Life is full of ups and downs. Whether you’re looking to stay on track towards meeting your financial goals or need a helping hand with an unexpected setback, these resources can help you feel better about your financial future.
Get Financial Help When You Need It
Did you know there’s a handy online database that makes finding assistance for paying for your monthly bills, food, and housing as easy as typing in your zip code?
Visit local.aarpfoundation.org to get access to all sorts of local programs — including ones created just for the coronavirus pandemic — like these:
- Savings on utilities, like electricity, phone, and internet
- Rental assistance, foreclosure counseling, homebuyer education
- Food pantries, emergency food sources, SNAP food assistance
- Discounted healthcare, health insurance, prescription assistance
- Job skills and training services, resume development, unemployment benefits
Look at the resource’s Next Steps section to see each organization’s contact information and learn how to find out if you qualify for their programs or services.
Save Small & Win Big
Saving for an emergency fund to handle life’s unexpected expenses can help you build peace of mind for the future.
It’s also sometimes easier said than done. Even if money is tight, here’s one simple way to get started saving — and perhaps win some extra cash to make your savings go further.
- Set aside at least $50 of your federal tax refund for your savings account with the SaveYourRefund program.
- Fill out IRS Form 8888 when you file your return to designate your chosen savings account.
- SaveYourRefund will enter you into a sweepstakes with a chance to win one of two grand prizes of $10,000 or $100 for 100 winners.
Learn more at SaveYourRefund.
2 Ways to Pay Down Your Debt
Digging out of credit card debt can be tough. Choosing a strategy that motivates you can help — here’s two to try:
- Get a quick sense of accomplishment with the snowball method:
- List your debts from smallest to largest, regardless of interest rate.
- Make minimum payments on all your debts except the smallest.
- Pay as much as possible on your smallest debt.
- Repeat until each debt is paid in full.
- Reduce your overall debt by focusing on the amount of interest you pay with the avalanche method:
- List your debts from the highest interest rate to the lowest.
- Make minimum payments on all your debts except the one with the highest interest rate.
- Pay as much as you can on the debt that charges the most interest.
- Repeat until each debt is paid in full.
Find more helpful financial tips here.
7 Tips to Save on Groceries
A little meal planning can go a long way towards stretching your food budget
- Cook with what’s already in your fridge and pantry
Build the week’s meals around ingredients you have on hand. - Use recipes that call for similar items
Buying lots of different ingredients adds up. - Plan menus to fit your schedule
Avoid tempting meals on the go — prep your slow cooker in the morning on days when you won’t have time to cook. - Cook with the season in mind
Use this seasonal produce guide to avoid buying costly out-of-season produce. - Organize your recipes for easy reference
Having these at your fingertips will help you avoid buying the wrong item by accident. - Use up more perishable ingredients first
Cook the veggies that go bad faster earlier in the week to avoid spoilage. - Make leftovers part of your plan
When you double a recipe, you can cook once and eat multiple times.
If you’re struggling to put food on your family’s table, you may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Learn more here.