Text-Only Version
Jane
Conroy, Cooperative Extension Educator: "There are some basic things
that you can go through in your own practices, as well as a
family--some smart money moves. The first one I usually like to talk
about is getting organized. By that I mean, you need to keep track,
much like a diet--people are saying, 'I've gotta lose weight, well,
I don't know what I eat.' So, let's track what we're spending. By
that, it can be a simple notebook or it can be knowing that you have
a paycheck coming in on Friday, there's $150, where is that money
supposed to go to?
"The next area I like to talk about is setting goals. Again, we have
the basic needs--your food, your car, your housing. But also there's
some flexible areas. For example, your utility costs--how much you
do you plan on spending for your vacation?--those are the types of
goals you like to talk about that you like to plan as an individual
or a family.
"Also, I like to caution folks as far as getting on the Internet and
shopping, make sure you're using a reliable source.
"And coupons, they try to get you in, but some of them are actual
memberships, so again, read the details. When you are making a
purchase, undedrstand what you're buying, and I'm talking big items,
whether it's a car extended warranty or a cell phone contract. A lot
of folks get into trouble when they truly don't understand what
installment payments mean or what is covered with the extended
warranty.
"Shopping with children is another area. A lot of folks feel that
they're a distraction or a hindrance. Well, in fact, if you can
start teaching children while you are shopping about shopping,
that's going to help them in the long run. Actually, there is
research saying that as little as 10 hours of financial education
for a child will help them make responsible spending habits when
they're older.
"We just started a new energy Web site that will be addressing
concerns for consumers. A lot of people are saying, 'Well, now what
do I do with the high price of oil? What else can I use?' Well,
driving habits is an area in which people can conserve, car pooling
is another. Our overall practices within the home--some people, you
know, just being more conservative. The University of Maine Web
site, we do have several different fact sheets on topics, we have a
whole series on nutrition, thrifty recipes. Actually we're going to
be launching a new Web site. I do a Money Sense newsletter that
comes out of the Piscataquis County office that is free to the
public and people can certainly give our office a call or check out
the Web site at
http://www.umext.maine.edu/energy."
