The temptation to spend is all around, but how much you have to spend is always limited.

Yet not a day goes by when we aren’t bombarded with “buy me” messages. Ever-present billboards fight for your attention. A search on the internet brings a constant stream of messages targeted toward your web-surfing profile. Product placements in TV shows and commercials make bold claims about the latest, greatest, best-ever gizmo you should buy.

You might ask yourself, “With all these cool things to buy, why would I ever want to save money? Are there really any advantages to saving money instead of spending it?”

FRED THE FRUGAL EAGLE®

Fred is a bald eagle, a symbol of the United States. Not long ago, bald eagles were on the endangered species list—and some people think that savers are on the endangered species list, too. But the bald eagle is back, and FRED THE FRUGAL EAGLE is here to help take savers off the endangered species list. As you work through the module, Fred will help explain the ins and outs and benefits of saving.

After completing this module, you will know more about the personal benefits of saving, saving strategies, and how your individual savings–combined with others’–effect the greater economy.

Build Fred's Nest Egg

Throughout the module, you will have the opportunity to make decisions about saving and help Fred save for a rooftop condo. Fred has been saving for several years and is starting with $15,000 in his nest egg today. Answer correctly and you will earn dollars answer incorrectly and you will lose dollars, as shown in Fred's Nest Egg on the right-hand side of the screen.