4-Week Savings Spree Challenge
Week 1: There’s No Place (to Save) Like Home
Be sure to connect with the Plan on one of its social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube) to follow the "Savings Spree Tips" associated with this topic. By doing so, you'll be entered in a random prize drawing for restaurant gift cards or one of the Plan's Goal-Specific Financial Plans (a $175 value). And remember, the 4-Week Savings Spree Challenge is an interactive event. Let us know how you're putting the tips to work, or, better yet, share your very own savings stories with the group. Sharing your success stories will get you a free "Savings Spree" T-shirt. Be sure to use the Challenge hashtags #MOSavingsSpree or #MO4WSS when posting.
Read the official Challenge Rules & Regulations for more.
Tip #1: Spend $50 or Less a Week on Grocies
It may sound crazy, but with the right amount of planning and dedication, you could take a huge chunk out of your monthly grocery budget. Use the links below to learn how families across the country are putting this tip to work.
How to Feed Your Family on $50 a Week
http://www.militarywivessaving.com/how-to-feed-your-family-on-50-a-week/
How I Feed Our Family of 5 on $50 a Week
http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/05/how-i-feed-our-family-of-5-for-50-per-week.html
$50 Weekly Menus
http://www.grocerybudget101.com/content.php/8-menus?s=d43710fdb026e93161a5e38537965bd8
Missouri's Weekly Grocery Store Sales Online
http://www.sundaysaver.com/state/Missouri/grocery
Tip #2: Work Out at Home
Monthly gym memberships and personal training sessions can add up quickly. Fortunately, fitness videos, apps and online diet guides make working out at home more affordable and convenient. The links below can help you stay in shape without breaking the bank.
20 Minute Workout Routine for Busy Moms
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/20-minute-workout-routine?page=0
Bender Fitness – Full Body Workout Videos
http://www.benderfitness.com/
Daily Home Workout
http://www.biggestloser.com/fitness/exercises/daily-home-workout
MyFitnessPal.com - Free Online Calorie Counter and Diet Plan
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/
EatingWell 7 Day Diet Meal Plan
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/weight_loss_diet_plans/diet_meal_plans/7_day_weight_loss_diet_meal_plan
Tip #3: Hold a Garage Sale or Donate Items to Charity
Getting rid of unwanted items is a perfect way to make extra cash or save money on your taxes. Holding a garage sale, selling items online or donating to charity are just a few ways you could improve your financial situation. Use the links below to help make your next yard sale a success, or discover how donating your belongings could save money on your taxes.
10 Tips for Having a Successful Garage Sale
http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/04/having-a-successful-garage-sale.html
Yard Sale Tips to Earn More Money
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/yard-sale-tips-to-earn-more-money
How to Get Tax Deductions for Charitable Donations
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/how-to-get-tax-deductions-for-charitable-donations
How Does Your Charitable Giving Measure Up?
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Tax-Deductions-and-Credits/How-Does-Your-Charitable-Giving-Measure-Up-/INF13367.html
Tip #4:
Taking your date or family out for dinner and a movie can be rather expensive. Planning an evening in can help you save money and create memories with the special people in your life. The links below can help you plan your next night in.
All Pro Dad – 10 Ways to Save Money on Date Night
http://www.allprodad.com/articles/dads-and-marriage/10-ways-to-save-money-on-date-night/
52 Date Night Ideas
http://gocheapgohome.com/52-stay-at-home-date-night-ideas/
50 Family Fun Night Ideas
http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/842477/50-family-fun-night-ideas-for-families
50 Family Fun Ideas For $10 or Less
http://moneysavingmom.com/2014/04/50-family-fun-ideas-10-less.html