This document provides tips and advice for creating a budget and saving money, focusing on needs versus wants. It recommends prioritizing housing expenses, making your home more energy efficient, reducing utility and phone costs, trading down vehicles, meal planning and using coupons for groceries, and limiting spending on entertainment and dining out. Contact information is provided to speak with a personal finance coach or ask education questions.

1. Budget 911
Flickr/MikeSchmid
For more information go to: Credit.org/Blog/Courses

2. About us
Springboard is a non-profit agency formed
in 1974 by business leaders and credit
grantors. Our mission is simple, yet vital:
Our people improve the lives and financial
well-being of individuals and families by
2 providing quality financial education and
counseling...
We are here to help.
www.Credit.org/Blog 1(800) 896-0030

3. Learn how to
Save money
&
live a frugal lifestyle
Flickr/MikeSchmid

4. Learn how to
categorize expenses
Flickr/NewtonFreeLibrary

5. Needs vs Wants

6. needs wants
Utilities Cable TV
Housing Designer clothing
Food Magazines
Transportation Fast food
Mobile internet

7. Anything that is
necessary for you to
earn a living is a
need

8. NEEDS
Household
Expenses
Flickr/CaptPiper

9. • Homeowners should try to refinance
their mortgage
• Contact a HUD-approved housing
counselor
• Find a less expensive home to rent
NEEDS
Housing
Flickr/samuraislice

10. GO TO:
www.HomeOwnership.org
Flickr/samuraislice

11. NEEDS
Make your home
• Add weather stripping to doors and windows
• Turn furnace thermostat down to 68° in the winter
• Turn the AC down to 78° in the summer
• Unplug appliances when not in use
• Use a clothesline
energy efficient
Flickr/notashamed

12. NEEDS
Cut the cord!
• Downgrade landline to local-only calling
• Use Google Voice or Skype to make free
calls.
• Cancel extra services such as called ID,
voicemail, etc.
• Remove add-ons like texting and mobile
web access
• Cancel your cable or satellite TV
Flickr/starttheday

13. NEEDS
Trade Down
• Review your insurance coverage,
and raise deductibles
• Talk to your insurance agent about
lower rates
• Trade down to a cheaper, more fuel-
efficient vehicle
• Join a carpool

14. Food NEEDS
Expenses
• Shop at multiple stores and plan ahead
• Prepare your own meals at home
• Visit a Farmer’s Market
• Don’t shop for food when you are hungry or tired
• Pay attention to your receipts
• Sign up for your store’s rewards program
• Buy non-grocery items at discount retailers
Flickr/J-P F

15. 12% to 25% of all food
bought in the U.S. is
eventually discarded.
Source: GoodCooking.com

16. Americans throw out
11 BILLION POUNDS
of fruit and vegetables
every year
Flickr/Weidmaier Source: US Dept. of Agriculture

17. I Coupons!
Flickr/Bob.Fornal

18. Find FREE Coupons
www.Credit.org/Blog/Deals
www.Redplum.com
www.CouponCabin.com
www.Valpak.com
www.SmartSource.com
www.Ebates.com
www.Coupons.com
www.CoolSavings.com
www.CouponMom.com
Tip!
Don’t forget to sign up for these
websites’ newsletters and email
coupon updates.

19. Find FREE Coupons
• Look on the back of your receipt for coupons
• Double-value manufacturer coupons
• Get your coupons organized
• Be flexible with coupons and stock up
• Look on Facebook and Twitter for coupons

20. Up to 60% of
manufacturer’s
coupons are never
redeemed.

21. Budget 911
Budget
Busters WANTS

22. Dining out
WANTS
• It is 5 times more expensive to dine out
• Only dine out once a month or when you budget for it
Flickr/mag3737

23. Entertainment
WANTS
• Entertainment spending is impulsive
• Start an entertainment fund
• Be disciplined and only go out when you can afford it
Flickr/willmontague

24. Window shopping
WANTS
• Retail shopping is impulsive
• Don’t consider it a form of entertainment
Flickr/djackmanson

25. Overspending
WANTS
• Don’t overspend or buy things you don’t need
• Sometimes buying in bulk can save you money
• Keep an eye out for sales and clearances
Flickr/travisseitler

26. Movies
WANTS
• Use coupons or attend a matinee
• Rent a one-day movie at a kiosk
• Find a free movie on TV
• Beware of the snack bar
• Popcorn at the theater has a 1,275%
Flickr/zero101 Flickr/scypaxpictures

27. • Know what is a want and a need Final
• Pay your housing expenses first
Thoughts
• Make your home energy efficient
• Reduce on utility and mobile phone costs
• Trade down to a cheaper vehicle
• Buy only the food you plan to eat, and don’t dine out
• Use coupons to keep your grocery expenses down
• Keep your “wants” spending to a minimum

28. Contact Us
Want a Free Budget Analysis?
Talk to a Nonprofit Personal Finance Coach
1(800) 896-0030

29. Contact Us
Personal Finance Education Questions:
1(800) 449-9818
education@credit.org

30. /CreditDotOrg
Like Us
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31. YouTube.com/SpringboardOrg
Watch Us