UACES Facebook Ways To Save Money!
skip to main content

Ways To Save Money!

Here are several ways to save money that you may not have thought of.

Nashville, Ark. – One of the best things you can do to increase your financial security is to build a savings fund. You may think, “There’s no way I can save any money!” However, there are several ways to save that you may not have thought of.

  • Tax refund. If you expect to receive a refund from your taxes this year, why not put some of it into a savings account? You may have plans to pay off bills, which is great, but try to save at least a part of the return.
  • Pay yourself first. Make savings part of your budget, just like rent or utility bills. When you pay your other bills, pay your savings by depositing the money in your savings account.
  • Use payroll deductions. Have your employer deposit your savings directly from your pay into a bank account. If you never see it, you might not miss it.
  • Save “bonus” income. Other than your tax refund, try to save any overtime pay, gift money, and rebates.
  • Save coupon money. Save the amount you “save” by using coupons at the grocery store. If you save $2 a week using grocery coupons, put the “savings” (the money you did not spend) in your savings account.
  • Pay installments to yourself. Once you pay off an installment loan (and if other loans are not overdue), continue to make “payments” for that amount to your savings account.
  • Collect loose change. At the end of every week (or more often), empty out your pockets and wallet and put the change in a jar. Every other week or once a month, deposit the change in your savings account.
  • Break a habit. Every time you don’t have a donut at coffee break or don’t spend money in the soda machine, save the money you didn’t spend.
  • Save lunch money. Get up 10 minutes earlier and make your own lunch instead of buying it. Save the money you would have spent on lunch.
  • Save money on sales. When you buy an item on sale, save the difference between the sale price you paid and the “full” price you would have paid if the item had not been on sale.
  • Have a “nothing week.” Occasionally have a week when you try not to spend any extra money – don’t go to the movies, don’t go out to eat, don’t go bowling. Save the money you would have spent.
  • Use a “crash budget.” A crash budget works just like a crash diet – you try to cut out all unnecessary spending and save as much as possible.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture invites you to learn more about saving with America Saves. February 25 through March 2 is America Saves Week. Check out their website at americasaves.org for information on budgeting and sign up for free newsletters. There are videos and lots of helpful information on budgeting and financial matters. Of course, feel free to contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or visit our office located on the second floor of the courthouse. We have lots of free information on financial education.

Recipe of the Week

            Looking for a low cost recipe for cold winter evenings? Try this tasty recipe. It costs only $0.60 per serving and serves a family of six. Take advantage of sales to purchase chicken leg quarters when they are on sale.

Favorite Chicken Noodle Soup

2 chicken leg quarters

6 cups water

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped celery (about 1 rib)

½ cup chopped onion (about ½ onion)

2 cups sliced carrots (about 4 carrots)

2 cups whole grain wide egg noodles (2.5 ounces)

            Put chicken and water in a large stock pot. Bring water to a simmer (slow boil). Cook until chicken reaches 165°F (10-15 minutes).

            While chicken is cooking, clean and chop vegetables. Take chicken out of water with tongs or fork. Cook in refrigerator about 5 to 10 minutes.

            Add parsley, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, celery, onion, and carrots to the pot of hot water.

            Once chicken is cool enough to handle, remove bones and skin from chicken and discard. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot of hot water. Bring to a boil. When water is boiling, add noodles. Cook according to package directions or about 5 minutes.

*Note: Soup freezes well. Make ahead and freeze for a cold or sick day. Any chicken may be used. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, use only ¾ pound.

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Top