Money IN/Money OUT Live Beneath Your Means

Just as credit is a delayed expense, saving money today makes it available for "delayed spending" in the future! Here are some tips to help you resist the temptatation to spend money on things that are NOT important to you today - so that you CAN afford to buy things in the future that ARE important to you.

Decide to do without some wants. "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."		Be a good consumer--return faulty or inferior products and get your money back or a replacement
When something costs less than expected, put the leftover money in savings		Read and follow directions for use and care to avoid unnecessary repair or replacement costs.
Comparison shop for major purchases.		Use some free time to earn extra money or provide a service you are currently paying for.
Consider less expensive brands, or generic products.		Ask your utility company about a home energy audit and make changes to use less energy.
Look for a second hand item in acceptable condition for your needs		Insure yourself and property for large losses and carry a larger deductible
Practice money saving options, such as eating out less often, limiting trips to run errands, buying clothes that can be washed at home, instead of dry cleaned.		If you can do it yourself, try it: pump gas, cut hair, sew or repair clothes, etc.
Buy items with minimal packaging. Buy larger quantities and separate into usable batches.		Look into off-hour rate programs for electricity.
Give each family member a reasonable allowance to spend or save as they choose.		Dry clothes outside on a line instead of in a dryer.
Realize that if you buy something you don't need and can't afford just because it's on sale, you are not saving money.		Select the minimum telephone and cable television service.

_{North Carolina State University
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Family & Consumer Sciences Department}