With difficult economic conditions that exist today, more families need to be frugal and look for ways to stretch their money. With unemployment at one of the highest levels in years, proper money management techniques for needs of today and needs of tomorrow need to be used. To help consumers learn the benefits of proper personal financial techniques, we have assembled a collection of resources.

Saving Money

The old expression “saving for a rainy day” has never been more important than ever. The current economic situation that consumers enjoy today could change without notice. Plus, with recent downturns in the stock market, many consumers have fewer assets available. This means replenishing reserves of savings is very important.

1. Managing and Saving Money – suggestions from UNH Cooperative Extension on saving money.
2. My Money – government guide to savings and finance.
3. Roadmap to Savings and Investments – step by step guide to saving money.
4. 66 Ways to Save Money – government publication giving useful tips to save money.
5. Saving Money – suggestions on how to save dollars and cents will add up.

Retirement

Because of the reductions in retirement accounts due to financial losses, many consumers have to work longer to make up those lost earnings, or need to reconfigure their retirement accounts. Plus, many consumers have recently been forced to switch jobs, which put their retirement plans behind where they wanted it to be.

1. Planning for a Secure Retirement – resource from Purdue University on retirement planning.
2. Retirement Planning Resources and Tools – information to assist individuals plan to save for their retirement.
3. Retirement Planning Center – resources and information on planning for your retirement.
4. Women and Retirement Savings – tips on what women should know about retirement.
5. Retirement Planning – from the American Savings and Education Council.

Budgeting

To help achieve financial goals, families and individuals need to assess their current financial situation and look for ways to meet the goals. By creating a budget, consumers have guidelines to achieve the goals. The budget will give consumers a game plan to keep them on pace with their finances and give them goals to shoot for.

1. Managing a Family Budget – information and help on establishing and managing a family budget.
2. Budget Worksheet – tool to assist establishing a family budget.
3. Budgeting Worksheet – a household budget worksheet from Kiplinger’s.
4. Budgeting Ideas – informative articles offering tips on how to budget money.
5. Budgeting Calculator – tools including an online calculator showing how to budget money.

Consumers need to be aware of their financial situations and look for ways to reach their financial goals. Consumers need to find ways to save money by using proper budget tactics, goal setting and using money saving offers. Here are some additional resources for consumers to save money:

1. Personal Finance – information and advice for consumers on how to save money.
2. Personal Financial Education – resources geared at educating consumers.
3. Personal Finance – U.S. government site on money and taxes.
4. Personal Finance & Economics – site with information and resources on personal finance and economics.
5. Saving Money & Energy – suggestions on how to save energy and money at home.
6. Setting and Achieving Financial Goals - suggestions on how to set and reach personal financial goals.
7. SMART Financial Goal Setting - helpful tips on how to set realistic financial goals.