WASHINGTON — America Saves has expanded its programs to further assist consumers during the tough economic conditions.America Saves is a nonprofit organization that encourages and assists Americans to save and build wealth, particularly those in lower-income households. America Saves campaigns are implemented in community groups, cooperative extension offices, nonprofit credit counseling agencies, banks, credit unions, and city- and county-government agencies."We are in a unique moment right now. People are reading the news, they're concerned about the economy, and they want to make sure their personal finances are strong," said Nancy Register, director of America Saves. "The silver lining in our current financial crisis is that more and more consumers are getting back to basics: watching what they spend and focusing on saving."The organization is adding new campaigns in Virginia, Ohio, Maine, Iowa, Louisiana and Washington. New staff is being hired to help direct the Black America Saves and Military Saves campaigns. A pilot joint savings initiative with the U.S. Conference of Mayors is being launched in Akron, Ohio.America Saves week for 2009 will be held Feb. 22 through March 1.–[email protected]