Assistance

Quick Tips

• Save coins for your daily change. Put the coins in a piggy bank. You won’t miss them and you will be surprise how quickly they add up.
  
  
• After you have paid the latest installment on your car or other loan, regularly add the same amount you’ve been paying to your savings account.
  
  
• If you get an income tax refund, deposit it in your savings account.
  
  
• Save your overtime pay instead of spending it.
  
  
• When you get a raise, save it.
  
  
• Put gifts of money received for birthdays, the holidays, or other special occasions in your savings account.
  
  
• Be sure all your money is working for you. Deposit extra sums of cash immediately.
  
  
• Adopt a short-term “austerity” program during which you save as much as possible. Buy nothing unless you really need it. Cut out movies, eating out, entertainment or other expenses and deposit what you save.

Housing

• Know what bills are due and when.
  
  
• A checking account will provide an easy way to pay bills and a way you keep track of what you spend.
  
  
• Ask the electric and gas companies if you can get on their budget plan or average payment plan.
  
  
• Know how you spend your money.  Get in the habit of keeping receipts. Categorize your expenses and look for ways you can economize.
  
  
• Plan for large and periodic expenses.  Make a budget calendar showing the appropriate amount of these expenses and when they are due.
  
  
• Budget for regular maintenance and unexpected repairs
  
  
• Adhere to a regular savings plan. Many financial advisors suggest saving 5% of your take home pay.
  
  
• Always keep an emergency fund on hand. You need to have a nest egg.
  
  
• Plan a head for major purchases rather than making impulsive decisions.
  
  
• Put together a seasonal inspection checklist for your home and car to prevent costly repairs in the future. 
  
  
• Buy do-it-yourself repair books and videos for minor home repairs.

Food

• Pack lunch.
  
  
• Cut down on eating out.
  
  
• Consider generic foods and use coupons.
  
  
• Save and eat leftovers.
  
  
• Limit shopping to once a week.
  
  
• Plan menus, make a grocery list.

Transportation

• Use public transportation.
  
  
• Carpool.
  
  
• Get rid of one car, keep the smaller car.
  
  
• Consider moving closer to work.
  
  
• Do your own repairs.

Recreation and Entertainment

• Seek out family-oriented, inexpensive activities; use public parks and picnic areas
  
  
• Give up smoking and drinking.
  
  
• Take vacations at home.

Personal

• Select reasonable priced cosmetic and toiletries.
  
  
• Cut your children’s hair.
  
  
• Groom your pet.

Miscellaneous

• Have legal aid evaluate alimony payments.
  
  
• Determine if the family benefits from two incomes.
  

If you are having problems with credit or budgeting, get credit counseling. For more information, please contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, at 800-251-2227.

Content provided by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of South Florida, a United Way impact partner.