The numbers are sobering, but free help is available.The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is participating in America Saves Week Feb. 22 to 27. The idea is to encourage residents in the agency’s 12-county service area to put money away for a rainy day.NECAC is encouraging people to go to its website or call the agency and take the year-long pledge to save. Information about agency programs will be provided. The website is www.necac.org. The agency also is hosting a number of related events in partnership with University of Missouri Extension in Shelby and Warren counties and Jackie O’s Consignment Gallery & Auction House in Warrenton.“We all know how difficult it is to save money,” said NECAC Homeownership Programs Director Debbie Smith. “We plan to offer people some simple ways that will work in building a financial nest egg.”The hurdles are large. Government statistics show that the average American family’s savings account balance is just under $4,000. Four of 10 people are not saving for retirement and a quarter of families have no savings at all.Tips include putting aside a few dollars each week, cut down on restaurant meals, sell unneeded clothes and reduce credit card use.“Whether it’s retirement, next year’s Christmas fund or a high school graduation, certain events in life happen,” Smith said. “Don’t be caught off-guard. Make a commitment to put something away on a regular basis.”Smith is an expert on cost-cutting. She has been a real estate agent for more than 15 years and works with NECAC clients on home purchases, down payment assistance and foreclosure mitigation.She offers regular programs on credit and mortgage loan options, the ability to repay a mortgage, what lenders are looking for in qualified buyers, the initial costs of buying a home, the importance of budgeting, preparing for hidden costs and what to expect at closing on the loan.“If you pick a goal and stick to it, you may be surprised at the results,” Smith said. “NECAC can help.”In conjunction with America Saves Week, NECAC is hosting the following events:• Shelby County soup luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 22, University of Missouri Extension, 106 E. Third in Shelbyville. Discussion on “Best 2016 Financial Tips and Ideas.”• Discussion on “Homeownership in Today’s Market,” 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 22, NECAC Randolph County Service Center, 1903 N. Morley Suite B in Moberly. Learn how to fit homeownership into your life plans, cut the worry over interest rates and find out about financing options.• “Pledge to Win” program, 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 23, Jackie O’s Consignment Gallery & Auction House, 1331 North Service Road in Warrenton. Jackie O’s and Hissy Fits Children’s Boutique is joining NECAC and the University of Missouri Extension. Be entered into a drawing for a $25 VISA gift card. Stores will have extended hours. Other informational NECAC services and Extension services will be highlighted.More information is available by calling Smith at 573-324-6622.America Saves Week