Katelyn Mehling Honored by Prudential

Warrick county 4-H member Katelyn Mehling was recognized this week for her volunteer service by the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Recipients of this award must demonstrate how they impact their community through service projects.



Katelyn's projects include a toy drive at Christmas and starting foreign language clubs at local elementary schools.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Retirement Benefits

Take advantage of retirement benefits that your employer offers.  Contributions come right out of your paycheck, making it easy to save.  Some employers also match workers' contributions twenty-five cents, fifty cents, or even a dollar for every dollar saved.  This is "free money" that should not be missed.  For more information, see: http://bit.ly/fWpOBu.

Financial Goals

Goals provide the motivation needed to reduce spending today to save for a secure tomorrow.  Be specific with a date and dollar cost.  An example is "save $8,000 for a used car in 4 years."  Knowing your timeline can help you choose appropriate places for your money (e.g., CDs for short-term goals and stocks for goals 5+ years away).  For more information, see:  http://bit.ly/fWpOBu.

Finding Money to Save

How do folks find the money to save...and ultimately invest?  Try eliminating things that you can live without and changing spending habits.  An example is brown bagging a lunch to work one or two days a week instead of eating out.  Another is buying 12-packs of soda or bottled water on sale instead of using expensive vending machines.  For more saving tips, visit:  http://bit.ly/ASWTips.

Investing for the Future

Where do most people get the money to invest for future goals?  Some receive lump sums, such as pension distributions, settlements, and inheritances.  A few lucky people win the lottery or some other big prize.  Most people, however, get money to invest the old fashioned way:  they earn it and then they save it.  Become an American Saver (it's free and motivational) at http://bit.ly/gliVkL.

Variable Expenses

Want to save 10 percent of your income? Spend 10 percent less on variable expenses such as clothing, gifts, entertainment, and food. Also determine if there are ways to reduce large expenses such as housing, income taxes, and insurance. Also become an American Saver at http://bit.ly/gliVkL.

Financial Goals

It is important to have a reason to save; i.e., one or more specific financial goals (e.g., a new car costing $X in three years).  Having something in mind for the eventual use of your money will increase your motivation to save.  For additional ideas, check out the America Saves e-wealth coach Web site at Http://bit.ly/ASWCoach.  Leading financial expers share tips for better saving.