Planning Frugally . . .

Published on by vkast

Planning Frugally

by Heather Quackenboss, Human Development and Relationships Educator, Extension La Crosse County

Stress in America, a recent report from the American Psychological Association, indicated that 72% of adults surveyed reported that they felt stressed about money in the previous month. For many, saving money often means to start budgeting or being more frugal. But frugal living is not living with less or going without, it is being smart about money and effectively managing debt. American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) has four tips to be more frugal in our everyday lives:

  • Do not let leftovers go to waste
    • Plan meals for the number of portions that you will need.
    • If there are leftovers, portion them out in individual containers so they may be heated up for lunch or evenings when dinner time is short on time during that same week. Most leftovers can also be frozen.
  • Pack work week meals
    • Purchasing items for lunch and planning ahead can not only save us money but help us make healthier options.
    • Preparing meals on Sunday can make each morning of the week easier.
  • Pay bills on time
    • Living frugally means making the most of your money, and avoiding late fees and interest charges is a part of that.
    • An easy way to ensure bills are paid on time is to use automatic payments that can be set up with most companies. Or, you can set reminders of when bills are due.
  • Evaluate your cable package
    • With all of the potential for online or streaming services, what does your family truly need or want to pay for entertainment? Knowing what stations, shows, or packages are good for your family, can help us determine how to cut costs.

As we look at our upcoming year, we can also look to plan, and start saving money for (ACCC):

  • Credit card debt incurred last year
  • Any new expenses throughout the year like an appliance or new items for home, school, or work
  • Summer travel
  • Financial goals like paying off a loan or saving for a new car

For more information, visit:
www.talkingcents.consumercredit.com , a website created by American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC).