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Needs: (Example: Pay rent, buy groceries, get medicine) _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Wants: (Example: Buy the latest, designer athletic shoes or cell phone) _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

2. List All Income.

The amount you have to spend each month is your monthly net income. List all the income you take home each month on a regular basis and the amounts. If you get money weekly, add the amount of money for each week to get a monthly total. Total the amount of all income you receive.

Shop wisely. Use coupons

Learn to do home repairs, hair care, and other services yourself.

♦ Make do with less.

Use resources other than money.

♦ Use less energy – wash and dry full loads of laundry. Turn off lights.

Avoid waste, and limit the use of disposable products (for example, paper towels, disposable plates, etc.). This way, you will save money and the environment. Teach children not to waste food, household items, etc.

Get consumer information to help you make good choices and decisions. Read Consumer Reports at the library.

Take care of the things you own so you will not have to replace them as often. Use the library for books and videos. Take the children to story hour.

Use the library for books and videos. Take the children to story hour.

5. Evaluate Your Plan and Take Action.

Think about your goals. Review this plan and rethink your goals. Make a plan, and take action. Write your money goals below.

Example: Starting next month, I will not spend $15.00 in the vending machines at work. I will add some money to my savings. How: I will purchase a large box of snacks at the discount store to take to work ($6.00); use $4.00 to help pay my telephone bill; and put $5.00 into my savings.

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