Commit to Save Money in 2017
Here are some tips and tools to help you save money this year.
Nashville, Ark. – Many people start the New Year with a commitment to save money. Whether you want to save $5 a week or more, there are some things you can do to help you achieve your financial goals. Here are some tips and tools to help you save this year.
* Make a goal for savings. Think about what you want to save for and write it down. It could be reducing your debt load, buying a new car or house, taking a vacation, paying for school. Having a goal to work towards helps you stay on track.
* Plan Ahead. When you plan your budget for the month, including savings as a line item just as you would for house payment, phone payment, etc.
* Track Everything. Tracking every cent you spend for the next few weeks can give you a clearer picture of what you’re spending your money on. Do you see a pattern? Maybe, you are spending your money on eating out lunch every day. It could be spending money at the vending machine. Once you have an idea of what you’re spending, you will be able to develop a more realistic monthly budget to keep you on track.
* Start Small. Often the start of a new year brings an onslaught of resolutions, many of which may or may not actually stay on track by Valentine’s Day. So instead of trying to totally revamp your financial habits all at once, take it one step at a time. Cut out one day of spending money in at the vending machine, bring your lunch one day instead of eating out every day, then put the money you would have spent in a savings account. A small amount of change can add up to big savings in the end.
* Take the America Saves Pledge. America Saves is a campaign designed to encourage people to save and invest. It is an online tool that is easy to use and it is fun! Howard County Extension Service is making people aware of this nationwide opportunity during the month of January. America Saves week is February 27-March 4, 2017. By taking the pledge, you will receive savings strategies to help you achieve a financial goal in 2017. You will receive online newsletters, text messages, Facebook messages, etc. to help get you started on a financial goal. To take the pledge or to learn more about the program check out the website, www.uaex.uada.edu/money .
* Commit. Make a commitment to save money, no matter how small or large. One year from now you’ll look back and be proud of the money you have saved.
For more information on America Saves or developing a monthly budget, contact the Howard County Extension Service at 870-845-7517. You can also visit our office located on the second floor of the courthouse in Nashville.
Recipe of the Week
The ultimate in simplicity, this recipe calls for chicken and cream of chicken soup. Pair it
with a salad, rice dish, or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 Boneless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup (10 ounces)
1/2 cup water
1. Heat oil in a skillet at a medium-high setting.
2. Add chicken and cook for ten minutes.
3. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
4. Stir the soup and water together in the skillet and heat it to a boil.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Yields: 4 servings Costs: Approximately $1.32 per serving
Nutrition information per serving: 262 calories, 11 g. fat, 574 mg. sodium, 5 g. carbohydrates, 33 g. protein.
By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu
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