Maine Extension Homemakers

for America Saves Week… and Beyond How energy efficient is your home? Get tips from the U.S. Department of Energy for conducting a DIY home energy assessment at http://bit.ly/C37Eq. Learn simple tips for evaluating your home for air leaks, insulation, heating/cooling equipment, and lighting. An energy efficient home will save you money on your monthly […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond What would you do if you suddenly lost your income? Could you pay your bills and provide for your family’s needs for six months? Consider your liquid assets—or, what you can easily convert to cash. This could include savings accounts, money markets, or CDs. For tips on building your […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Money-saving tip from America Saves: Get to know your bank! Take time to research the services your bank provides, such as overdraft protection, online bill-pay, or mobile alerts, which notify you via a text message if your checking account falls below a certain amount. Also, consider going online to […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Buy a home and pay off the mortgage before you retire. Did you know that the largest asset most middle-income families have is their home equity? According to America Saves, once you make your last mortgage payment, you’ll have far lower housing expenses. You’ll also have an asset that […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond According to America Saves, the best investment most borrowers can make is to pay off consumer debt with double-digit interest. For example, if you have a $3,000 credit card balance at 18%, and pay 3% minimum payments, it will take 14 years to pay it off. Add in accumulating […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Do you participate in a work-related retirement savings program? According to America Saves, many employees turn down “free” money from their employer by not signing up for programs such as a 401(k) plan. With a 50% match, you receive a 50% return on your investment!  Sign up for your […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Want to double your money? Divide the interest rate being earned on your savings into 72 to determine how long it will take. For example, with a 4% average annual return, $1,000 will double to $2,000 in 18 years. For more information about saving and investing topics from eXtension, […]

for America Saves Week… and Beyond Did you know that almost all banking institutions will, on request, automatically transfer funds monthly from your checking account to a savings account or mutual fund? According to America Saves, these savings could provide funds for emergencies, a home purchase, school tuition, or even retirement. For more savings tips, […]

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 […]