Alerts

It's a Money Thing | Spending

Learn how to spend your money wisely

Spending

Know Your Checking Account

Balancing your checkbook gives you power—the power of knowing exactly how much money is available to you. Whether you use a checkbook register, a spreadsheet on your computer or an app on your mobile device, balancing your checkbook is a good habit to form.

Resources

handout-icon.png

Handout

infographic-icon.png

Infographic

slides-icon.png

Slides

 

Budgeting Basics

Whether you're planning your first budget or re-evaluating your current budget, these ground rules will set you up for success. It doesn't matter if you manage your budget on your smartphone or if you prefer good ol' pen and paper—these budgeting basics can be applied to every budgeting system.

Resources

handout-icon.png

Handout

infographic-icon.png

Infographic

slides-icon.png

Slides

 

Building a Budget

No two budgets are alike. The same expense—whether it's a book, a phone bill or a tank of gas—can mean different things to different people. To explore this concept, take a look at how even the simplest categories can be considered a need, a want and/or a savings goal.

Resources

handout-icon.png

Handout

infographic-icon.png

Infographic

slides-icon.png

Slides

 

Good Vs. Bad Spending

If you're waging an inner battle of good vs. bad every time you whip out your credit card or peek at your monthly bank statement, it's probably time to give your views on budgeting a shake-up. There are good and bad ways to spend money, just as there are good and bad ways to save it. Following that logic, there are good and bad ways to budget.

Resources

handout-icon.png

Handout

infographic-icon.png

Infographic

slides-icon.png

Slides

 

Living On Your Own

Living on your own for the first time can be empowering. It means having independence and all the things that come with it. Some of those things—like not having to share a bathroom—are wonderful. Others—like killing spiders yourself—are not so fun. And leading the pack in the not-so-fun category: bills.

Resources

handout-icon.png

Handout

infographic-icon.png

Infographic

slides-icon.png

Slides

 

Buying a Used Car

If you take your time to carry out an inspection plus research a vehicle's history, buying a used car can be rewarding and cost-effective. Research your options, inspect the car you're looking to buy, and negotiate a price.

Resources

handout-icon.png

Handout

infographic-icon.png

Infographic

slides-icon.png

Slides

 

How to Save on Groceries

Grocery stores are designed to make you slow down and wander around—and spend more money in the process. The average American household spends $4,643 a year on groceries. Here are some tips to help you take a bite out of your grocery bill!

Resources

handout-icon.png

Handout

infographic-icon.png

Infographic

slides-icon.png

Slides

 

Paying for Pets

A pet's companionship is priceless, but its expenses add up fast. Like walking the dog or scooping out the litter box, budgeting is a part of basic pet care.

Resources

handout-icon.png

Handout

infographic-icon.png

Infographic

slides-icon.png

Slides