poster
● 20% before coming to tax site
31. 31
Presenting Savings
Consider
■ Saving requires many tax clients to
take a “leap of faith”
● What if they need the money later?
Or their savings disappear?
■ Clients generally trust you, their tax
preparer or other VITA staff
■ You are there at the key moment –
when the refund amount is clear
As the face of any savings offer,
your role is critical.
54% of bond purchasers
during the TS ‘07 pilot,
said they had no money
“saved or invested” prior
to buying bonds
As tax preparer, YOU
play a crucial role in a
client’s decision to
save for the future -
their own, or that of
their children or
grandchildren.
32. 32
Bond Order Process
How it Works
1. Client chooses to order bond in Part II of Form
8888
2. Government mails bonds to clients
Your Role(s)
1. Explain opportunity - describe savings
bonds & chance to order at tax site
2. Seek decision – ask client to decide if, how
much & for whom to order bonds
3. Process order – complete IRS Form 8888
and enter name of owner and co-owner(s)
or beneficiary and dollar amount for bonds
Tax Preparers Matter
In a 2007 study, 41%
of tax clients who
saved part of their
refund decided to do so
only after meeting with
their tax preparer.
33. 33
Talking with Clients
Bonds are a good fit for…
■ Parents / guardians – bonds are
popular gifts for kids
● 68% of ’08 buyers bought bonds for others
■ First time savers – seeking a safe
way to start saving
● Bonds can be ordered for as little as $50
■ Long-term savers – who want a tool to
build savings over time
■ People on ChexSystemsSM
– who do
not qualify for a bank account
New Savers?
54% of tax clients who
bought savings bonds
in 2007 said they had
no money “saved or
invested” prior to
buying bonds.
34. 34
Conversation Starters
To raise the topic of saving, try
open-ended questions:
■ I see you have a savings bond brochure;
have you had a chance to look at it – what
do you think?
■ We have a new, free service this year to
help you save; have you heard about it –
what questions do you have?
■ Have you ever heard of US savings bonds?
What have you heard? –or- May I tell you
about them?
■ Do you recall how you used last year’s tax
refund? What are your plans this year?
When a client
speaks:
• Listen closely
• Look her in the eyes
• Never interrupt
• Consider repeating
back her key points
35. 35
Seeking A Decision
To help clients decide about
buying bonds:
■ Answer any questions; tactfully correct
any misinformation
■ Briefly re-state 2 or 3 relevant bond
features
● For example, “as I mentioned, bonds are
very safe, available for just $50, and earn .
74% right now.”
■ Then ask directly, “would you like to
order a savings bond today?”
■ If client declines
● Politely ask them why
● Correct any misunderstandings, ask again
Remember:
• Saving is hard & many
client’s won’t say “yes.”
• It is normal for about 1
in 10 to order bonds.
• Please keep asking
clients about bonds –
even if many say “no.”
• Always respect clients’
choices, as they know
what’s best for them.
36. 36
Possible Client Concerns
Concern: I can’t afford to save
■ Response
● Even a little is a start; you can begin for $50
● You just saved $150 in tax preparer fees - you
could save some of this amount
● How did you use last year’s refund? Buy a
$50 bond & you’ll still have some of your
refund next year
Concern: I don’t trust the government
■ Response
● 55 million Americans hold Savings Bonds
● Savings bonds have been sold since 1934
● You trust the gov’t to send your refund
● The same department that processes your
refund issues bonds
During 2007 & 2008
pilots, bond purchases
used, on average, 6% of
their refund to buy
savings bonds
37. 37
Client Concerns (more)
Concern: I’ll save by myself, my own way
■ Response
● It’s great you already have a plan to save!
● We are offering another saving option that
can save you time & a trip to the bank.
● Bonds are among the safest saving
options with very competitive returns.
● You can buy a bond for your kids, grand-
kids or others - bonds make great gifts.
● For most of us, if we don’t do it now we
may never do it.
● It’s free to split your refund and buy a
bond today.
Q: Does one pay
state or local
Income taxes on
Savings Bonds?
A: No.
38. 38
Quiz
Which of the following are good ways to begin a
conversation about savings bonds with tax clients?
A. Do you want to buy a savings bond?
B. Have you heard about our new saving option this year? What
questions do you have?
C. Has anyone talked with you today about savings bonds? What
do you think about them?
39. 39
Quiz
Which of the following are good ways to begin a
conversation about savings bonds with tax clients?
A. Do you want to buy a savings bond?
B. Have you heard about our new saving option this year? What
questions do you have?
C. Has anyone talked with you today about savings bonds? What
do you think about them?
Both letter B & C are good conversation starters.
They are open-ended, non-threatening and will help you learn
more about the client’s thoughts and feelings.
40. 40
Final Quiz
If a client says “I’m not interested” which of the
following is the best way to respond?
A. Fine. How do you want to receive your refund?
B. Why? Savings bonds are a great way to save and saving is
really important.
C. Okay, that’s fine. Thanks for considering it. It would help me to
understand why you aren’t interested – could you give me
some idea?
41. 41
Final Quiz
If a client says “I’m not interested” which of the
following is the best way to respond?
A. Fine. How do you want to receive your refund?
B. Why? Savings bonds are a great way to save and saving is
really important.
C. Okay, that’s fine. Thanks for considering it. It would help me to
understand why you aren’t interested – could you give me
some idea?
Letter C is the best response.
It accepts the client’s answer but keeps the conversation going
and provides an opportunity to identify and correct any
misunderstandings about savings bonds.
42. 42
PLEASE:
Ask every client who has a refund
■ If you don’t, who will?
■ Tax time may be a client’s only feasible
saving opportunity all year; it may be a
year before they have another chance.
■ It never hurts to ask; you can’t be sure
who will say yes unless you ask!
■ Everyone deserves a chance to decide
for themselves.
YOU can Encourage Savings Habits
Did you know?
81% of those who
bought savings bonds
in 2007 said they were
very happy with their
purchase!
43. 43
Multiple delivery mechanisms for training,
marketing materials (if you’d like them)
Social Media
■ Facebook, Twitter
■ Slide Share (for collaborative development,
comments)
Download via web site
Call to action (Join our campaign)
■ Let us know what assistance you need (marketing,
training)
Technical Assistance Delivery
45. 45
Thank you!
For more information:
■ visit:Doorways to Dreams (D2D) Fund at
www.d2dfund.org
● Preeti Mehta Joanna Smith-Ramani
pmehta@d2dfund.org jsmithramani@d2dfund.org
(617)-541-9065 (857)-753-1892
■ about Series I U.S. Savings Bonds, visit:
● The Bureau of Public Debt at
www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/products/prod_ibonds_glance.htm