The First step is to identify your needs and wants to sort through what is important to you. You need to ask yourself, what is the value of the item in your family spending plan, budget? This “Top 10 List” will help you re-examine and rethink how you spend your money.

10. Food – Plan your Meals, Grocery Trips, Use of Food – Use lower cost protein

rich foods such as eggs, beans, and dairy products. Reduce waste of food by

planning.

9. Transportation - Plan your trips (Eliminate Back Tracking), Choose Public

Transportation, For Short Distances (ride a bike, walk)

8. Car – If your car is older, drop collision insurance coverage. Be sure to get regular

maintenance and service checkups.

7. Health Care – Opt against buying unnecessary vitamins or other health care

products

6. Home Maintenance – Choose Cleaning Supplies that are useable for more than

one purpose.

5. Plan to Garden and Can or Freeze the Surplus

4. Prepare recipes in Quantity and Freeze Leftovers

3. Examine Your cable and phone bills to find out how much you’re paying for

“Extra” services (premium channels, voice mail)

2. Pay with Cash/Debit Cards or if you use credit, pay it off immediately

1. Reduce bills by just asking – negotiate price

As you listened, what is your “Top 10 List” of ways to spend less and save more money?

Discuss this list with your family members or if you are living someone, your roommates.

For more information contact, Susan Shockey, Ph.D, CFCS

OSU Extension, Franklin County

Phone: 614-866-6900 (206)

Email: shockey.3@osu.edu