Do you know how to budget?

Over the past few years Americans have been feeling the crunch. The employment and financial crunch that is. According to www.nh.gov, recorded in April 2010, the unemployment rate for the United States was at 9.9% and New Hampshire at 6.7%.

Face it, all households have monthly bills, whether it is a cable bill, cell phone bill, credit cards, school loans, rent or mortgage, etc. All of these may have fit into your budget before, but now it's crunch time for most. How do you make it work?

It's hard to let go of your cell phone or your cable. You may feel entitled to these things. You may be entitled, but times are tough people and we need to learn how to survive until things get better.

Here are some tips and ideas on how you could save money. If you have any questions or comments on this please feel free to comment back. This will not only help you, but others within our communities:)

Laid-off? Prepare for the Work Ahead

http://www.consumercredit.com/resource-articles/laid-off-looking-for-work.htm

Right now a lot of Americans are losing their jobs due to the recession. For the same reason, they’re unable to find work in another position. Most companies are downsizing, not looking for new hires. Getting a job in this economy is a real challenge and, just like any challenge, it will take time and effort to get the best results. Here are some steps to help you get on the path to employment.

Finances:
After losing your job, you should create a personal budget. It's key to know what you have, and how much money you will need to stay afloat throughout the job search process. Although you may not need to prepare anything as detailed as financial statements, you do need to know where you stand financially and budget accordingly. The average job search lasts 4 months, so your money may need to last. One helpful tip is that you can write off the expenses you incur during the search on your tax return. This includes travel expenses, parking, resume printing, etc.

Resume:
Make sure your resume is up to date and relevant to the job you want. When outlining your skills and experience, use keywords related to the type of job for which you’re applying. You’ll usually find them in the job description. Hiring managers will often run a batch of resumes through a keyword search program that seeks out certain skills, so make sure that yours contains what they’re looking for. It’s also a good idea to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job when you apply. Have a colleague or friend critique your resume. There are professional resume editing services available, but they’ll cost you anywhere from $40 to $150. It can be worth the price if you need the help.

Online Search:
Use websites like monster.com and careerbuilder.com. They have broad job-searching capabilities and they offer a number of resources and tips on resume writing and interviewing skills. Another helpful website is careeronestop.org, a government website offering advice and resources for job seekers. If there are some particular companies that interest you, go directly to their websites and check for available positions. There are plenty of opportunities that don’t get posted on the more popular job sites.

Networking:
Use your professional network to propel you into the job market and seek out opportunities. Don’t be shy about letting people know that you’re unemployed. Roughly 40% of job seekers found their current position through someone they know. You can also create a profile on professional networking websites like linkedin.com. It’s a great way to see and be seen in the job market and in your respective industry. Also, if you don’t belong to one already, look for professional organizations to join. They offer many resources and networking opportunities.

Education:
If you’re financially stable enough, now may be a good time to go back to school to pick up some new skills and expand your appeal in the job market. Many colleges and community centers offer adult/continuing education in various fields of study. Maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to learn but never had the time. If you see available jobs that are beyond your skill set, look into getting those skills. Visit local college and community center websites to find more information on available programs.

These are just a few helpful tips for those entering the job market. It’s important to treat your job search as if it’s your current job. Create a schedule and goals for each day. Finding a job is hard work, especially in today’s competitive environment. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally, as a lengthy job-search can be stressful. A lot of people are out there, so do your best to stand out in the crowd.

Saving Money in a Recession

http://www.consumercredit.com/resource-articles/saving-money-tips.htm

It’s never too early or too late to start saving. There are lots of reasons to save: retirement, emergencies, vacations, etc. Try these strategies to build up your savings.

• Record your purchase (try ACCC’s budget in your pocket) Write down every purchase. Even gum and water... You will find yourself saving money more than ever. At the end of the month divide costs on categories: - travel costs - food costs - finance costs and you will find way to save in every category
• Make your monthly credit card payment on time. The $30-35 you save by not being charged a late fee each month on one card would save you most of the money you need for $500 in emergency savings.
• Open a retirement account. No matter how bad the economy or how much you make, set aside even a few dollars each month and see it grow.
• Refinance you mortgage. If you can reduce your interest rate by one percent or more, it is often beneficial to refinance. This is particularly true for those with high rates due to less than stellar credit scores.
• Not taking advantage of your company’s match in a 401 (k) plan, or getting involved in a defined contribution plan is a mistake.
• Automatically withdraw a small amount from your paycheck to a savings account. If you and your partner can each withdraw $50 a week, you will save over $5000 dollars a year!
• Create a visual reminder of your debt. Basically, just make a giant progress bar that starts with the amount of debt you have and ends with zero. Each time you pay down a little bit, fill in a little more of that progress bar.
• Pay yourself first before paying your other bills. Try to stick with at least 10% of your monthly paycheck if you can handle it. Bump that up 20% if it doesn't put too much strain on you financially. You'd be amazed how fast the savings will grow.
• Whenever you get any unexpected/unbudgeted income (tax refunds, sales, freelance earnings, gifts, and rebates), either use that money to pay down debt or put it in savings. Don't even consider spending it.
• Use free tax software to do your tax return. Most people have returns that are way simpler than they realize.
• You can be just as good an American by putting stimulus cash in one of the many high-yield savings accounts available online (easy to open) or use it to pay down your credit card debt, especially if you're carrying a card with a high interest rate.
• If you get the impulse to buy something wait 48 hours and see if it is still there.
• When you do go out to dinner, eat a little something before you go so that you are not hungry. Also, never order anything other than water to drink.

What is a Budget Plan?

A budget plan is a chart that shows you the flow of money in your everyday life. A budget can help you determine where you are overspending as well as help you adjust bad spending habits. By making slight adjustments to your budget, you may have the ability to save more or make larger payments on your debts.

Why Do I Need a Budget Plan?

Everyday, thousands of consumers face financial crises. These can be caused by personal or family illness, or loss of job, but the most common cause is overspending. By tracking your spending you will know exactly where your money is going.

Our society encourages consumers to "buy now, pay later", offering credit cards and convenience to spend more everywhere we look. This is why it is so easy to get carried away with spending, and eventually end up "knee-deep in debt". A budget is designed to help consumers gain control of their spending, and with proper planning it can help to improve your financial situation.

How to Create a Budget Plan

Start by keeping track of all your monthly living expenses and other monthly bills. There is a vast selection of budgeting software out there, but they all cost money. Creating a budget can be done by simply using a spreadsheet on a computer, or recording on a piece of paper. For assistance in creating your budget plan, download free helpful tools at the right of this page.

How Do I Maintain My Budget Plan?

You need to control your emotions and impulses that stimulate your desire to spend money. You should keep close track of what you spend every day. Ask yourself "Do I really need to buy this? Maybe I should bring my lunch instead of eating out." Try to cut back on your "fixed" monthly expenses. You should always be able to cut back on your personal care, hobbies and entertainment.

How to Plan for Milestones & Emergencies

http://www.consumercredit.com/budget-sheet.htm

There are many different types of financial emergencies that can strike when you least expect it. Losing a job, a death in the family, or purchasing a new car are all situations that can leave you with financial problems if they are not properly prepared for. It is recommended that you set aside at least six times your monthly living expenses to cover you in case of a major emergency.

If you would like further assistance on how to manage your budget, you may contact our counseling center at 1-800-769-3571 x 506.

Save at the Supermarket

http://www.consumercredit.com/resource-articles/save-at-supermarket.htm

ACCC offers tips to save money on your groceries

Food is more expensive than ever, and ACCC has discovered some excellent ways to help you save money on your next trip to the grocery store. Use these tips, and you won’t need any coupons. Although, we still recommend using them whenever appropriate.

1. Don’t buy pre-cut, pre-made, or prepared meals. It is far less expensive to buy the ingredients and make the meal yourself. Pull out a knife and chop the meat and vegetables yourself.
2. Try the store brands. It may be just as good or even more to your liking than the national brands. Often times, one factory will produce the same product for more than one company. The only difference is the label and the price.
3. Make a grocery list that fits your budget. You should always have a plan for grocery shopping. Don’t wander around the store for ideas of what to buy. Make a list, stick to it, and don’t shop on an empty stomach.
4. Try another store. The grocery store might not always have the best deals. Check out drug stores for deals on milk, bread, soda, snacks, and paper products.
5. Buying in bulk can save money, but only buy as much as you’ll actually eat. There’s no point in buying two gallons of orange juice if the second gallon expires before you even open it. Buying in bulk is better if the item can be frozen, like meat. This way you won’t have to worry about the waste, just freeze it for later.
6. Why buy two when you only need one? If you see an item priced “2 for $5,” you don’t always have to buy two. Usually you can just buy one for $2.50. The same goes for “10 for $10” deals. You can buy three for $3.00 if you want to.
7. Join the rewards program or members club for any area grocery stores. It’s usually free, and you’ll have access to discounts every day. The good prices and sales are often reserved for those who are members.

With these tips you can save money, eat well, and minimize waste.

Save Money on Lunch with our Brown Bag Calculator

http://www.consumercredit.com/resource-articles/brown-bag-calculator.htm

Regardless of the economic environment, one of the easiest ways to save money is to bring your lunch to work. Why go out and spend $6 -$12 everyday when you can “brown-bag it” for half as much? Sure, many restaurants offer inexpensive dollar menus and such, but the options are often unhealthy. The goal is to eat healthy and save money at the same time – a feat that is often seen as a challenge. Pick up a few extra items at the grocery store, and be set for the whole week. It’s actually quite easy, and certainly worth the little effort that it takes.

Let’s compare the cost of a typical lunch from a deli with the same meal prepared at home.

Here’s a typical take-out lunch from a deli:

• Sub/sandwich: $7.00
• 20 oz. soft drink: $1.75
• Bag of chips: 99 cents

Total: $9.74 per day ~ ($48.70 per week)

Now, here are the costs of creating a similar lunch with groceries from home:

• One half pound of turkey: $4.00
• One half pound of cheese: $3.00
• One loaf of bread: $3.00
• 12-pack of soda: $4.00
• Large bag of chips: $3.69

Total: $3.54 per day ~ ($17.69 per week)

In this case, the savings add up to over $30.00 per week. You don’t have to brown-bag it everyday, but the more often you can pack your own lunch, the more money you’ll save. For an environmentally friendly option, get a re-usable lunch bag, Tupperware, or a small cooler rather than using paper and plastic bags everyday.

You can also try healthy options like these, and still spend less than take-out:

• 12-pack of juice or tea: $6.00 - $8.00
• 24-pack of bottled water: $5.00
• Large bag of pita chips: $4.00
• 2 lbs of apples: $3.30

To calculate your own potential lunch-time savings, check out ACCC’s Brown Bag Calculator. Find this and many other helpful tools to help you better manage your money at consumercredit.com.

Cheap Date Ideas

http://www.consumercredit.com/resource-articles/cheap-dates.htm

Impress a new friend with these fun and inexpensive date ideas

Everyday life is getting pretty expensive as it is. On top of that, you just got yourself a date. So, you want to impress your new flame without burning through all your cash? The credit counseling professionals at ACCC have some great ideas for having a good time without emptying your pockets.

1. How about a picnic in the park or at the beach? Yes, it’s a cliché but everyone secretly loves doing it. Gather up your favorite snacks, some good wine, and find a nice spot to sit and enjoy. Take it one step further and look up your local parks, amphitheaters, and other outdoor venues. There’s a good chance that you can find some free outdoor concerts and plays, particularly in the warm weather.
2. Speaking of parks, why not get some exercise? Take your date bike riding, rollerblading, or hiking for an afternoon. Take a nature walk in the woods or on the beach. Bring a camera and have some fun “striking a pose.” You can save money, get to know your new friend, and get in shape.
3. With a little research you can find a lot of fun free things to do in your area. A simple online search can reveal free or discount days at local museums and art galleries. Newspapers and local weeklies are also great resources for free event listings. Check the entertainment section.
4. Show your softer side by bringing your date to do some volunteer work. Are you passionate about a particular cause or charity? Prove it to your date. Volunteer at a hospital, an animal shelter, a charity event, or help spruce up your community by cleaning or gardening. Whatever piques your interest.

On inexpensive dates like these you can have tons of fun and build great memories, all without having to worry about how much you’re spending.

Buying Used in a New Economy

http://www.consumercredit.com/resource-articles/buying-used-in-new-economy.htm

Thrift stores see increased sales in slow economy

Certain costs and spending cannot be avoided. Your home needs heat, your family needs food, and your car needs gas. However, more and more people are discovering a new way to save money on items like clothing and home goods. The answer is thrift store shopping. Nearly two-thirds of resale and thrift shops like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and consignment stores have seen increased sales over the past year. The average thrift and resale store has increased sales by 35%.

Consumer attitude and perception are changing. In this economy, many people can’t afford to turn up their noses at used and discounted products. Even those who can afford to aren’t indulging in luxuries as often as they once did. Consumers in general are more receptive to the idea of buying used or discounted products to save money. They’re out seeking deals and more hesitant to spend frivolously. Luckily, the current economy and this new perception encourage and reinforce a more frugal lifestyle. It’s becoming quite typical.

Of consumers with household incomes of $100,000 or more, nearly three-quarters report that they were cutting back their spending as of July 2008. 81% of households in the $50,000 - $99,999 income bracket say the same. Just three months earlier, these opinions were down by 4% - 9%. In the midst of the national financial crisis, few are too proud to buy used merchandise.

Search for thrift and consignment stores in your area and change your perception. You might be surprised at the money you’ll save and the quality you can find.

I hope this information is helpful! This was a great website!