If your goal is being financially responsible, saving is probably already among your priorities. We've all been hit by one of life's little surprises, and having an emergency fund to fall back on provides a much-needed paddle when you're up the metaphorical creek. But more than just damage control, savings provide a much more palatable alternative when you've got a planned expense, too.

In honor of America Saves Week, February 20-27, following are five simple strategies you can follow, and if you're looking for a vehicle to help you reach your savings goals, the Capital City Bank Absolutely Free Savings Club account* offers competitive interest rate, convenient automatic deposit and distribution, low minimum balance and no maintenance fees. Learn more.

1. Pay off high-cost debt
The best investment most borrowers can make is to pay off consumer debt with double-digit interest rates. For example, if you have a $3,000 credit card balance at 19.8%, and you pay the required minimum balance of 2% of the balance or $15, whichever is greater, it will take 39 years to pay off the loan. With accumulating interest, you will pay more than $10,000 in interest charges.

2. Save for emergencies
Having an emergency savings fund may be the most important difference between those who manage to stay afloat and those who are sinking financially.

3. Participate in a work-related retirement program
Many employees turn down free money from their employer by not signing up for a work-related retirement program such as a 401(k) plan. If they did participate, with a dollar-for-dollar match they would likely receive an annual yield of greater than 100% on their investment.

4. Outside of work, save monthly through an automatic transfer from checking to savings
These savings will provide funds for emergencies, home purchase, school tuition, or even retirement. Almost all banking institutions will, on request, automatically transfer funds monthly from your checking account to a savings account, U.S. Savings Bond, or stock mutual fund. What you don't see, you will probably not miss.

5. Buy a home and pay off the mortgage before you retire
The largest asset of most middle-income families is their home equity. Once these families have made their last mortgage payment, they have far lower housing expenses. They also have an asset that can be borrowed on in emergencies or converted into cash through sale of the home.

Tips from www.americasaves.org. *Absolutely Free Savings Clubaccounts are only available to clients who have, or agree to open, a Capital City Bank personal checking account. Interest is compounded daily and paid annually on the last business day of October. The balance of funds in yourAbsolutely Free Savings Clubaccount will be disbured on the first business day of November of each year by check or by transfer to your Capital City Bank checking or savings account. Accrued interest forfeited and account will be closed if funds are withdrawn prior to the distribution date of the first business day of November each year. Fees may reduce earnings.