Spending Smart – Building Bucks

Cut down on expensive ready-to-eat salty and sweet snacks.

It’s “personal lotto” season! Otherwise known as tax refund season, for some. Before you consider spending your tax refund on something frivolous, consider contributing to an IRA, make an extra credit card payment, start your emergency savings account or contribute to your children’s college fund. Choose an option that will benefit your financial future.

America Saves Week – February 25 – March 2 – Start Small. Think BIG. Money saved is a future brightened: One of the most important things you can learn in life is how to save money. It’s the first step to getting where you want to be.

Cook large batches when possible; divide into portions and freeze.

Clip and use coupons if the coupons are for items you usually use and the cost with the coupon is lower than other brands for similar products.

Plan meals for a week using foods on hand and grocery store specials.

Buy only the amount of food you can store and use it before it spoils.

It’s official!! The IRS released the tax tables and tax season began January 30th.  Filing your taxes electronically is open.  BEWARE:  tax laws have changed consider using a VITA or AARP sponsored location to have your taxes done correctly and free.  Yes, they file electronically and FREE = $300 value or higher.

Before buying an unfamiliar food, be sure you know how to prepare it.

Prepare for another postage increase January 27th – one cent increase for both letters and postcards to 46 cents and 33 cents respectively.