Campaign to help residents build savings, reduce debt

A community-wide kickoff for a campaign to teach local residents how to build savings and reduce debt is set for 11 a.m. on Tuesday (10/5) in the auditorium in the lobby of the Franklin County Courthouse, 373 S. High St.

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and Franklin County Commissioner Arlene Shoemaker are among the speakers. In addition, Reynoldsburg resident Melanie Canini, who participated in the Columbus Saves pilot project earlier this year and started a new emergency-fund savings account, also will speak.

Columbus Saves is a partnership of more than 40 local nonprofit, corporate and government organizations, including 14 area banks and credit unions. Its formation was spearheaded by Susan Shockey, the family and consumer sciences educator with the Franklin County office of Ohio State Extension. The program is open to anyone, but focuses on helping low- and moderate-income families build wealth by providing free financial education, money management training and financial coaching to participants.

Columbus Saves is part of America Saves, a national program sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America.

WHAT: A community-wide kickoff for the Columbus Saves campaign

WHEN: 11 a.m. on Tuesday (10/5)

WHERE: Auditorium in the lobby of the Franklin County Courthouse, 373 S. High St.

WHY: To help local residents learn how they can build savings and reduce debt