Top 10 Tips for Wiser Spending

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2009

There are many little things you can do that will result in significant savings, said a University of Illinois Extension consumer and family life educator.

"Here are 10 ideas for keeping a few extra dollars in your pocket. See if any of them sound like strategies you'd like to try," said Debra Bartman.

1. Drink tap water and pocket the $25-per-gallon monthly fee for bottled water delivery.

2. Shop at local farmers' markets and fix healthy meals at home to save money.

3. Go through your closets, see what clothes fit, and donate the ones you don't want to wear. Shop resale stores for bargains.

4. Cut transportation costs by using public services. Or ride your bike when possible.

5. Consider needs versus wants. Do you really need a daily latte, premium cable, or a weekly manicure?

6. Go to local beauty and barber schools to get less expensive grooming treatments.

7. Visit your local library to check out movies and books and read current magazines.

8. Barter to get your children piano, karate, or dance lessons.

9. Purchase prepaid phones to keep your family in touch and save on cell-phone bills.

10. Delay your purchase. When you want to buy something, wait a week to see if you still think the purchase is really necessary.

For other good advice on getting through tough financial times, including which bill to pay first, how to talk to your creditors, how to save food dollars, how to talk to your children about your financial situation, and more, visit U of I Extension's "Getting Through Tough Financial Times" website at http://www.ToughTimes.illinois.edu