SmartyPig Press Releases

Banking_2.0_Leader_SmartyPig_Appoints_New_SVP,_Product_And_Marketing:_Suzin_Wold

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah Foss
Public Relations/Social Media, SmartyPig
515-991-9790
sfoss@smartypig.com

BANKING 2.0 LEADER SMARTYPIG APPOINTS NEW SVP, PRODUCT AND MARKETING; SUZIN WOLD

August 26, 2010 - DES MOINES, IA - SmartyPig, the leader in the social media money space, officially announces that Suzin Wold has been appointed to the role of SVP, Product and Marketing.

Wold brings 16 plus years of successful marketing and brand management experience to her new position as Senior Vice-President of SmartyPig Product and Marketing. Prior to joining the SmartyPig team, Wold served as Group VP at Blackhawk Network, a market leader in card-based financial solutions and the largest provider of third-party prepaid cards. While at Blackhawk Network Wold was instrumental in the creation and development of the first retail Gift Card Mall program and was a pioneer in the Open Loop category. Wold will use her 9 years of Open Loop experience to oversee the development and management of the redemption product suite (General Purpose Reloadable and Gift Cards) in addition to the oversight of SmartyPig’s marketing efforts. Prior to Blackhawk Network Wold held leadership positions at LeapFrog, PlanetRx.com, Clorox and Procter & Gamble. Wold earned an MBA from the University of Virginia and a BBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Texas-Austin.

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig is a consumer finance site where you can earn high interest on your savings goals and get cash back when making a purchase with premium retailers and top travel companies, all while never relying on credit cards. Family and friends can also help achieve financial goals by securely contributing to your account via social networks like Facebook. Launched in April 2008, SmartyPig has proven extremely popular with consumers throughout the U.S. and in Australia where it partnered with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) to launch www.smartypig.com.au. To date, SmartyPig customers have opened savings accounts with more than $500 million in U.S. deposits and have reached more than $300 million in savings goals. The system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. SmartyPig’s U.S. banking relationship is with BBVA Compass. All funds held on deposit are FDIC insured up to the applicable legal limits. SmartyPig is based in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information on how to get started, please visit http://www.smartypig.com and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/smartypig.

Editor’s Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank, member FDIC.

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086

BBVA_Compass_And_SmartyPig_Announce_Strategic_Alliance

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Ed Bilek, SVP External Communications
BBVA Compass
205-297-3331
ed.bilek@bbvacompass.com

BBVA COMPASS AND SMARTYPIG ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO HELP CONSUMERS REACH THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS

15th Largest U.S. Commercial Bank and Social Money Leader join forces to offer customers the most for their money

June 7, 2010 - BIRMINGHAM, AL and DES MOINES, IA - BBVA Compass and SmartyPig today announced a strategic alliance where BBVA Compass will serve as depository institution to SmartyPig’s customers in the United States and work with SmartyPig to expand their shared customer base. SmartyPig is the first and only online banking application to combine Web 2.0 user applications with the viral nature of social networking platforms, making savings and spending a social experience. Through its popular consumer finance site, individuals and families can benefit from an industry-leading interest rate on their savings goals, in addition to cash back rewards of up to 12 percent when they make purchases at premium retail and travel companies.

“We are extremely pleased to announce this strategic alliance with SmartyPig as we share a common philosophy of helping consumers reach their financial goals through innovative and easy-to-understand solutions,” said Manolo Sánchez, BBVA Compass president and CEO. “Joining forces with SmartyPig is a prime example of how BBVA Compass is focused on bringing innovative, leading-edge technologies to market and expanding its product set to reach a broader customer base.”

SmartyPig empowers people to rid themselves of the “buy now, pay later” mindset through its platform that allows customers to save for specific financial goals like a wedding, a vacation or a flat-screen TV. A goal can be funded through monthly recurring deposits from existing checking or savings accounts or can be made with one-time contributions. Deposit amounts are set by the customer or can be calculated by using an interactive calculator to determine the amount needed each month to reach the predetermined goal. In addition, you can allow your friends and family members to help you save by sharing your goal, all while keeping your personal information safe and secure. Savings accounts associated with SmartyPig accounts will be provided by BBVA Compass and FDIC insured to the maximum level allowed by law.

“SmartyPig has led the charge in creating the next generation of banking solutions, leveraging Web 2.0 features that have the ability to motivate people to use their money more wisely,” added Rick Claypoole, senior vice president and director of consumer deposits at BBVA Compass. “Customers today are concerned with reducing debt levels and an unstable economy. We share SmartyPig’s vision that the time has never been better to help consumers get back to the basic idea of sensibly saving for the things they want in life.”

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates as the U.S. arm of the BBVA Group, a global financial services group with assets of more than $765 billion and operations in more than 30 countries.

“BBVA Compass is an important choice for us as it was one of the few banks able to handle the scale of SmartyPig’s considerable growth while quickly and seamlessly integrating our current customers,” said Bob Weinschenk, chief executive officer, SmartyPig. “In addition, the superior global brand recognition of the BBVA name is important given our ambitions for accessing the global markets. This strategic alliance also provides SmartyPig customers access to BBVA Compass’ broad array of innovative banking products and services.”

SmartyPig customers will receive notice today, June 7, via e-mail allowing them to choose whether to continue their SmartyPig accounts with BBVA Compass as their new bank. Customers who continue their SmartyPig accounts will authorize the transfer of their funds on deposit at West Bank to their new BBVA Compass savings account effective as of August 1, 2010.

ABOUT BBVA COMPASS
BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 724 branches including 387 in Texas, 92 in Alabama, 65 in California, 77 in Arizona, 45 in Florida, 36 in Colorado and 22 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass is the 15th largest U.S. commercial bank based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (3rd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). For the second consecutive year, BBVA Compass was named as a “Lender of the Year” by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Additional information concerning BBVA Compass can be found on our website www.bbvacompass.com.

BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a financial services group with more than $765 billion in total assets, 48 million clients, 7,500 branches and approximately 104,000 employees in more than 30 countries. BBVA ranks among the top 20 largest financial institutions in the world based on market capitalization and 20th in Global Finance magazine’s list of the “World’s 50 Safest Banks” for 2009. BBVA provides its customers around the world with a full range of financial services, including commercial and wholesale banking, retail banking services, consumer loans, mortgages, credit cards, securities brokerage, wealth management, pension plan management and insurance. The BBVA Group maintains a leadership position in Spain, Mexico, Latin America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States as well as operations in China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig is a consumer finance site where you can earn high interest on your savings goals and get cash back when making a purchase with premium retailers and top travel companies, all while never relying on credit cards. Family and friends can also help achieve financial goals by securely contributing to your account via social networks like Facebook. Launched in April 2008, SmartyPig has proven extremely popular with consumers throughout the U.S. and in Australia where it partnered with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) to launch www.smartypig.com.au. To date, SmartyPig customers have opened savings accounts with more than $400 million in U.S. deposits and have reached more than $150 million in savings goals. The system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. SmartyPig’s U.S. banking relationship is currently with West Bank, a subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc., until that relationship transitions to BBVA Compass. All funds held on deposit are FDIC insured up to the applicable legal limits. SmartyPig is based in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information on how to get started, please visit http://www.smartypig.com and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/smartypig.

Editor’s Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank, member FDIC

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086

Introducing_the_SmartyPig_Cash_Rewards_Prepaid_MasterCard

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah Foss
Public Relations/Social Media, SmartyPig
515-991-9790
sfoss®smartypig.com

SmartyPig Introduces the SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard® Card, offering Customers 10% Cash Back at Thousands of Select Retailers

November 30, 2010 - DES MOINES, IA - SmartyPig, the leader in goal-based savings, today unveiled the SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard®. The SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard provides significant value for cardholders with no monthly maintenance, customer service or reload fees, while providing the opportunity to earn up to 10 percent cash back at more than 9,000 select U.S. retailers.

With the SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard, SmartyPig online savings account holders now have the option to load funds anytime through their online account onto a prepaid MasterCard that can be used anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted. Cardholders earn automatic cash back when they use the card to make purchases at select retailers across the U.S. The cash-back savings that are earned can then be transferred back to a SmartyPig savings account to help savers reach their goal faster or can be left on the SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard to use toward future purchases.

“With consumers today looking for payment tools that can help them with their daily finances, provide added value, and avoid growing bank fees and high-interest credit cards, the SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard is a great solution,” said Bob Weinschenk, CEO, SmartyPig. “Now our customers have even more flexibility in how they redeem the funds they put toward their savings goals and are able to earn valuable rewards on their everyday spending, as well.”

The SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard was developed in response to requests from SmartyPig savers wanting additional redemption options with added flexibility, as well as ways to make everyday spending more financially rewarding. The SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard provides both - acceptance anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted and cash-back savings on everyday purchases. All without the typical load and monthly fees seen with most other prepaid cards, the high fees being added on to standard bank accounts and the trappings of credit card debt.

“More than ever, we know that consumers are increasingly looking for ways to get more from the financial services industry, whether it be from the payment products in their wallets or from tools to help them be more financially responsible,” said Neil Dugan, Group Head, Global Prepaid Solutions, MasterCard Worldwide. “It is our commitment to provide a flexible prepaid model that enables innovative partners like SmartyPig to address consumers needs while also driving their own business objectives.”

About SmartyPig
SmartyPig, the leader in online social banking, helps customers save for specific savings goals while earning high interest, as well as cash back savings on everyday purchases. Family and friends can also securely contribute to an account via social networks like Facebook and Twitter. SmartyPig's back-end system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. Launched in April 2008, SmartyPig is extremely popular with consumers throughout the U.S. and in Australia where it partnered with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) to launch www.smartypig.com.au. SmartyPig's U.S. banking relationship is with BBVA Compass and all funds held on deposit are FDIC insured up to the applicable legal limits. To date, SmartyPig customers have created more than $1 billion in goals. For more information on how to get started, please visit http://www.smartypig.com and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/smartypig.

Editor’s Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank, member FDIC.

About MasterCard Worldwide
As a leading global payments company, MasterCard Worldwide prides itself on being at the heart of commerce, helping to make life easier and more efficient for everyone, everywhere. MasterCard serves as a franchisor, processor and advisor to the payments industry, and makes commerce happen by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, governments, businesses, merchants, and cardholders worldwide. In 2009, $2.5 trillion in gross dollar volume was generated on its products by consumers around the world. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network - the fastest payment processing network in the world - MasterCard processes over 22 billion transactions each year, has the capacity to handle 140 million transactions per hour, with an average network response time of 140 milliseconds and with 99.99 percent reliability. MasterCard advances global commerce through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro®, and Cirrus®; its suite of core products such as credit, debit, and prepaid; and its innovative platforms and functionalities, such as MasterCard PayPass™ and MasterCard in Control™. MasterCard serves consumers, governments, and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information, please visit us at www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter: ®mastercardnews.

Media Contacts:
Sarah Foss, SmartyPig, 515-221-4261, SFoss®SmartyPig.com
Sarah Ely, MasterCard Worldwide, 914-249-6714, sarah_ely®mastercard.com

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086

Red_McCombs_Invests_in_High-Tech_Piggy_Bank,_SmartyPig

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jon Gaskell
SmartyPig
515-256-2086
jgaskell@smartypig.com

RED MCCOMBS INVESTS IN HIGH-TECH PIGGY BANK, SMARTYPIG

San Antonio, TX, June 24, 2009 - Red McCombs, the co-founder of Clear Channel Communications, has agreed to purchase a substantial equity stake in the online social banking company SmartyPig. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, the announcement comes at a time when the U.S. personal savings rate has reached its highest point in nearly 15 years.

Like a modern, high-tech piggy bank, SmartyPig’s patent-pending application allows users to save money, track their progress to meet specific goals and invite friends and family members to be a part of the process. Goals range from saving for a child’s college education, to planning for a new baby or wedding, to saving for a consumer purchase like a TV or family vacation, to simply teaching children about fiscal responsibility at an early age.

“We are very pleased with our investment in SmartyPig,” said McCombs. “We believe this is a tremendous opportunity to improve people’s lives and provide financial freedom by helping people break out of the vicious cycle of credit card debt. SmartyPig is a revolutionary company that empowers consumers with true cash buying power. Instead of the ‘buy first and pay later’ mentality, SmartyPig helps people buy with cash and avoid being buried in future debt.”

SmartyPig offers one of the most competitive interest rates in the country and has partnered with major retailers like Home Depot, Best Buy and Babies R Us to offer cash incentives and special pricing on customers’ savings goals. Customer deposits are held in West Bank and are FDIC insured. SmartyPig’s security infrastructure has successfully completed regulatory and compliance audits conducted by various independent auditing firms.

The innovative savings platform developed by SmartyPig has proven extremely popular with consumers throughout the country, such that U.S. customer deposits now total more than $100 million. Further, thanks in large part to customers who have been quick to share their positive banking experiences with friends, family members and social networking contacts, SmartyPig expects its core deposit base will surpass $500 million by the year’s end. Perhaps even more notable, the viral growth of the SmartyPig community has taken place with minimal advertising expenditures.

“SmartyPig is a safe, proven platform that provides unique opportunities for consumers to maximize their savings. It has already proven successful both inside and outside the U.S.,” McCombs noted, “and I believe that within five years SmartyPig will be recognized as a global leader in the consumer banking space.”

The SmartyPig transaction engine is compatible with any bank in any country, language and currency. Further, in developing an application that meets the unique needs of Generation Y and other prominent consumer groups, SmartyPig has firmly entrenched itself as the global leader in social money.

Jon Gaskell, President and Co-Founder of SmartyPig, is excited about McCombs’ involvement. “Red’s enthusiasm is contagious. His personal experience and business relationships will propel SmartyPig to the next level and help guide the company as we grow and expand.”

For additional information on SmartyPig, contact Jon Gaskell or visit www.smartypig.com.

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig is a Des Moines, Iowa, based company that allows customers to open goal-based savings accounts and to invite their friends and family to contribute to their goals. The system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and the latest in security standards. SmartyPig’s U.S. banking partner is West Bank, a subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc. (NASDAQ: WTBA) All funds are held in West Bank and are FDIC insured up to the legal limit of $250,000. The company’s Australian banking partner is Australian New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ).

ABOUT RED MCCOMBS
Red McCombs, a native Texan entrepreneur, is the co-founder of Clear Channel Communications, the founder of Red McCombs Automotive Group, and a former owner of several professional sports teams including the Minnesota Vikings, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets. Mr. McCombs is the namesake of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas and is a long-standing member of the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans. For more information on Mr. McCombs’ companies, visit www.mccombspartners.com.

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

Savvy_Shoppers_Earn_up_to_12_Percent_in_Cash_Incentives

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Tiffany Spencer
Communications, SmartyPig
310-795-1806
tspencer@smartypig.com

SAVVY SHOPPERS CAN NOW EARN UP TO 12% IN CASH INCENTIVES BY SAVING WITH SMARTYPIG

NEW PROGRAM INCREASES CASH BOOSTS, ADDS FLEXIBILITY AND CATEGORY-LEADING RETAILERS

Des Moines, IA, November 17, 2009 - At a time of year when many consumers find themselves sliding deeper into debt, SmartyPig today announced cash boosts of up to 12% when shoppers save for splurges using SmartyPig’s online piggy bank. In addition to doubling the maximum cash boost, the new program added category-leading retailers such as Barnes & Noble Booksellers, GameStop and The Gap to SmartyPig’s partner roster

“The holidays can put a financial strain on anybody, and using credit cards for purchases only adds to the debt hangover,” said Bob Weinschenk, CEO of SmartyPig, citing the Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll which found that six percent of Americans—some 13.5 million consumers—continue to carry debt from last winter’s holiday season. “At SmartyPig we encourage people to plan their spending by automating their savings and help them focus on goals. We reward them with one of the top interest rates in the country and the option to invite friends and family to contribute to their goals. On top of that, they can get a cash boost of up to 12%% when they meet a savings goal and choose to shop with one of the retailers in our program.” According to Weinschenk, saving for the holidays currently ranks among the top 10 most popular savings goals among SmartyPig customers.

Like a modern, high-tech piggy bank, SmartyPig allows its customers to create specific savings goals and determine a saving schedule. SmartyPig automates regular deposits from a customer’s existing checking or savings account into their FDIC insured SmartyPig account, and tracks their progress while offering one of the most competitive interest rates in the country, 2.01% (APY). Equipped with social networking features, SmartyPig also gives savers the option of involving friends and family in the process via services like Facebook and Twitter, so that they can check in on saving progress and even contribute toward goals like honeymoons, graduation trips or family reunions.

Until now, SmartyPig customers who reached a savings goal were offered three choices: transfer the savings plus interest back to an existing checking or savings account, receive it on a SmartyPig MasterCard® debit card (which can be used anywhere MasterCard® is accepted) or opt to put it on a gift card from a name brand retailer. SmartyPig’s new redemption program offers more flexibility, allowing consumers to parse out their savings among those options, splitting their money as they see fit. An intuitive interface allows savers to explore their choices and dynamically calculate how each choice impacts their bottom line. Retail partners are handpicked based on their relevance to common savings goals and their ability to best service the needs of SmartyPig’s customers. For a complete list of SmartyPig partners visit http://www.smartypig.com/about/best-in-class.

Finally, and most importantly, SmartyPig has doubled the maximum cash boost it offers through best-in-class retailers. Now, when customers meet their savings goal they can realize up to 12% in cash boosts paid to them by SmartyPig on retail gift cards whose products and services directly relate to their savings goals. So, an individual who wants to make a minimum initial deposit of $25 and put away $300 a month over twelve months for a new living room set will deposit $3,625 and earn approximately $25 in interest over the course of that year, bringing the goal balance to $3,650. But, for example, if she opts to take her savings out on a Macy’s gift card, SmartyPig will give her a cash boost of 12% (nearly $440) on a Macy’s retail gift card, bringing her goal plus interest plus boost to $4,090 − some $465 more than the $3,625 she had put away.

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig is a Des Moines, Iowa, based company that enables customers to open goal-based savings accounts that allow friends and family to contribute to their goals using social networking features and offers cash incentives from top retailers and vacation companies. Since launching in April 2008, the innovative social savings platform developed by SmartyPig has proven extremely popular with consumers throughout the country thanks in large part to customers who have been quick to share their positive banking experiences with friends, family members and social networking contacts. SmartyPig has taken in more than $250 million in U.S. deposits with more than $70 million in goals reached. The system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. SmartyPig’s U.S. banking partner is West Bank, a subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc. All funds are held in West Bank and are FDIC insured up to the legal limit of $250,000. The company’s Australian banking partner is Australian New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ).

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

SmartyPig Cash Rewards Card To Reward 1% Cash Back On All Purchases

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah Foss
Public Relations/Social Media, SmartyPig
515-991-9790
sfoss@smartypig.com

Social Money Modifies SmartyPig Cash Rewards Card To Reward 1% Cash Back On All Purchases.

March 15, 2012 - DES MOINES, IA - Social Money, the company revolutionizing goal-based savings, today announced an update of SmartyPig.com's Prepaid MasterCard to now reward its customers with 1% cash-back on all purchases.* The new program replaces one offered by a third-party provider that had paid varying levels of cash back at a limited number of merchants.

“Our customers expect and deserve value every time they use SmartyPig,” said Social Money CEO Scott McCormack. “Moving to a flat 1% cash back on every purchase they make using their prepaid card provides that value.”

With the SmartyPig Cash Rewards Prepaid MasterCard, online savings account holders can load funds anytime from their account onto their card. It can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. The card update will now offer a steady stream of cash rewards that can be transferred to a SmartyPig savings account to help savers reach their goal faster. Or cash back rewards may be left on the card to use toward future purchases.

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig, LLC is DBA Social Money. SmartyPig's system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. SmartyPig’s U.S. banking relationship is with BBVA Compass and all funds held on deposit are FDIC insured up to the applicable legal limits. BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank is a member of the FDIC.

Editor’s Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank, member FDIC.

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
1271 8th St., Suite 600
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone : 515-256-2086

* Cash back will be earned on signature and online purchases. PIN or debit transactions are not eligible for cash back.

SmartyPig.com_Integrates_with_Money_Management_Sites

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Martha Shaughnessy
Atomic PR for SmartyPig
415.402.0230
martha@atomicpr.com

SMARTYPIG.COM INTEGRATES WITH MONEY MANAGEMENT SITES

Award-Winning Online Piggy Bank Creates Official Financial Exchange (OFX) Solution to Allow Goals to be Monitored through Softwares from Online Leader Mint.com to Desktop Solutions Microsoft Money

DES MOINES, Iowa, March 16, 2009 - SmartyPig® http://www.SmartyPig.com, the leader in the social banking space, today announced the launch of its OFX Solution, enabling customers to add their SmartyPig accounts into their preferred money management sites. Supported by Access Softek, an industry leader in OFX technology, the integration syncs SmartyPig accounts directly into online account aggregators, including: Mint.com, Buxfer, Microsoft Money, Money Strands, Thrive, Wesabe and Yodlee. Geezeo and Rudder are coming soon. An OFX solution is a unified specification for the electronic exchange of financial data between financial institutions, businesses and consumers via the web.

“At SmartyPig we recognize how important it is to securely manage your finances, set goals and help change the credit card mindset of ‘buy now, pay later,’ that has contributed to the current downturn,” said Mike Ferrari, SmartyPig co-founder and COO. “Being able to see all your accounts in one place is a critical step in taking control of your finances. We selected an OFX solution because it’s the most widely adopted open standard for exchanging financial information between consumers and financial services, and we aimed to grant this ability to the largest possible number of customers.”

SmartyPig is a secure new service that leverages the age-old idea of saving up for purchases before buying, while adding Web 2.0 and social networking technology to reach tech-savvy banking customers. The ability to track SmartyPig goals in online money management sites was a top request from SmartyPig users, who keep an ongoing dialogue with the company through customer service site Get Satisfaction, Twitter, a large fan group on Facebook, and through its popular blog.

SmartyPig employed these methods to announce the new integration to customers on Thursday, March 12.

“SmartyPig helps me in two essential ways. First, as a freelancer, I can automatically contribute to and keep track of my IRA since I no longer have a 401k. Second, as an adoptive mother, I can help my family save for the various expenses that arise throughout the process - all in a secure account I won’t dip into,” said Jessica Ward, SmartyPig and Mint.com user. “I love being able to see my savings progress toward SmartyPig goals in my Mint.com account - I’m travelling to Ethiopia soon to pick up my third child, and having a clear picture of my savings makes it easier to save for that goal. And seeing the assets alongside my shrinking mortgage debt makes me feel MUCH more positive about my current financial standings.”

SmartyPig offers the only true banking application that is social, appealing to a younger, plugged-in customer base while making it easier and more fun than ever to save up for specific goals. In the U.S., the site offers a highly competitive 3.25% (APY)* interest rate, and 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, Overstock and Home Depot.

SmartyPig was created after co-founder Michael Ferrari, who had just set up a 529 college savings account for his new son, searched for a similar way to automatically save for a vacation with friends that offered him the benefits he felt were most important: a social networking aspect so the group could share in the experience, true incentives from retailers he frequents and ease of use. When he couldn’t find anything, he set out to create SmartyPig. The company has seen rapid adoption in the U.S. since its April 2008 launch.

About SmartyPig
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, SmartyPig is a simple, smart and secure way to save for a specific goal. Using groundbreaking technology and the latest in security standards, SmartyPig helps users reach their savings goals faster by allowing them to invite family and friends to contribute to their accounts, gives additional incentive boosts from top retailers who sell exactly what users are saving for and offers a competitive interest rate. SmartyPig, LLC is a privately-owned company that launched in the U.S. in April 2008 and in Australia with partner ANZ in December 2008. For more information visit www.SmartyPig.com.

The SmartyPig site is protected by copyright and trademark laws under U.S. and international law. U.S. and international patent pending. All rights reserved. U.S. Certificate of Registration #TXU001582439.

Visit:
SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
801 Grand Avenue, Suite 290
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

SmartyPig_Adds_Overstock.com_As_Redemption_Option

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Martha Shaughnessy
Atomic PR for SmartyPig
415.402.0230
martha@atomicpr.com

SMARTYPIG ADDS OVERSTOCK.COM AS REDEMPTION OPTION

Online Retailer to Provide Saving Initiative Customers With 6% Cash Boost

DES MOINES, Iowa, September 29, 2008 - SmartyPig® http://www.SmartyPig.com, the online piggy bank that helps individuals, families and organizations save for specific goals, today announced it would begin offering Overtsock.com http://www.Overstock.com gift cards as a redemption option beginning September 28, 2008. The cash boost offered by Overstock is 6%. Up until now, SmartyPig’s highest retail boost had been 5%.

“Overstock and SmartyPig are a perfect fit,” said Jon Gaskell, co-founder and CMO of SmartyPig. “Overstock is able to deliver quality, name-brand products at deep discounts, while we at SmartyPig have always insisted that sensible consumers have the option of earning more money for their money. Together, it will be next to impossible for the discerning shopper to find a better deal online.”

SmartyPig is a new service that leverages the age-old idea of saving up for purchases before buying, while adding Web 2.0 and social networking technology to help customers reverse the “buy now, pay later” credit-card mindset. SmartyPig offers the only true banking application that is social, appealing to the next generation of banking customers while making it easier and more fun than ever to save up for specific goals. SmartyPig also offers a highly competitive 3.90% (APY)* interest rate, and provides customers with optional cash boosts of up to 6% when a savings goal is reached from best-in-class retail partners like Amazon, Royal Caribbean, Pottery Barn, Best Buy and Home Depot - and now Overstock.com.

Gaskell explained that a SmartyPig customer who saves up for a new $1,400 flat screen TV for a year (after making a $100 initial deposit to set up their goal and making 12 additional $100 deposits over the ensuing 12 months) would earn nearly $25 in interest, and the boost from Overstock.com would be approximately $80. “That’s an extra $100 on a smart $1,300 investment,” Gaskell said. “And more importantly, at the end of the day you own the television, not your credit card company.”

SmartyPig was created after co-founder Michael Ferrari, who had just set up a 529 college savings account for his new son, searched for a similar way to automatically save for a vacation that offered him the benefits he felt were most important: a social networking aspect, true incentives from retailers he frequents and ease of use. When he couldn’t find anything, he set out to create SmartyPig. The company has seen rapid adoption in the U.S. since its April 2008 launch.

About SmartyPig
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, SmartyPig is a simple, smart and secure way to save for a specific goal. Using groundbreaking technology and the latest in security standards, SmartyPig helps users reach their savings goals faster by allowing them to invite family and friends to contribute to their accounts, gives additional incentive boosts from top retailers who sell exactly what users are saving for and offers a competitive interest rate. SmartyPig.com is a privately-owned company which launched in April 2008. For more information visit www.SmartyPig.com. The SmartyPig site is protected by copyright and trademark laws under U.S. and international law. U.S. and international patent pending. All rights reserved. U.S. Certificate of Registration #TXU001582439.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of September 29, 2008. Rates may change at any time without prior notice. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Minimum opening balance is $25.

Visit:
SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
801 Grand Avenue, Suite 290
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

SmartyPig_Announces_"Race_Out_Of_Debt"_Contest_$4,951_Grand_Prize

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah Foss
Public Relations/Social Media, SmartyPig
515-991-9790
sfoss@smartypig.com

SMARTYPIG ANNOUNCES CONTEST TO AWARD THOUSANDS, DIG ONE CUSTOMER OUT OF DEBT

September 14, 2010 - DES MOINES, IA - SmartyPig, the leader in the social money space, announced today its "Race Out of Debt" contest with a grand prize of nearly $5,000 for one lucky participant.

As an acknowledgement of the average American credit card debt hitting a new 8-year low this summer, Online Savings Leader, SmartyPig, has rolled out its largest contest to date to award one customer the new national credit card debt average of $4,951. The company invites both new and existing users to participate in the contest. The contest begins today and will take place over 13 days, with the winner being announced via video blog on September 28, 2010. The process to determine the winner is as follows: Eight finalists will be randomly selected. Each finalist will be assigned to a live pig at the SmartyPig racetrack that will be entered into the "Race Out of Debt" pig race. The contestant assigned to the pig that crosses the finish line first will be awarded the grand prize of $4,951.

For official rules visit Smarty Pig’s contest page:
http://blog.smartypig.com/read/race-out-of-debt-win-thousands

Editor’s Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank, member FDIC.

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086

SmartyPig_Announces_Location-Based_Cash-Back_Mobile_App

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah Foss
Public Relations/Social Media, SmartyPig
515-991-9790
sfoss@smartypig.com

SmartyPig Announces Location-Based Cash-Back Mobile Application to Help Customers Find Real Rewards Right Where They Stand.

August 8, 2011 - DES MOINES, IA - SmartyPig, the award-winning Internet company that socializes saving, spending and charitable giving, today announced location-based rewards for its iPhone and Android applications. The update has capabilities that include: Finding cash-back rewards by category and location with easy map-based browsing, real-time balance details, transaction history, cash-back status and the ability to instantly transfer funds to your SmartyPig MasterCard prepaid debit card.

“Deals like half-off horseback riding lessons and bikini waxes are great for some people, I’m sure,” said Bob Weinschenk, SmartyPig CEO. “But what we’ve heard from our customers is the need for true value in a tough economy. Earning valuable cash back that is always on at the places they go everyday provides that value. And being able to determine where those places are based on your precise location is innovation that helps our customers shop and save smarter than ever before.”

Simply download the free app for your iPhone or Android to:

Add money to your SmartyPig Cash Rewards Card or savings goal
Review transaction history and card balance
Locate cash-back merchants by location and category
Pay a friend by adding money to their account

“While many banks are scrapping their reward programs and jacking up customer fees, we are enhancing our program so that our customers can earn even more,” said SmartyPig CEO Bob Weinschenk, adding that both local and national retailers are being added to the program daily. “It’s important for them to know there is a financial services company out there that has their back.”

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig, the leader in online social banking, is helping its customers save for some $2 billion in specific savings goals, while earning high interest, as well as cash-back savings on everyday purchases. Family and friends can also securely contribute to an account via social networks like Facebook and Twitter. SmartyPig's back-end system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. SmartyPig’s U.S. bank partner is BBVA Compass. All funds held on deposit are FDIC insured up to the applicable legal limits.

Editor’s Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank, member FDIC.

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086

SmartyPig_Appoints_Silicon_Valley_Veteran_Bob_Weinschenk_To_CEO

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Tiffany Spencer
Communications, SmartyPig
310-795-1806
tspencer@smartypig.com

BANKING 2.0 LEADER SMARTYPIG APPOINTS SILICON VALLEY VETERAN BOB WEINSCHENK TO CEO

Des Moines, IA, September 28, 2009 - SmartyPig, the leader in the social money space, announced today that Bob Weinschenk has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

A successful serial entrepreneur with an engineering background, Weinschenk brings to SmartyPig more than 25 years of experience in business technology. Before joining SmartyPig, Weinschenk was co-founder and CEO of Barfly Interactive Networks which was acquired by TouchTunes in September 2008. He is co-founder and a director of www.smartfoodshealthykids.com, a video streaming site empowering parents to make educated food and environmental choices for their children. Prior to Barfly and Smart Foods, Weinschenk served as President and CEO of Britestream Networks, a supplier of high performance commercial encryption/encryption technology, and President and CEO of Pixim, a premier supplier of innovative semiconductors and software platforms for digital image capture and processing that was spun out of Stanford University. Previously, he served as General Manager of the Microelectronics Division of Lucent Technologies, where he oversaw nearly $400 million in annual sales, and $1.3 billion in product development. Weinschenk was also the General Manager of Advanced Micro Devices’ chipset organization, a group he founded and built from the ground up to a $55M/year business. Weinschenk earned his Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, and his Bachelor of Engineering Degree from the Steven’s Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.

“With the momentum we’re experiencing, the enhancements we are making to our product and the further expansion we are planning, it was necessary to bring in someone of Bob’s caliber,” said Michael Ferrari, SmartyPig’s Chairman and Co-Founder. “He’s built five companies and has had a tremendous amount of success. We could not be more excited.”

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig is a Des Moines, Iowa, based company that enables customers to open goal-based savings accounts that can be tied to social networking features, allowing friends and family to contribute to their goals. Since launching in April 2008, the innovative social savings platform developed by SmartyPig has proven extremely popular with consumers throughout the country thanks in large part to customers who have been quick to share their positive banking experiences with friends, family members and social networking contacts. SmartyPig expects its core deposit base to surpass $500 million by yearend with $100 million of goals being reached and redeemed. The system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. SmartyPig’s U.S. banking partner is West Bank, a subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc. (NASDAQ: WTBA) All funds are held in West Bank and are FDIC insured up to the legal limit of $250,000. The company’s Australian banking partner is Australian New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ).

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

SmartyPig_Goes_Mobile_and_Makes_Social_Savings_Accessible_Anywhere

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Martha Shaughnessy
Atomic PR for SmartyPig
415.402.0230
martha@atomicpr.com

SMARTYPIG GOES MOBILE AND MAKES SOCIAL SAVINGS ACCESSIBLE ANYWHERE ON THE ROAD

New Mobile Site (m.smartypig.com) Lets Users Track and Add to Goals on iPhones, Blackberries and More

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 9, 2009 - SmartyPig® http://www.SmartyPig.com, the leader in the social banking space, today announced the launch of the SmartyPig mobile site m.smartypig.com, which provides a secure and easy way to quickly access account information on the go. Users can view the current status of their savings goals and friends’ goals, track transaction history, and make additional transfers of money right from their phones. While the mobile site is optimized to take advantage of the iPhone’s look and feel, the team listened to customers and enlisted pinch/zoom to optimize their site for other mobile devices, such as Android, Pre, HTC and Blackberry.

“While there is a lot of emphasis on the iPhone App Store these days, we wanted the SmartyPig mobile Web site to provide the best possible experience to the largest possible market,” said Mike Ferrari, COO and co-founder of SmartyPig. “We designed the site to have an attractive and easy to use interface on more advanced touch devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch, Android G1 and the upcoming Palm Pre, and went to great pains to make sure that users of all other mobile phones would be able to view their savings goals, regardless of what device they use.” SmartyPig is a secure new service that leverages the age-old idea of saving up for purchases before buying, while adding Web 2.0 and social networking technology to reach tech-savvy banking customers. With its recent OFX integration, SmartyPig allowed users to track goals in online money management sites like Mint.com and Wesabe. Taking the “pig” on the road was a top request from SmartyPig users, who the company keeps an ongoing dialogue with through customer service site Get Satisfaction, Twitter, a large fan group on Facebook, and through its popular blog.

“What appealed to me most about the mobile project was taking a great financial product like SmartyPig, and addressing the users’ mobile context with an easy-to-use experience based on their goals,” said Brian Fling, of pinch/zoom. “For example, we focused the design to make sure users could quickly see the balance of their SmartyPig savings goals and add money to it while away from their desk. I started using SmartyPig at the beginning of this project and now I use the mobile web site anytime I travel.”

The SmartyPig mobile site lets users access all the assets of the program that make it the only true social banking solution. Users can:

View Goals - Saving money with SmartyPig is easy, but everyone needs encouragement now and again. With SmartyPig's new mobile site, you can quickly access and view the status of your goals and review your past transactions.

Add Money – Once goals are setup, monthly contributions are automated. However, additional money can always be deposited. For example, when a user opts against an impulse purchase and wants to reward him or herself by contributing additional funds to a SmartyPig goal, the new mobile site makes that quick and easy.

Friends – The social aspect of SmartyPig allows friends and family to view and support each others’ goals, if they so choose. It often gives needed motivation to continue on the saving path, and the new mobile site allows quick reviews of what friends are saving for, and the progress they have made.

And everything is entirely secure. The SmartyPig mobile site utilizes VeriSign® SSL 256-bit encryption, is certified daily to pass the McAfee® SECURE Security Scan, and has undergone comprehensive security auditing and testing by Primeon, a leader in enterprise-wide application security. Primeon works with 50 of the largest financial services enterprises in the United States. SmartyPig offers the only true banking application that is social, appealing to a younger, plugged-in customer base while making it easier and more fun than ever to save up for specific goals. In the U.S., the site offers a highly competitive 3.05% (APY)* interest rate, and 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.

SmartyPig was created after Ferrari, who had just set up a 529 college savings account for his new son, searched for a similar way to automatically save for a vacation with friends that offered him the benefits he felt were most important: a social networking aspect so the group could share in the experience, true incentives from retailers he frequents and ease of use. When he couldn’t find anything, he partnered with strategic investors DataVision, Inc. and West Bank (NASDAQ: WTBA) to create SmartyPig. The company has seen rapid adoption in the U.S. since its April 2008 launch.

About SmartyPig
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, SmartyPig is a simple, smart and secure way to save for a specific goal. Using groundbreaking technology and the latest in security standards, SmartyPig helps users reach their savings goals faster by allowing them to invite family and friends to contribute to their accounts, gives additional incentive boosts from top retailers who sell exactly what users are saving for and offers a competitive interest rate (currently 3.05%). SmartyPig, LLC launched in the U.S. in April 2008 and in Australia with partner bank ANZ in February 2009. For more information visit www.SmartyPig.com.

About DataVision, Inc.
For the past 15 years, several innovative business ventures have been created by, and launched out of DataVision, Inc. DVI has a proven record in funding and developing start-up businesses and turning innovative ideas into thriving entities for their investors and partners.

DVI Portfolio Companies
DataVision Resources: A full-service business process outsourcing company (BPO) for 6 of the top Fortune 50 financial services companies, DVR is the successor company to DVI and has grown 500% from 2006 through Q1 2009.

Businesssolver.com: Partnered with Principal Financial Group (NYSE: PFG), Businesssolver is one of the leaders in the on-line benefit administration space with many of the top companies in the country as clients.

Workcomp.NET: WorkComp.NET offers extensive mandatory, conditional and sequencing edits, data entry & full integration combined with superior customer support. Workcompan.NET was sold to Ingenix, the world’s largest claim processor, in 2003.

*In the US, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective as of 4/8/2009. Rates may change at any time without prior notice. Funds are deposited with West Bank, Member FDIC.

Visit:
SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
801 Grand Avenue, Suite 290
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

SmartyPig_Helps_Users_Stave_Off_Debt_While_Granting_Holiday_Wishes

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Martha Shaughnessy
Atomic PR for SmartyPig
415.402.0230
martha@atomicpr.com

SMARTYPIG HELPS USERS STAVE OFF DEBT WHILE GRANTING HOLIDAY WISHES

12% of SmartyPig users set goals specifically for holiday shopping - average amount is $903; APY and retail partnerships help stretch dollars, adding nearly $2 on every $10

DES MOINES, Iowa, November 25, 2008 - SmartyPig® http://www.SmartyPig.com, the online piggy bank that helps individuals, families and organizations save for specific goals, today released aggregate data from its American user-base, indicating financial trends as we head into the holiday season - including top savings goals for users, and average dollar amounts saved. SmartyPig, a new service that leverages the age-old idea of saving up for purchases, adds Web 2.0 and social networking technology to help customers reverse the “buy now, pay later” credit-card mindset - and has seen 506% growth in its deposit base since the economic downturn

“We know people need to change their ways when it comes to spending, and we’re helping them do it,” said Jon Gaskell, SmartyPig cofounder. “According to Paul Kasriel, director of economic research at Northern Trust in Chicago, last year Americans spent approximately $472 billion more than they earned after taxes - a negative savings rate of 5.2 percent - double the previous year, and a record high. We are working to help people reverse the credit card mentality that got us here, and are also optimized to reach the next generation of savers, so they can learn from current mistakes and avoid ending up back in this predicament.”

SmartyPig offers the only true banking application that is social, appealing to the next generation of banking customers while making it easier and more fun than ever to save up for specific goals. SmartyPig also lets users embed customized widgets on popular sites like Facebook, MySpace, or on their own blogs and Web sites, to share goals with friends and family.

Currently, the SmartyPig average goal amount is $8,558, with the projected duration scheduled at just over 4 years. The goal category breakdown is below, along with the average goal amount in each category:

Travel 21% - Average Goal: $4,411
Holiday Spending money 12% - Average Goal: $903
Electronics 10% - Average Goal: $2,470
Home Improvement 6% - Average Goal: $12,912
Saving to Save: 5% - Average Goal: $9,761
Weddings 5% - Average Goal: $7,850
House down payment/addition 4% - Average Goal: $22,228
Emergency Fund 3% - Average Goal: $6,632
Babies 3% - Average Goal: $5,084
Home Furnishings 2% - Average Goal: $3,543
Car or Car Expenses 2% - Average Goal: $6,778
College: 1% - Average Goal: $9,667
Misc. 26% - Average Goal: $10,710

SmartyPig offers a highly competitive 3.90% (APY)* interest rate on its FDIC-insured savings goals, and once a savings goal is reached, customers have an option to receive cash boosts of up to 6% from best-in-class retail partners like Amazon, Royal Caribbean, Pottery Barn, Best Buy, Home Depot and Overstock.com. Combined, the redemption can save a user $200 on $1,000. If one saves $100/month for 12 months with SmartyPig’s 3.9% APY and redeems a gift card with a 6% cash boost, the out-of-pocket cost is $1,200, for $1,290 purchasing power. Conversely, if a shopper charges $1,200 to a credit card this season and then pays $100/month for the following year (at 14.99% APR), they’re left owing $107 at the next holiday season. The actual out-of-pocket cost is over $1,300 for $1,200 purchasing power.

A full 67% of SmartyPig users are under the age of 35, 20% are between 36-45, and the remaining 13% are older. However, United States law doesn’t allow minors to be primary owners of a bank account, so children’s goals are owned by their parents. Anecdotally, SmartyPig knows many children and teens are saving with them. Money saved can be redeemed in one of three ways. Once consumers reach their goals they can:

Receive savings plus interest on the flexible SmartyPig MasterCard Debit Card (which can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted, including ATMs – for withdrawals only)
Have savings plus interest returned to the bank account they use to fund their SmartyPig goals via Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH)
Stretch savings dollars even further, receiving savings plus interest on a gift card from some of the country’s top retailers

SmartyPig was created after co-founder Michael Ferrari, who had just set up a 529 college savings account for his new son, searched for a similar way to automatically save for a vacation that offered him the benefits he felt were most important: a social networking aspect, true incentives from retailers he frequents and ease of use. When he couldn’t find anything, he set out to create SmartyPig. The company has seen rapid adoption in the U.S. since its April 2008 launch.

About SmartyPig
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, SmartyPig is a simple, smart and secure way to save for a specific goal. Using groundbreaking technology and the latest in security standards, SmartyPig helps users reach their savings goals faster by allowing them to invite family and friends to contribute to their accounts, gives additional incentive boosts from top retailers who sell exactly what users are saving for and offers a competitive interest rate. SmartyPig.com is a privately-owned company which launched in April 2008. For more information visit www.SmartyPig.com. The SmartyPig site is protected by copyright and trademark laws under U.S. and international law. U.S. and international patent pending. All rights reserved. U.S. Certificate of Registration #TXU001582439.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of October 10, 2008. Rates may change at any time without prior notice. All U.S. funds are held in West Bank, member FDIC.

Visit:
SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
801 Grand Avenue, Suite 290
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

SmartyPig_Introduces_A_Free_iPhone_App

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah Foss
Public Relations/Social Media, SmartyPig
515-991-9790
sfoss@smartypig.com

SMARTYPIG INTRODUCES FREE IPHONE APP

January 5, 2011 - DES MOINES, IA - SmartyPig, the leader in goal-based savings, today released its iPhone application. This cutting-edge application is the latest saving tool from the popular social savings site. The SmartyPig iPhone app is a fast and secure tool for managing your SmartyPig account on the go. It provides a slick and speedy interface for familiar actions like reviewing your savings goals, adding money to goals and reviewing your recent transaction history.

The application gives users the ability to interact with their SmartyPig account whenever they need to wherever they are. Simply download the free app from iTunes or the app store to:

Add money to a goal
Pay a friend by adding money to their goal
Transfer funds from one goal to another
Get goal balances, details and transaction history
Review important account activity message notifications
Setup a secure 4-digit passcode for quick and easy access
Post a comment to linked Facebook and Twitter accounts

And coming soon, SmartyPig customers who have the NEW SmartyPig Cash Rewards Card will be able to use the app to check their balance and add money to their card. The app will also feature a powerful geo location feature for pinpointing participating cash-back merchants, a useful tool for anyone who wishes to find the best deals nearby.

While the group at SmartyPig is no newcomer to progressive products, this particular application has been in strong demand for some time. SmartyPig Co-Founder, Mike Ferrari said, "When it came to developing the mobile app, we leveraged the technology and consulting skills of (Des Moines, Iowa, based) BitMethod. The collaboration was fantastic and we look forward to our continued partnership as we enhance the SmartyPig mobile experience."

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig, the leader in online social banking, helps customers save for specific savings goals while earning high interest, as well as cash back savings on everyday purchases. Family and friends can also securely contribute to an account via social networks like Facebook and Twitter. SmartyPig's back-end system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. Launched in April 2008, SmartyPig is extremely popular with consumers throughout the U.S. and in Australia where it partnered with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) to launch www.smartypig.com.au. SmartyPig’s U.S. banking relationship is with BBVA Compass and all funds held on deposit are FDIC insured up to the applicable legal limits. To date, SmartyPig customers have created more than $1 billion in goals. For more information on how to get started, please visit http://www.smartypig.com and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/smartypig.

Editor’s Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank, member FDIC.

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086

SmartyPig_Launches_New_Company_Blog

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Wendy Artman
GroundFloor Media
301-762-1863
wartman@groundfloormedia.com

SMARTYPIG LAUNCHES NEW COMPANY BLOG

Developed on the Post Zinger blog platform, the new company blog strengthens SmartyPig’s commitment to open and transparent conversations with its customers about responsible savings, banking and innovation.

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 17, 2008 - SmartyPig®, http://www.smartypig.com, a new online savings solution combining social networking and sensible savings to help consumers reach savings goals faster with public accounts, competitive interest rates and cash boosts from retailers, today relaunched its SmartyPig blog to provide a conversational platform for its products, commentary about the banking industry and consumerism.

“The new blog showcases our commitment to putting SmartyPig on leading social platform technologies that help increase our outreach and connection with our impassioned users,” states Jon Gaskell, co-founder of SmartyPig. “Banking, savings and personal finance are light or easy subjects, but our goal is to be as informative, responsive and as inclusive as possible. We are looking at the blog as a great way to connect with what is of importance to our customers.”

The SmartyPig blog, http://blog.smartypig.com, is authored by Gaskell and Michael Ferrari, co-founder of SmartyPig. Subject topics of the blog include:

SmartyPig feature updates and notices
Personal finance
Banking
Credit
Consumerism
Contest announcements
Customer stories
Technology innovation
Social networks and communities

“We want our customers to be an integral part of our growth and development,” states Gaskell. “The more they can see and participate in discussions that we find relevant, the more understanding they have of who and what SmartyPig stands for. It’s important for us to have our customers see us as real people working hard to improve not only our company, but the way we look at being responsible consumers.”

The Post Zinger blog platform delivers an intuitive interface to post blogs, video, podcasts and easily manage the resulting conversations through comment moderation, custom RSS feeds, link tracking along with inherent content visibility factors to increase the distribution and syndication SmartyPig’s content.

“We really liked the idea of not having to hack together multiple technology platforms, one for blog posting and another for RSS management, and then sift through endless amounts of plug-ins to keep the blog current,” states Ferrari. “With Post Zinger, we have a single platform for content management, RSS management and content visibility - it’s a beautiful thing.”

About SmartyPig
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, SmartyPig is a simple, smart and secure way to save for a specific goal. Using groundbreaking technology and the latest in security standards, SmartyPig helps users reach their savings goals faster by allowing them to invite family and friends to contribute to their accounts, gives additional incentive boosts from top retailers who sell exactly what users are saving for and offers a competitive interest rate. SmartyPig.com is a privately-owned company which launched in February 2008. For more information visit www.SmartyPig.com. SmartyPig is a registered trademark of SmartyPig. US patent pending. All rights reserved.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of June 17, 2008. Rates may change at any time without prior notice. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Minimum opening balance is $25.

Visit:
SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
Jon Gaskell
Co-Founder
801 Grand Avenue, Suite 290
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

SmartyPig_Launches_New_Twitter_And_Facebook_Connect_Features

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Tiffany Spencer
Communications, SmartyPig
310-795-1806
tspencer@smartypig.com

SMARTYPIG DEFINES NEW ERA IN BANKING WITH INNOVATIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

21st CENTURY PIGGY BANK INCREASES SOCIAL MEDIA FUNCTIONALITY WITH NEW TWITTER AND FACEBOOK CONNECT FEATURES

New York, NY, September 29, 2009 - SmartyPig, the leader in the social money space, unveiled new features at today's Finovate conference, keeping the company at the forefront of Banking 2.0.

Like a modern, high-tech piggy bank, SmartyPig allows users to create specific savings goals, determine a savings schedule, automate monthly contributions from their existing checking or savings account, and track their progress while earning one of the most competitive interest rates in the country (2.01% APY). Equipped with social networking features, SmartyPig gives savers the option of involving friends and family in the process. SmartyPig customers can invite friends and family members to be a part of the process via sites like Facebook so that they can check in on saving progress and even contribute towards those goals. When a goal is reached, they can transfer the savings plus interest back to their existing checking or savings account, receive it on a SmartyPig MasterCard® debit card (which can be used anywhere MasterCard® is accepted) or opt to put it on a relevant retail gift card from name brand partners such as Best Buy, Amazon.com and Home Depot and receive up to an additional 6% cash boost, turning smart savers into smart spenders.

Increasing Social Media Functionality with New Goal Sharing Features
New features introduced today expand on SmartyPig’s existing social media functionality. SmartyPig users now have the option to securely connect their existing Twitter and/or Facebook account to any goals that they have chosen to share with friends and family. When Twitter is connected to a shared SmartyPig goal, SmartyPig will automatically post to that Twitter account any time funds are added towards meeting a goal. The Facebook connect feature works similarly, posting to the Facebook user’s wall every time funds are added towards meeting a goal that they have chosen to share.

“Setting and achieving a savings goal is a really empowering experience and we’re finding that SmartyPig customers increasingly want to involve their friends and family in the process - especially when the goal is one that everybody is cheering for, like newlyweds and their down payment on their first home,” said Chairman and Co-Founder Mike Ferrari. “Our new Facebook and Twitter Connect tools allow them to share their goals more easily, communicating each step towards achieving them.”

Redefining How Consumers Interact with their Financial Institutions
With thousands of people interacting with SmartyPig using social networking sites, SmartyPig’s use of social media sets it apart from other financial services companies. Leveraging the latest in Web 2.0 technology, applications and websites, SmartyPig makes saving a social experience, attracting a next generation of banking customer to the time-honored tradition of saving. SmartyPig has redefined how consumers interact with their financial service partners - actively engaging them in ongoing dialogue - and currently has more followers on Twitter than BofA, Citi and Wells Fargo. The company has an open line of communication with its customers who often engage in conversations directly with executives via social networking services, as well as the company’s blog.

Incredible Viral Growth
SmartyPig’s use of social media has led to astounding growth with minimal marketing expenditures, thanks in large part to customers who have been quick to share their positive banking experiences with friends, family members and social network contacts. This momentum has caught the attention of the financial community, analysts, media and investors — most recently attracting a significant investment from Red McCombs, co-founder of Clear Channel Communications and long-standing member of the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans.

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

SmartyPig_Offers_Smart_Simple_and_Safe_Solution_In_Web_2.0_World

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Wendy Artman
GroundFloor Media
301-762-1863
wartman@groundfloormedia.com

AS CONSUMER DEBT CLIMBS TO AN ALL-TIME HIGH, SMARTYPIG OFFERS A SMART, SIMPLE AND SAFE SOLUTION FOR CONSUMERS IN A WEB 2.0 WORLD

SmartyPig combines social networking and sensible savings to help consumers reach savings goals faster with public accounts, competitive interest rates, cash boosts from retailers

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 7, 2008 - With consumers racking up more than $2.2 trillion in credit card purchases and cash advances, and lenders collecting a record $18.1 billion in penalty fees - last year alone, one thing is for certain: Americans simply cannot afford to keep buying on credit. SmartyPig®, a new online savings solution launching today, provides credit-cautious consumers a smart, secure and simple way to save for specific goals and rewards them like never before for doing so.

Unlike other savings accounts, SmartyPig has three unique twists that actually help consumers reach their savings goals faster:

SmartyPig is the only online savings tool that leverages Web 2.0 technologies allowing account holders to make their savings accounts public so family and friends can securely contribute to their savings goals.
SmartyPig currently offers a 4.3% (Annual Percentage Yield)* interest rate and will always maintain a competitive interest rate for account holders.
SmartyPig gives consumers even more for their money by offering additional cash boosts (up to five percent) from best-in-class retail partners like Royal Caribbean, Pottery Barn, Best Buy, Cabela's and Home Depot, when they reach a savings goal.

According to a 2007 online survey of 1,200 U.S. adult consumers¹, when making a “big ticket” purchase other than a house or car, 37 percent of adults save first, then make their purchase. “In order to start tackling the consumer debt problem, we need to improve this number,” said Jon Gaskell, SmartyPig co-founder.

“SmartyPig's smart, simple and secure approach to saving teaches the benefits of good financial habits, reverses the ‘buy now, pay later’ mentality and makes saving money a fun, easy and rewarding experience. Additionally, we use the latest in security standards, and savings accounts opened using SmartyPig are deposited at West Bank, an FDIC-insured banking institution, so consumers can trust their financial information and savings are secure,” adds Gaskell.

SmartyPig is ideal for families saving for a vacation, for grandparents wanting to help a grandchild purchase a new bike or computer, for homeowners needing a home improvement or for newlyweds saving for a new piece of furniture. “The uses for SmartyPig are endless,” said Gaskell. “If you need to make a big purchase, or you simply want to save money, a SmartyPig account will make your savings work for you like never before, giving you more for your money.”

According to SmartyPig co-founder Mike Ferrari, the SmartyPig concept was conceived out of need. “When I opened a college savings program for my new son, I wondered if similar programs were available to help me save for other goals like a family vacation, a home electronics purchase or home improvement. Existing options were too restrictive, offered no incentives and certainly didn't make saving money a fun experience. We really wanted a way to change that.”

How SmartyPig Works
Users set up their savings accounts at smartypig.com and choose to fund it on a monthly basis through electronic transfers from existing outside checking or savings accounts. Users can also choose to make their SmartyPig account public, allowing friends and family to help contribute to their savings goal. SmartyPig account owners must be 18-years old; however, parents can give minors access to specific goals, making the experience an educational and rewarding one for kids. SmartyPig accounts are held at West Bank, an FDIC insured bank. FDIC insurance covers an individual account holder for up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

When account holders wishes to close their saving goals, they can receive their principle savings plus a competitive interest on a flexible SmartyPig MasterCard Debit Card that can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted, including ATMs. Or to stretch their savings dollar even further, they can receive their savings plus interest on a gift card from some of the country‘s top retailers with additional cash boosts of up to five percent on the total savings goal achieved.

Opening and maintaining a SmartyPig account is free and customers can have as many savings accounts as they wish, each with an unlimited number of savings goals. During SmartyPig‘s beta phase, Netbanker.com, a leading online finance and banking blog, named SmartyPig as their first 2008 Best of the Web, calling it “The most innovative financial service since Prosper.” For more information, visit www.SmartyPig.com.

About SmartyPig
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, SmartyPig is a simple, smart and secure way to save for a specific goal. Using groundbreaking technology and the latest in security standards, SmartyPig helps users reach their savings goals faster by allowing them to invite family and friends to contribute to their accounts, gives additional incentive boosts from top retailers who sell exactly what users are saving for and offers a competitive interest rate. SmartyPig.com is a privately-owned company which launched in February 2008. For more information visit www.SmartyPig.com. SmartyPig is a registered trademark of SmartyPig. US patent pending. All rights reserved.

About West Bank
Founded in 1893, West Bank provides full-service banking and trust services to businesses and consumers. With assets exceeding $1.3 billion, the company continues to receive recognition from the investment community based on its performance in the marketplace. West Bank‘s parent company is West Bancorporation, Inc. whose common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol WTBA.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of April 7, 2008. Rates may change at any time without prior notice. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Minimum opening balance is $25.
¹Survey conducted by Zoomerang and commissioned by SmartyPig in August, 2007.

SmartyPig_Partners_with_ANZ_Takes_Social_Saving_Global

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Martha Shaughnessy
Atomic PR for SmartyPig
415.402.0230
martha@atomicpr.com

SMARTYPIG PARTNERS WITH ANZ, TAKES “SOCIAL SAVING” GLOBAL

Online Piggy Bank to launch in Australia with SmartyPig.com.au

DES MOINES, Iowa, October 8, 2008 - SmartyPig® http://www.SmartyPig.com, the online piggy bank that helps individuals, families and organizations save for specific goals, announced today it had forged a new partnership with Australia New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) to provide innovative social savings to the next generation of its Australian banking customers with http://www.smartypig.com.au, which will launch in Australia in late October.

The partnership marks the first international expansion of SmartyPig’s patent-pending technology that offers customers a unique social saving capability - to enable friends and family to contribute to their savings goals through the SmartyPig Website or popular social networks like Facebook and MySpace.

“This is our first foray into international territory, and ANZ is a terrific partner to prove the model overseas,” said Jon Gaskell, Co-Founder of SmartyPig. “ANZ has a clear strategy regarding the introduction of distinct propositions to reach a very important, very socially plugged-in demographic. We could not be more excited to be part of this extraordinary initiative.”

SmartyPig is a new service that leverages the age-old idea of saving up for purchases before buying, while adding Web 2.0 and social networking technology to help customers reverse the “buy now, pay later” credit-card mindset. SmartyPig offers the only true banking application that is social, appealing to the next generation of banking customers while making it easier and more fun than ever to save up for specific goals. In the U.S., the site offers a highly competitive 3.90% (APY)* interest rate, and provides customers with cash boosts when a savings goal is reached from best-in-class retail partners like Amazon.com, Overstock.com, Royal Caribbean, Pottery Barn, Best Buy and Home Depot. Similar partnerships will benefit Australian customers.

ANZ Chief Executive Officer, Australia, Brian Hartzer, said, “We know that young people have unique needs when it comes to their finances. They look for simple, efficient and secure ways to manage their money and are more likely to bank online, as they are very comfortable with the technology.”

“We’re particularly excited about launching SmartyPig in Australia, as it’s a forward-thinking savings product that appeals to the tech-savvy and time-poor consumer.

“Partnering with companies like SmartyPig who can innovate and get to market rapidly helps us extend our point of difference.

“Being the first bank in Australia to introduce a savings product based on Web 2.0 and social networking technology is part of ANZ’s strategy to provide more convenient and simple banking for our customers.”

SmartyPig was created after co-founder Michael Ferrari, who had just set up a 529 college savings account for his new son, searched for a similar way to automatically save for a vacation that offered him the benefits he felt were most important: a social networking aspect, true incentives from retailers he frequents and ease of use. When he couldn’t find anything, he set out to create SmartyPig. The company has seen rapid adoption in the U.S. since its April 2008 launch.

In a September 10, 2008 Gartner Research report titled “New Retail Banking Vendors Bring Social Computing to the Savings Account,” analyst Stessa Cohen wrote: “Social computing vendors can support service differentiation and enhance relationship value, both of which retail banks sorely need and are too slow to deliver.” Cohen also noted, “Social computing vendors may also solve problems banks face in deploying new products and services - especially online - by... delivering a fun and easy-to-use customer experience - a rare achievement for banks.”

Gaskell said SmartyPig’s unique and independent financial services engine has been designed to be up and running with practically any financial institution in any country, language and currency within 90 days, and that plans for expansion into additional international territories would be unveiled within the next few months.

About SmartyPig
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, SmartyPig is a simple, smart and secure way to save for a specific goal. Using groundbreaking technology and the latest in security standards, SmartyPig helps users reach their savings goals faster by allowing them to invite family and friends to contribute to their accounts, gives additional incentive boosts from top retailers who sell exactly what users are saving for and offers a competitive interest rate. SmartyPig.com is a privately-owned company which launched in April 2008. For more information visit www.SmartyPig.com. The SmartyPig site is protected by copyright and trademark laws under U.S. and international law. U.S. and international patent pending. All rights reserved. U.S. Certificate of Registration #TXU001582439.

About ANZ
ANZ is a publicly listed financial services company that has more than 6 million customers in some 30 countries across Australasia, the Pacific, Europe, Dubai, USA and Asia. ANZ is one of the largest and most successful companies in Australia, and the number one bank in New Zealand. ANZ has assets of AUD$392.6 billion. ANZ traces its origins to the Bank of Australasia, which opened its first office in Sydney in 1835.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of October 10, 2008. Rates may change at any time without prior notice. All U.S. funds are held in West Bank, member FDIC.

Visit:
SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
801 Grand Avenue, Suite 290
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone : 515-256-2086
Fax : 515-256-2091

We_Are_Raising_Rates

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Colleen Wickwire
Communications, SmartyPig
415-591-8414
smartypig_pr@shiftcomm.com

SMARTYPIG SUPPORTS CUSTOMERS WITH MUCH NEEDED INTEREST RATE BOOST

SmartyPig Increases Interest Rates for Smart Savers to an Industry Leading 2.15% APY*

April 19, 2010 - DES MOINES, Iowa - According to the Pew Research Centre, the financial crisis has brought about a “new creed of thrift” with personal savings once again on the rise. However, as interest rates on savings accounts have steadily decreased since 2008(1) and credit card interest rates are at their highest since 2001(2), consumers eager to get their finances on track again are at a disadvantage. In support of consumers committed to saving up for their goals and ridding themselves of the “buy now, pay later,” mindset; SmartyPig today announces it is increasing its APY for all customers with balances of less than $50,000* to 2.15 percent beginning May 19, 2010.

SmartyPig is a consumer finance site where individuals and families can earn high interest on their savings goals while receiving cash back rewards when they make a purchase. With tools that help manage progress, SmartyPig offers a smart, simple and secure approach to saving for a specific goal like a honeymoon, home remodel or a new iPad by offering additional incentives like cash boosts of up to 12 percent from best-in-class retail partners such as Best Buy, Home Depot, Travelocity and Macy’s.

“With credit card issuers expected to raise interest rates to 16 or 17 percent by the fall(2), we believe it is important now, more than ever, that consumers adopt responsible financial habits,” said Bob Weinschenk, chief executive officer, SmartyPig “Which is why we firmly believe in rewarding customers who want to save and spend smartly, and give them the opportunity to get ahead again and stay there.”

To date, there have been more than $400 million in goals created and $150 million in goals reached in the U.S., which is why SmartyPig is able to reward its customers with a total goal balance of $50,000 or less with the nation’s highest savings rate(1). Customers with a total goal balance of $50,001 or more will begin earning an APY of 0.5 percent the same day.

As SmartyPig automates regular deposits from a customer’s existing checking or savings account into their FDIC insured SmartyPig account, the company is alerting all customers 30 days before the rate increase goes into effect in compliance with all bank regulations. Customers will receive notice via email today and will see the change made to their accounts beginning on May 19, 2010. To learn more about SmartyPig’s tiered interest rate program, please visit the blog at http://blog.smartypig.com/read/were-raising-rates.

ABOUT SMARTYPIG
SmartyPig is a consumer finance site where you can earn high interest on your savings goals and get cash back when making a purchase with premium retailers and top travel companies, all while never relying on credit cards. Family and friends can also help achieve financial goals by securely contributing to your account via social networks like Facebook. Launched in April 2008, SmartyPig has proven extremely popular with consumers throughout the country. The system is based on proprietary, patent-pending technology and features the latest in security standards. SmartyPig’s U.S. banking partner is West Bank, a subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc. All funds are held in West Bank and are FDIC insured up to the applicable legal limits. SmartyPig is based in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information on how to get started, please visit http://www.smartypig.com and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/smartypig.

*Effective May 19, 2010:

Interest rate earned on balances $1 - $50,000 will earn 2.133% (2.15% APY)
Interest rate earned on balances above $50,000 will earn 0.499% (0.50% APY)

For purposes of calculating the rate tier that applies, total balances of all goals within a customer’s SmartyPig profile will be aggregated. The interest rate and APY are variable and subject to change after account opening. Fees may reduce earnings.

1) According to current and historical checking and savings account rates found on Consumerism Commentary as of April 1, 2010
2) According to the Federal Reserve, Consumer Credit - G.19, April 7, 2010
3) According to Dennis Moroney, a research director at the TowerGroup, “Interest Rates Have Nowhere to Go but Up”, 4/10/10

SmartyPig website: http://www.SmartyPig.com
SmartyPig blog: http://blog.SmartyPig.com
4300 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone : 515-256-2086