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Budgeting Tips

With difficult financial times, the following includes some ideas the LANCO staff has come up with on how to save your hard earned money.

Shopping

• Shop at discount stores for savings on food and clothes.
• Cook at home and plan to food shop only once per week.
• Shop with a list and on a budget. This helps to eliminate impulse purchases.
• Try new hobbies like growing your own vegetables; this can bring a whole new interest
  into your life as well.
• Use generic items instead of brand name. Purchasing off brand food an other retail
  items can save an estimated 30%.
• Be “shabby chic” – shop at used clothing stores.
• Clip coupons, but make sure that they are only for items you need and will use.

Energy & Resources

• Visit www.lancasteronline.com to find the 10 lowest gas prices in Lancaster County
• Place all utilities on a budget plan. Have them deducted from a savings account that is
  set up for this reason only. Also consider doing the same for insurance, loan payments,
  and mortgage or rent.
• Car pool, use public transportation, walk or bike to the places you need to go.
• Drive more conservatively; avoid fast starts, slow down earlier for stops and reduce your normal speed by 5 miles per hour. Try eliminating air conditioning by driving with your windows down.
• Save gas when running errands or shopping by utilizing places that are on the same route or within close proximity.
• Try washing clothes using cold water to conserve hot water.
• Turn off all lights when they are not in use. Replace older light bulbs with the
  new energy saving variety.
• Regulate the temperature within your house. During the summer months keep the temperature at 74 degrees or higher. During the winter months keep the temperature at 68 degrees or lower.

Gifts & Entertainment

• Everyone has talents – give homemade gifts for special occasions. They can be
  more personal and will be appreciated.
• Offer alternative gifts such as a weekend of lawn service for your Dad or
  free babysitting; the list goes on and on.
• Try “re-gifting” – Many times one’s trash is another’s treasure.
• Create cheap entertainment – try playing cards and a pot luck dinner at home.