Smart Spending

Are You Using Your Money Wisely?

Set goals for getting, spending, sharing and saving money. Find out the cost of things you need or want, and figure out how to get the most and/or best product or service for the least amount of money.

Money Matters

Finish these statements to get an idea of how you feel about money. 
Money is:________________________________________________
If I had $100 to spend on myself, I would__________________________
I think people with lots of money _____________________________
When I get money, I _______________________________________
When I don’t have money, I _________________________________
When I need or want money, I _______________________________

Have a Plan

Make a plan for using your money:
Step 1: List your income and where you get it.
Step 2: List the things you have to pay for each week – things you need.
Step 3: List everything you spend money on weekly that isn’t needed (snacks, CDs, clothing) and other things you want.
Step 4: Add together the dollar amount from steps 2 and 3. Is that amount more than your income. If so, work harder to plan your spending by cutting expenses. What expenses could you cut?

Are You Using Your Money Wisely?

Plan
Set goals for getting, spending, sharing and saving money. Find out the cost of things you need or want, and figure out how to get the most and/or best product or service for the least amount of money.
Organize
Know what your income and expenses are by keeping good records, tracking and protecting your money with a checking account and making the most of the money you save with savings accounts or other investments. 
Control
Keep track of your expenses, and know when goals are met or not met. If goals are not met, know why. Do you need to change the way you spend money? 
Rate Your Satisfaction
How do you feel about the way you spend your money? Do you think you would feel better if you changed the way you manage money?