FCS
Goals, Finances and Slow Cooker Tacos
Try this slow cooker chicken taco recipe for your next family gathering!
January
Little River County, Ark. –
What is the secret to have more savings? How can I ever have enough money to make a down payment on my new dream car? When we need several thousand dollars for a down payment or a family vacation we need to make a plan in advance. One good way to start saving is to treat it like a monthly bill. Pay all of your bills and your savings account first. Then, use the leftover money that month on extras that you may want but not necessarily need. Think about your current financial situation and get started saving today!
You can start by saving $1 for every week of the year. For example, place $1 in savings the first week. Place $2 in savings the second week. The next week place $3 in savings. On the fourth week, place $4 in savings. By week 52, place $52 in savings for that week. By the end of 52 weeks of saving you will have saved a total of $1,378! Consider taking the 52 week savings challenge this year.
Also, you can save money each pay period. If you get paid every two weeks consider saving $20 each week or $40 every two weeks. You can easily save $20 in one week by taking your lunch each day of the week instead of eating out for lunch or you can eat at home one night instead of taking the family out to eat. If you save $40 out of every paycheck while getting paid every two weeks you will save $1,040 in one year! In 10 years that $20 savings per week will add up to $13,700 with a 5% annual rate of return. Small changes can give you big results if you stick with your goals!
We have now come upon tax season. Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2015 to file and pay their taxes. If you will receive a tax refund this year consider placing that money into your emergency savings fund. If you have debts, you will want to pay off the highest interest rate first. Otherwise, set a goal to save that refund money to use at a later date.
Look at your next paycheck and see how much you can start saving!
Here is a healthy and affordable recipe to try soon.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Makes: 4 servings
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can tomatoes and green chiles OR 1 can chicken broth OR 16 oz favorite salsa
Directions:
1. Mix taco seasoning with salsa (or tomatoes with green chiles or broth).
2. Place chicken in slow cooker, pour taco seasoning mix over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Remove chicken, let it cool for a few minutes, then shred chicken with two forks. Place chicken back in slow cooker.
Serve with taco shells, tostadas, or whole wheat flour tortillas.
*Note this recipe is a family favorite! I always double the recipe.
You may freeze the leftovers and use the chicken taco meat in recipes such as chicken tortilla soup, chicken quesadillas, or chicken enchiladas.
By Celeste Scarborough
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Celeste Scarborough
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
1411 N Constitution Ave Ashdown AR 71822
(870) 898-7224
cascarborough@uada.edu
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