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Americans are spending less and saving more, an economic trend that is hopefully not short-lived.

By December 2009, the U.S. personal savings rate increased to almost 5 percent, up from below 0 in 2005. That’s mostly because the recent recession jolted our pocketbooks and awakened our economic senses, causing Americans of all economic levels to revamp their spending and savings habits. After nest eggs shattered and investments tanked, some of us saw the error of our spending sprees. Layoffs and the uncertain job market have many scrambling to build savings cushions instead of splurging on a new flat-screen television or another night out. Cutting expenses has become popular.

This desire to live within our means is great news, but we have a long way to go as individuals and as a country. In 1970, our personal savings rate was 10 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Our national savings rate has paled in comparison to other countries. Our government can’t stop spending or live within a budget. And our young students, especially teens, don’t know what to do with a dollar if they don’t spend it.

The new money management mentality is electronic, cashless and social, but not geared toward saving. We want quick rewards, not a promise of interest next quarter. We like ATMs, online accounts and convenience. We use Web sites to ask friends and family to contribute money to our “wants.” Checks are passé, plastic debit cards replace cash, and even grandparents give gift cards instead of savings bonds or even cash to save.

Yet young or old, male or female, high-tech or old-fashioned, the common denominator for financial success is still saving and investing. Saving works. Starting small builds nest eggs.

That’s why United Way of Central Iowa developed Central Iowa Saves – a program that motivates everyone to start saving, whether it’s for a house, college education, new tires, vacation or emergency needs. Dozens of local financial institutions and organizations are joining United Way to make Central Iowa Saves available in Polk, Warren and Dallas counties.

Ask your bank or credit union about becoming a Central Iowa Saver. Employers, give employees an opportunity to attend a seminar on saving and investing. Teachers, why not plan lessons on money management for students? Parents, this is a great time to motivate kids to open an account and set a savings goal.

Yes, this recession showed many flaws in our economic system. It has been too easy to incur debt, and too many Americans lived too close to the economic edge. Some of those issues are being addressed. In the meantime, here’s a grassroots effort each of us can support. Help yourself and help others save. What are you waiting for?

Steve Chapman is a member of the United Way of Central Iowa executive committee and vice chairman of Ruan Transport Corp.