Financial Management Resources
Food
Spend Smart/ Eat Smart - tips and food
budget calculators from our Extension Friends at Iowa State Extension
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsavings
Transportation
Banking and Bill Paying
Do
Things Together for Less
Food
Prevent Food Waste
-
Cut down on the amount of food you throw away.
-
Freeze leftovers or use them in recipes like soups or casseroles.
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Take leftovers for lunch instead of eating out.
- Buy only the amount of food you can store and use before it spoils.
Plan Ahead
- Plan meals around items that are on sale, especially costly items like meat
and fish.
- Write foods on list as they run low.
- Cook large batches when possible; divide into portions and freeze.
Spending Wisely
- Use coupons only for foods you would normally buy & if a cheaper store brand
is not available.
- Buy a larger package only if the unit price is cheaper (check shelf label)
and if you will use it all before it goes bad.
- Buy store brands
- Plan meals around items that are on sale, especially costly items like meat
and fish.
- Select canned and frozen foods when they are cheaper than fresh; avoid foods
with added salt or sugars.
Transportation
- Lower your speed.
- Reduce stops and starts.
- Use the most fuel efficient vehicle you own.
- Be cautious of going into debt for a newer auto.
- Coordinate errands, carpool.
- Use public transportation when possible
Banking and Bill Paying
Doing Things Together for
Less
- Spend time together at the park.
- Go for hikes or bike rides.
- Go for a family picnic.
- Go swimming at the local pool, lake, ocean or springs.
- Take advantage of free programs offered by the library, museums, and
community bands or orchestras, or other free community events.
- Check out books, music and videos for free from the library.
- Have a family game night.
- Rent or borrow movies, pop some popcorn, and have a family movie night
at home.
- Bake or cook together as a family.
- Read stories to one another.
- Go on evening walks together.
