WISH LIST $100: materials for 10 adults in a 5-week financial literacy class; $500: free tax preparation and e-filing for 15 low-wage workers; $1500: "matching" funds for a first-time homebuyer, student, or entrepreneur

Capital Area Asset Builders was founded on the belief that all people, regardless of economic status, are capable of putting aside one dollar today as a down payment on a more prosperous future. It supports the creation of Individual and Marriage Development Accounts (called IDAs and MDAs). Individuals contribute their savings and CAAB raises, manages, and provides "matching" funds. It couples these with financial education classes and credit counseling. The idea is to encourage low-income individuals to develop regular savings habits and invest in financial assets that increase in value over time - homeownership, postsecondary education, vocational and job training, and small business development. CAAB also manages two citywide public-private coalitions: the DC Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign (outreach and education on tax benefits and free tax prep for low-wage workers) and DC Saves (information, advice, and financial products and services to reduce debt, encourage saving, and build wealth). In a vital community everyone has incentives and opportunities to save for the future. Won't you invest too?

Colleen Dailey, Executive Director 1801 K Street NW, Suite M100 Washington, DC 20006 202-419-1440 ext 103 www.caab.org