The economic downturn knee-jerked today's consumers into saving more money, but often without solid savings acumen or the wisdom to set and reach personal financial goals.

A little over three years ago, flush with home equity gains and job security, consumers' personal savings rate had fallen to near zero. The Consumer Federation of America's America Saves campaign and the American Savings Education Council joined forces to help change that.

The result was AmericaSavesWeek.org an operation that works all year to help consumers maximize their savings efforts. The educational outreach effort culminates each year in an "America Saves Week" with the next one scheduled for February 21 to 28, 2010.

But savvy consumers don't have to wait for a week of "Yes, we can!" motivational public service announcements.

Americans already plan to save 15 percent of their total income after the economy improves, according to a new poll by AlixPartners, LLP. That's a far cry from the 1.6 percent in 2008 and 1.4 percent annually on average for the prior decade.

Such a far cry, given consumers' penchant for being spendthrifts when there's lots of easy money, consumers may be a bit more optimistic than pragmatic.

The economic downturn didn't happen overnight and the economy won't recover overnight. Saving 15 percent of your income can be a tall order, though not impossible with the right education.

AmericaSavesWeek.org says:

Start with what you don't know.  The  Savings Quiz covers everthing from pocket change to the most effective way to save $100,000.

Along the way, you'll also learn about emergency savings and expenditures; how long it takes to pay off a credit card balance; free money available for savings; how much you need to save to assure an annual income of $50,000; how much you can net from saving $200 a month for 30 years and more.

Create a savings checklist. AmericaSaves' "Savings Checklist teaches you about net worth; spending goals; retirement plans; automatic savings and home equity, while introducing you to a host of savings calculators.

Learn more, save more. The website also offers quick video messages from Savingsman, kids and adults who save and experts who can teach you to save more.

Saving tips, strategies and resources are also available regarding food, drugs, banking, insurance, transportation, housing, home heating and cooling, clothing and entertainment.

In general:

• Save your loose change. Putting aside fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save nearly 40 percent of a $500 emergency fund.

• Keep track of your spending. If you don't know where your money goes, you can't determine where you can save. At least once a month, use credit card, checking, and other records to review what you've purchased. Then, ask yourself if it makes sense to reallocate some of this spending to an emergency savings account.

• Never purchase expensive items on impulse. Think over each expensive purchase for at least 24 hours. You'll have far fewer regrets and more money for savings. If you decide to buy, comparison shop until you drop. Get the lowest price possible.

• Use debit and credit cards prudently. Shop for the best credit card. Minimize interest charges by limiting credit card purchases to those you can pay off in full at the end of the month. If you use a debit card, shut down your automatic overdraft feature and spend only money you have. Either way, you'll have more money to save.

Image: $avingsman (ChooseToSave.org.)