Maine Extension Homemakers

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Are you a homeowner? If so, it pays to be on the lookout for lower mortgage rates. The America Saves program suggests refinancing your mortgage to lower the interest rate and/or loan term.  You will accumulate home equity more rapidly, thus increasing your ability to cover large emergency expenditures. […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Make a list before you grocery shop—and stick to it.  The America Saves program suggests that people who food shop with a list, and buy little else, spend much less money than those who decide what to buy when they get to the supermarket.  The annual savings could easily […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Indulgences can put a dent in your finances. According to America Saves, one way to establish a savings discipline is to “save” an amount equal to whatever is spent on nonessential items. Put a matching amount in a jar each time you splurge on designer coffee, etc. If you […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Are you an impulse shopper? The America Saves program urges consumers to never purchase expensive items on impulse.  Instead, think over each expensive purchase for at least 24 hours.  Acting on this principle will help you have far fewer regrets about impulse purchases, and far more money for emergency […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Do you know how much money is in your bank account? America Saves urges you to avoid overdraft fees by keeping track of your spending.  The $20-40 you could save monthly by not bouncing checks or overdrawing your account could equal enough money to nearly fully fund a $500 […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Here’s a money-saving challenge: give up premium cable channels. According to America Saves, it’s much cheaper to rent one film a week than to watch one on premium cable channels that may cost more than $500 a year. Also, take advantage of $1 movie kiosks that are in stores […]

 for America Saves Week… and Beyond Did you know that by keeping your car engine tuned and its tires inflated to their proper pressure, you could save up to $100 a year in gas? Find out more about this and other money-saving tips from America Saves at http://bit.ly/ASWTips. Become an American Saver (it’s free and […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Premium coffee drinks are popular but are they really worth the money? Try substituting “regular” coffee for high-cost drinks.  According to America Saves, saving $2 a day by buying coffee rather than a cappuccino or latte would, over a year, allow you to completely fund a $500 emergency fund. […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Want to save money? Take advantage of discounts and/or incentive programs provided through your employer. Many companies offer discounted rates for computers, fitness center memberships, movie tickets, hotels, cellular services, and more. Talk to your human resources representative to see what perks your company offers. For more savings tips, […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Need help establishing a spending plan (a.k.a., budget)? America Saves offers this great tip: Beginning on the first day of a new month, track everything you purchase. Then, review your list at the end of the month. It will be much easier to plan future spending once you see […]