Plan Ways to Stretch Your Resources

Substitute

  • When grocery shopping, compare the cost per serving/unit
  • Buy generic or store brand
  • Maintain your car to avoid costly repairs or replacement
  • Shop around for interest rates and financing terms
  • Buy clothing when on sale
  • Sew at home

Conserve

  • Pay attention to dates on food packages to use the older foods first
  • Use leftovers for lunch the next day
  • Maintain vehicle and get recommended service
  • Maintain your house with minor repairs
  • Conserve energy with insulation, weather stripping, storm windows, or plastic. Close doors and windows to retain heat.
  • Keep clothes clean, follow care instructions and store clothes properly
  • Reuse and recycle

Use your own resources

  • “Brown Bag” your lunch
  • Plant a garden
  • Sell unwanted items online or through a garage sale
  • Wash car yourself

Use Community Resources

  • Use parks, trails and other recreation areas
  • See if you qualify for SNAP benefits, the TANF program or similar programs
  • Use and support school transportation
  • Use the public library
  • Participate in activities and use the services available through your local K-State Research and Extension office.

Source: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3501.pdf

By: Brenda Langdon