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Iowa State University Extension

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Finances

Basic Money Management

Finding Extra Money

To save, or to pay the bills with... 

Most of us have spending leaks of one kind or another. You may be surprised at the money you find if you plug those leaks!

  • A dollar here, a dollar there – it's no big deal. Or is it?  So, What's 65 Cents?  (pdf) - Use this worksheet to see how your small spending adds up in a year.
  • Saving Energy Puts Extra Money In Your Pocket - This U.S. Dept. of Energy site provides energy-saving information for your home, your organization and more.
  • Knowing what you are currently doing with your money is a way to find more money for your priorities. Have you ever kept track of your spending? Here's how... by Tracking Your Spending (pdf)

 

Debt costs money.

Carrying a $2,000 balance on a credit card (with an 18% interest rate) will cost you about $360/year. That's enough for a new TV!

OR

If you added that $360/year to your retirement account earning 10% annual return, you would have $20,379 extra after 20 years!

Find out more about getting out of debt!