By: Lynn Rilling
Income Director

The Believe in Your Future campaign launched yesterday. It began on the Senate floor with Senator Pat Jones discussing financial issues in Utah – high foreclosure and bankruptcy rates (some of the highest in the country) – and talking about the fact that many Utahns lack adequate savings. Sen. Jones introduced Believe in Your Future campaign mascot – his name is Bill and he is, well… a dollar bill!

Then, in a media event in the Copper Room of the Senate Building, Sen. Jones announced the Utah Saves Challenges winners. Over 660 people participated in the week of challenges! Congrats to all those who made an effort to take better control of their personal finances!!

Following Sen. Jones, State Treasurer, Richard Ellis talked about the great work that went into making the Believe in Your Future campaign possible and offered special thanks to all the members of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education. United Way of Salt Lake would also like to extend appreciation of the members of this amazing council!

Next to speak was Tom Love, President of Love Communications. Tom made inspiring remarks about keeping up savings and budgeting efforts. He also introduced the Believe in Your Future mascot, Bill.

Deborah Bayle, CEO of United Way of Salt Lake, commended the work of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education. She also awarded eight $500 Utah Educational Savings Plan accounts to students who recently entered a drawing competition.

This was an exciting day! All who attended (kids and adults, alike) enjoyed having their photo taken with mascot Bill! You can get a good idea of what the mascot looks like by logging on to www.BelieveInYourFuture.org.

Also, and more importantly, on BelieveInYourFuture.org, you can learn about a wide variety of financial matters. The website is a terrific resource where people can find trusted information about getting out of debt, saving to buy a car or house, how to budget, or how to teach children about money.
Special thanks to all who participated in Utah Saves Week – and an extra special thanks to all of the members of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education.