Today’s Number: 22

Twenty-two percent of Americans have saved at least $1,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to MassMutual. While COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s finances in a different way, many people have actually found a way to save money by staying home and not going on vacation. “Don’t just leave your savings in your savings account to accumulate minimal interest,” says Dustin Jacobs, VP of marketing at Brightstar Credit Union. “Instead, allocate that money towards paying down debt or top up your emergency fund to a comfortable amount. Better yet, invest some of your savings or max out your tax-advantaged accounts like a 401(k). By moving some money out of your savings account, you’ll be motivated to meet your financial goals in 2021.” BrightStar Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in South Florida, has been at the forefront of supporting education and financial literacy in the communities it serves. Jacobs has more than a decade of experience in the development of strategic marketing plans, corporate branding strategies, supervising staff and implementing media relations and community relations campaigns.