My husband and I use our credit card a lot for purchases. Mainly, because it’s easier and we always pay it off every month. But, I have learned that is more rewarding when you save for what you are wanting, then make your purchase. According to Forbes, Americans are now saving at a rate of 5%, which is up from the national saving rate of 1%, in 2007. These smarter saving habits align directly with Smarty Pig. Smarty Pig is an “on-line resource that would help us, and others, save for specific items and events.” Accounts can be made public, so others can help you with your savings, whether it be your grandma, mother, or sister. Not only can you save for college plans, but you can also save for your upcoming vacations, emergency funds, and so much more. Smarty Pig has competitive interest rates of 3.25% APY, the highest around. Smarty Pig, also, provides customers with cash boosts up to 6% when a savings goal is reached from best-in-class retail partners like Royal Caribbean, Pottery Barn, Best Buy, Amazon and Home Depot. On March 16th, Smarty Pig announced the launch of OFX Solution, enabling customers to add their Smarty Pig accounts into their preferred money management sites. Using Smarty Pig is simple and easy. All you need to do is open a free savings account through them, create a profile, meet your goal, and start saving. There is a minimum deposit of $25 to start a savings account, but other than that, there are no hidden fees. Saving is very important and I stress this every day to my family members and friends. The economy is always changing, we never know when we are going to have another crisis, having money saved up will always help. I fully recommend for everyone to start an emergency fund, whether you put $30 a month into the fund, or $100 a month. Each household needs approximately $5,000.00 saved up for emergencies, or an amount that you can live off of for up to three months. My husband and I started saving in an emergency fund shortly after the economy started going down hill. I recommend Smarty Pig to anyone who is wanting to save, whether it is for an upcoming vacation, or to buy that expensive digital camera you have been wanting for months. There are no penalties and you are rewarded for reaching your goals! Open an account today and start saving.