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Stretch Your Budget: Simple Ways to Save Money and Savor Life
With rising inflation and high interest rates, it can be difficult to make your money go these days. Even before you start to feel a pinch, be financially wise and adopt smart strategies to stretch your budget and make every dollar count. The following are some simple yet effective ways to save money while still enjoying life. From planting a garden to preparing homemade meals and exploring creative cooking ideas on YouTube, these tips will help you stretch your budget and discover the joys of frugality.

 

Test Your Green Thumb

One of the most fulfilling and cost-effective ways to stretch your budget is by planting a garden. Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs can significantly reduce your grocery bill while providing you with fresh, organic produce. Even if you don't have a backyard, you can utilize containers or small pots on your balcony or windowsill. Gardening not only saves you money but also gives you the satisfaction of cultivating your own food and connecting with nature. If you have limited space or feel overwhelmed at the prospect of starting a garden, check out Freedom Gardens - a “community driven platform reconnecting people to growing food” whose vision is to help communities “to grow thriving edible gardens to support their physical and mental health. 

Eat at Home
Dining out or ordering takeout frequently can quickly drain your wallet. By planning ahead and preparing meals at home, you can save a significant amount of money. Plan your meals for the week, create a grocery list, and purchase ingredients in bulk to save even more. Additionally, cooking at home allows you to control the quality and nutritional value of your meals. With countless recipe websites and cooking apps available, you can explore new dishes and experiment with different flavors without breaking the bank.

Soda Swap
If you're a fan of carbonated beverages, consider switching from brand name sodas to generic alternatives. Generic store brands often offer similar taste and quality at a fraction of the cost. You can also consider drinking more water or making homemade flavored drinks using natural ingredients. Cutting back on sugary beverages not only saves money but also promotes better health. By making this small adjustment, you can make a positive impact on your budget while taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Take Advantage of Sales
When you come across a good sale on bread, meat, or other perishable items, take advantage of it by buying extra and freezing them for future meals. Freezing food preserves its freshness, and by buying in bulk during sales, you can save money in the long run. Divide the purchases into smaller portions and store them properly in the freezer, ensuring they remain usable for an extended period. This simple practice will help you maintain a well-stocked pantry and reduce your reliance on more expensive last-minute grocery runs.

Struggle Meals
When money is tight, it's time to get creative with your meals. YouTube is an incredible resource for finding recipes that maximize inexpensive ingredients and deliver delicious results. Search for "struggle meals" or "budget-friendly recipes" to discover a wealth of content created by talented home cooks and chefs who specialize in making tasty meals on a budget. Although the urban dictionary defines struggle meals as “a cheap meal/snack bought at the store usually eaten by broke college students” (think 3 am pizza and ramen), these videos often provide valuable tips and tricks for everyone to stretch your ingredients and elevate the flavors of simple dishes. Exploring new recipes will not only save you money but also introduce you to exciting culinary adventures.

Conclusion
Stretching your budget doesn't mean compromising on quality or enjoyment. By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you can save money without sacrificing the pleasures of life. From growing your own garden to preparing meals at home, these budget-stretching techniques empower you to take control of your finances while discovering new skills and flavors. So, embrace the frugal mindset, explore the wealth of resources available online, and enjoy the satisfaction of making every dollar count. And if you need a reliable bank in Sparta, West Salem, Tomah WI, or surrounding areas, contact 1st Community Credit Union. We put member service 1st and make affordable solutions easy. 

Summer’s almost here and that means it’s time to start planning your family vacation. But before you hit the road, make sure you prepare by budgeting and organizing ahead of time. After all, summer is supposed to be stress-free! At 1st CCU, we thought we’d offer 5 easy tips for getting a head start on planning and budgeting for a successful summer getaway. It’s one way to help you experience an unforgettable summer escape without breaking the bank. So sit back, relax and read on…

Research Destinations, Compare Rates

You’ve been dreaming about your next vacation since your last vacation. You’ve thought of a few places you’d like to take the family and you’ve done a little googling to see what’s out there for attractions and activities. Now it’s time to dig a little deeper. For each possible destination, compare rates and look for discounts and packages to get the most bang for your vacation buck. Weekdays may be cheaper than weekends. Certain times of the season may have a better price. If you’re flexible and not afraid to put your research hat on, you can find the perfect vacation that fits your budget and your expectations.

Set a Realistic Vacation Budget with Potential Costs

Setting a budget can seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of planning and discipline, it can be the key to a successful vacation. It’s crucial to consider all potential costs - including those that may not immediately come to mind such as splurging on a special dining experience, extra transportation like Uber or Lyft or a surprise expense that may occur while you’re on vacation. Nobody likes unexpected surprises like that, but they happen. By factoring in these expenses from the outset, you’ll be able to better manage your budget. A budget based in reality can help make a dream vacation more attainable.

Start Saving Now

If you haven’t already started saving for your vacation, now’s the time. The earlier you start setting aside a bit of money each paycheck, the more you’ll have in your vacation fund. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, a hiking adventure or a trip to a major metro, saving and budgeting can help you avoid financial stress later. The best part? Saving up for your vacation can actually be a fun, rewarding experience. So why wait? Start putting aside some cash today!

Consider Credit Cards with Reward Programs

Credit cards and reward programs can be powerful tools if you’re looking to save money. By using credit cards that offer cash back or points for purchases, you can earn rewards that can be used towards future expenses. By taking advantage of these programs, you can stretch your budget even further and make your hard-earned dollars go the extra mile. Of course, it’s important to use these tools responsibly by paying off your balances in full each month and avoiding the urge to overspend. With a little mindfulness and planning, credit cards and reward programs can be great ways to boost your savings and enjoy some extra perks along the way.

Utilize The 1st CCU Anywhere Mobile App

Planning a vacation is a thrilling experience, but often the actual execution of our budgeting plans can become a tedious task. This is where the 1st CCU Anywhere Mobile App comes in handy. With just a few clicks on your phone, you can keep track of your saving progress, your budgeting goals and your vacation spending while you’re enjoying some fun in the sun. We want you to enjoy your vacation. But if you ever need to check in on your finances, our 1st CCU Anywhere Mobile App makes it easy. Anywhere, any time, any device.

Hopefully these 5 tips to get a head start on summer vacation planning and budgeting have you thinking it’s time for a vacation. So get to planning, get to saving and start your budget early. Just like we can help with home mortgage loans and auto loans, at 1st CCU, we’re here to help you grow financially. Smart planning can allow you to do the fun things while preparing for your future. Contact 1st CCU in Sparta, West Salem and Tomah for more information.

When it comes to teaching smart money management for teens and kids, the more education they have at an early age, the better prepared for life's financial challenges they'll be in adulthood. We're all familiar with the concept of saving from an early age but providing young people with a solid foundation of budgeting, understanding credit scores and building wealth can seem daunting - especially if you haven't been taught these principles yourself! Luckily, 1st Community Credit Union is here with tips to provide parents and their kids the knowledge necessary to make smart decisions with their finances so your children will have beneficial financial habits for their future.

Smart Money Management for Teens and Kids

As a teen or kid, it can be difficult to understand the basics of money management and saving for the future. Fortunately, the internet has several free resources to help teach kids (in a fun way) the importance of saving and spending wisely. There are also books for all ages available at your local library, or consider playing board games such as Monopoly or Payday as a family.

Understanding the value of each dollar is an important part of setting financial goals. This understanding helps with making and sticking to a budget, tracking expenses, and utilizing every resource available. Other impactful tactics include investing in yourself through responsible spending practices, creating an emergency fund, planning for a rainy day. Teaching your young ones steps to get their finances in order now will be sure to pay off late

The Benefits of Good Money Habits

Teaching children and teenagers the importance of good money habits at a young age is essential for helping them make responsible and informed decisions as adults. Developing healthy relationships with money through understanding how to save, budget, and spend wisely can help teenagers avoid future debt, build beneficial financial confidence, and create a more secure future. 1st CCU always encourages smart money management at any age. Making wise monetary decisions now plays a role in ensuring financial well-being and stability in the long run. Not only will these lessons enable teens to become financially independent while they are still young, but they will also provide peace of mind in terms of security later in life.

Strategies to Teach Kids and Teens about Saving

Teaching kids and teens about the importance of saving is an essential part of their financial education. Kids should begin learning about budgeting and smart spending as early as possible so they can develop lifelong saver habits. There are a few key strategies to teach kids and teens about saving: start small, reward good behavior, provide clear examples and make it a team effort. With the help of 1st CCU, parents can suggest savings goals for their children and provide guidance through the process. By recognizing the efforts their children make toward these goals, parents can empower their kids to become smart savers.

Developing a Budget for the Whole Family

Taking a family-oriented approach to budgeting can help everyone in the family learn how to become financially savvy. Developing a budget as a team helps instill good money-managing habits that can be carried over into adulthood. A joint budget not only teaches teens and children to value good financial decisions, but it also encourages collective responsibility for spending and saving habits. Putting together a budget for the whole family is easy, practical, and beneficial for future financial well-being.

Tips to Help Kids and Teens Stick to their Budget

Teaching kids and teens how to budget is essential when it comes to smart money management. But how do you help them make it a habit that'll stick long term? 1st CCU has several tips that will help! For starters, setting up a monthly budget specifically for a teen or kid's spending money can give them the autonomy they require while helping them to stick to an allotted limit. Secondly, encouraging tracking and setting reminders can also keep them on track with their budgeting goals. Most importantly, making sure your kids or teens understand why having a budget is important and the benefits of being financially responsible will go a long way in establishing good habits early.

Encouraging Smart Spending Habits for Life-long Success

As your children take their first steps into adulthood, instilling good money management habits will be paramount in ensuring their long-term success. 1st CCU is a great resource for introducing teens and kids to fiscally sound practices. Enabling them to quickly understand the importance of budgeting and learning how to handle unexpected expenses can empower them with the knowledge needed for longevity when it comes to mastering their personal finances. Start off small by having your kids keep track of daily expenses so they can visualize the difference between instant gratification purchases and building a sustainable financial plan that yields long-term rewards. By creating savings goals that are achievable, your children will also learn how powerful setting aside a certain amount each month or week can be when working towards future goals. Teens may be resilient but providing guidance towards sound spending habits early in life will ensure smart decision making for years to come!

Smart money management for teens and kids starts at home. It’s truly an investment worth making. Help your kids achieve their financial goals with confidence. Just like we can help with home mortgage loans and auto loans, at 1st CCU, we’re here to help the next generation of smart savers start early. Contact 1st CCU in Sparta, West Salem and Tomah for more information.

If your money disappears before your next paycheck, it might be time to look at your budget. To budget effectively, you need to keep your spending in check and jump-start your savings. Simply thinking about it will not suffice. Instead, here are some strategies to help get your budget under control:

Shop With a List

Regular shopping trips are important to ensure you have all your necessities at home. However, when you wander through aisles without a proper plan on what to get, there’s a higher chance you’ll grab things you don’t need. Create a shopping list, whether on paper or your phone, to keep you focused and avoid overspending while shopping. You could also order groceries online for pickup. This will eliminate the lure of end cap deals and help you control your budget.

Sleep on Big Purchases

If you’re planning to buy an expensive item, it’s best to give yourself a waiting period before proceeding with the purchase. Consider whether this is an object you really need and not a situation where you are simply swept up with the excitement of getting something new. A good indication that you should skip buying something is if you’ve forgotten about it after a week.

A good piece of advice for those having a difficult time controlling their spending is to remember their current financial situation and the consequences of overspending. Keep in mind that if you fall into debt, you will end up paying more on interest than you could if you saved up before making a certain purchase. Put off buying something until you can afford it and consistently set aside money so it doesn’t affect your budget.

Another helpful strategy is to keep a lower credit limit that you can easily pay off at one time. This way, there will be minimum to no interest on your bill at the end of the month.

Track Your Spending

One of the best ways to determine where your money is going every month is to track all your expenses. Every separate purchase adds up, and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up spending way beyond your means. Make a list of your transactions and categorize them so you can better see which expenditures are costing you too much money. There are many software applications that can help with this process.

Do a “Spending Fast”

Not spending money on unnecessary items for a period of time might seem difficult. However, doing a “no-spend challenge” for a week, a month, or even a whole year can help you commit to changing your spending habits. Before you know it, you’re already eating out less, foregoing buying new clothes, and generally not wasting money on what you don’t need.

Make Wise Financial Decisions Today

If you need help controlling your budget, 1st Community Credit Union in Sparta, West Salem and Tomah, WI is the one to turn to. We provide a source of credit at a fair and reasonable rate for our members. Contact us for more details.

Traveling can be a fun and relaxing way to spend your free time. However, it can also be expensive because of accommodations, food, and transportation. So, before you hop on to the next plane, train, or boat, it's best to consider having a plan. Here are some tips on how you can start budgeting for your next getaway:

Select a Destination

You must know where you're heading first before you can make a budget for your vacation. That way, you can estimate the money you'll spend on your transportation. For example, choosing a drivable location can keep you from paying for costly flights. You'll have your car, so you don't need to rent a vehicle anymore.

Additionally, prices may differ per location. What might be affordable in one country may be expensive in another. Determining the range of your possible travel expenses can let you prepare and adjust your budget accurately.

Set Your Priorities

Sometimes, having a budget for your vacation might not be enough to ward off temptations, leading you to overspend. So, it's best to take note of your priorities. Ask yourself if you want to enjoy the attractions, immerse yourself in a foreign culture or try new food.

If you define your priorities, you can align your expectations and focus on achieving your goals. You can also spend less on things you don't need or can find alternatives.

For example, if tasting local cuisine is not that important to you, you can save money by cooking or bringing your food instead of purchasing it at your destination.

Detail Your Budget

Setting money aside may not suffice if you want to spend less on traveling. Instead, having a detailed financial plan to complement it is better. It can save you from overspending because you know exactly where your cash will go. To do that, you have to determine how much you can spend. You should also consider all the factors that can affect your trip, such as your needs and wants, and allocate your cash as you see fit.

Take Advantage of Promotions

Coupons and promotions can save you a lot of money on vacation. They can include more financial-friendly benefits. For example, some hotels offer complimentary breakfast. Taking advantage of their special deal, you can allot the money reserved for your meal to other things like souvenirs or additional snacks.

Promotions might also allow you to receive the same services at a lower price, especially for transportation. Some airlines offer deals that can let you book more affordable flights during a specific time.

Start Saving Early

If you're thinking of going on a vacation, saving money and sticking to a budget is the best way to set your plan in motion. So, you should open a savings account at 1st Community Credit Union in Sparta, WI to place funds for your trip. Call today to learn more about our services.

A house without a pet does not always feel like a home for some. However, when taking in a new animal companion, there must always be some financial planning and budgeting. Depending on your income and monthly expenses, adopting a pet may bring in additional fees that you might have to adjust to. Budgeting your finances is essential when you have a new family member to provide for.

Like humans, pets require food, bedding, and medical care. On average, Americans spend at least $500 a year on their pets’ needs. To ensure a long and happy life for your new companion, you must be financially prepared to provide for their daily needs. A thorough planning ensures that you can support a new family member in your home. Here are some tips on how to make a financial plan for pets:

Be Familiar With the Adoption Costs

The adoption process for dogs and cats often varies but is rarely free. Certain animal shelters may require you to pay for the spaying and neutering of your chosen pet. Additionally, there may be vaccination fees that you must settle before you can take your new companion home. It pays to talk to your chosen shelter first and determine the total expenses before getting a new pet.

Make a List of All the Pet Supplies You Need

Depending on what kind of pet you are preparing for, you must list all the supplies they will need while living in your home. Specialized food, bedding, treats, and toys tend to be costly items that require regular maintenance. Before welcoming your new animal companion, you may opt to do your research on how much certain food brands and pet supplies will cost you per month.

Consider Your Day-to-Day Expenses

Specialized food is something you might have to purchase regularly for any pet. In the case of cats, however, you will also have to spend on cat litter frequently. Before you take in a new animal companion, you must consider how you can afford their day-to-day expenses. Prior research and budgeting are helpful to ensure that you will not overspend.

Plan for Veterinary Care

If your pet has never been checked by a veterinarian or has never received any vaccination, getting an initial evaluation must be considered. While medical care for animals requires additional fees, it will help ensure that your new companion will be free from parasites and health problems. Upon receiving an initial assessment, you may talk to your vet about annual checkups and their fees.

Get Low-Cost Credit for Your Pet Expenses

After doing the planning and budgeting of expenses before welcoming a new animal companion, you might want to apply for a loan or get credit for their initial needs. If you are looking to make a financial plan for pets, 1st Community Credit Union can provide you with the resources that you need. Contact us today!

Stores and manufacturers like to offer deep discounts on certain popular products at specific times of the year. If you love a good sale, time your purchases so you can take full advantage of these traditions. The following list shows the best month to find the best prices on popular items:

January –  Sales revolve around New Year’s resolutions about getting in shape, or people looking for items to keep their home’s interior cozy during the cold winter.

Fitness products, TVs, electronics, bedding and linens

February –  Comfy interiors continue to be high priorities on everyone’s To-Do list. People in the Northern states also need to deal with ice and snow.

Mattresses, humidifiers, interior paint, snow blowers, winter apparel and sporting equipment

March –  Many are planning kitchen renovations. It’s also time to introduce new models for digital cameras.

Countertops, space heaters, digital cameras

April –  Spring cleaning is on everyone’s mind, for the interiors and exteriors of their homes.

Vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, tractors, air purifiers

May –  Time to begin sprucing up the exterior of homes and after a hard-day’s work, enjoy a good barbeque!

Roofing, siding, and decking materials, gas grills

June –  Summer begins, and many people can now really work on the exterior of their homes.

Pressure washers, cordless drills, string trimmers, smartwatches

July –  Hot and humid, so you’ll find appliances to keep yourself dry, cool, and clean.

Dehumidifiers, laundry machines, dish washers, refrigerators

August –  It’s Back-to-School season, so you’ll find the best prices for pricier school supplies.

Laptops, headphones, printers

September –  You’ll find items to help to clean up your house, inside and out.

Leaf blowers, washers, dryers

October –  Time to check or replace smoke detectors and get ready for winter.

Smoke detectors, snow blowers, interior paint

November –  A favorite month for Shopaholics because the biggest discounts are offered, starting with Veteran’s Day and ending with Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Blenders, coffee makers, fitness trackers, TVs, refrigerators

December –  The biggest gift-giving season heralds multiple sales on nearly everything through the entire month. It’s also when car dealerships try to meet their end-of-year sales quotas.

Headphones, wireless speakers, fitness trackers, cordless drills, smartwatches, automobiles

Many Americans struggle financially, living paycheck to paycheck, hoping they have enough to cover all their bills at the end of the month. Life is easier if you have a cash cushion or an emergency fund, but how do you save when there is not much fat in your budget?

First, you need to find out where your money is going. Start by tracking all your spending for 30 days. Everything, even a pack of gum, should be noted using any tracking method you prefer – a notebook, your smartphone, an online spreadsheet, whatever works best for you. Then categorize each expense. Start with these essentials:

• Rent/mortgage
• Utilities
• Food
• Transportation to get to your job
• Healthcare – prescriptions and co-pays

These five are priorities that must be paid each month. Everything else, like clothing, cosmetics, gym membership, etc., are areas where you can cut back and save a little. Here are a few other saving suggestions:

Entertainment – Look for low-cost ways to have fun.

• If you have a streaming service, discontinue it for a few months. For example, a service that costs $25.00 per month means you’re spending $300 per year – that’s a month’s worth of groceries.
• Get a library card to check out movies and video games instead of renting them.
• Listen to podcasts. There are over a million to choose from on all subjects.
• Learn a new language or start a new hobby. Here again, the library can be your friend by providing free resources.

Food – Try to spend no more than 11% of your take-home pay on food.

• Shop for generic store brands instead of name-brand items. Many generic versions can be up to 60% cheaper.
• Use coupons and download your grocery store’s app for more deals.
• Buy vegetables in their natural form. Washed and cut vegetables can be twice as expenses.
• Buy only what you know you can eat in a week or two to avoid throwing away food. Use a free meal-planning app to help you shop.
• Make at least 75% your own meals instead of ordering from restaurants.

Energy bills – Changing habits can save you big money.

• Use a toaster oven, slow cooker, or other small appliance instead of the oven.
• Wait until the dishwasher when it’s full before using it and turn off the heated dry setting.
• Unplug unused appliances and power strips to avoid phantom loans.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Adjust your thermostat, especially at night and when you're away from home, to save on heating and cooling costs.

Credit Card Late Fees – Missing payment due date comes with a heavy price.

• To avoid late fees and protect your credit score, set up automatic payments to pay at least the minimum payment by the due date.
• If you can’t pay your bill in full each month, then use the card only for emergencies.
• If your credit card has a high interest rate, look for one with a lower interest rate. Check out the rates on 1st CCU's Visa Credit Card.

By cutting costs even just a little and putting those savings into an account, you will be able to pay bills with less worry and even save for fun trips or a special gift.