Why are we still paying more for these things? 6 ways to start saving now.

Sometimes what seems like an easy, convenient buy can be secretly hurting your budget. Here is a list of 6 things that you could be wasting money on:

1. Bottled water - I know that you are supposed to drink eight glasses of water a day, but do you really need to buy bottled water? You could spend around $35 dollars for a 40 ounce Brita pitcher and a four pack of replacement filters and be able to filter 200 gallons of water. If you bought that much water in 24 pack of bottled water, it would cost you around $280.00.

2. Coffee - OK, I’ll admit, I’m guilty of this one. It just seems so convenient to stop at Starbucks to get my daily coffee fix, until you realize you are spending $4 for a fancy cup of coffee. Try creating a similar drink at home. If you want café mocha, try adding hot chocolate with milk to your cup of coffee in the morning. If you really need a frappachino, blend coffee, ice, milk and chocolate or caramel sauce to make your own.

3. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables - I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy fresh fruits and veggies, but you really need to buy the prepackaged version? Sure, pre-cut veggies and bagged salad mix do save you time, but it will end up costing you almost double compared to uncut versions. It just takes a few minutes to slice up your fruits and vegetables, and it will save you money.

4. Books - Books can be expensive, particularly new releases. Try your local library; you might be surprised at what you can find. Or try a website like BookSwim, it’s like Netflix for books. For $24 a month I can get three books at a time, when I finish one, I just mail it back in the prepaid package. If I were to buy three new books a month that would easily cost $40 a month.

5. Magazines - Why spend money on a magazine subscription when you could read the same articles online?

6. Going to the movies - Have you been to the movies lately? The price of movie tickets can cost anywhere from $8-$14 for one ticket! If you absolutely can’t wait till a movie is released on DVD, think about this: Do you really need to see the movie right away, at a new theater? Or could you pay a little less and see it at the older theater down the road that might not charge as much, or better yet wait until the movie is playing in a second-run theater.


-Jess H., Maine Credit Union League

This Back to School Season, Go Green and Save!

As you prepare for and kick off the new school year, whether you (or your child) are heading to preschool or college, here are some ideas on how to make smart decisions for your wallet, and the environment!

Take stock of what you already have. Before you head to the store, take a walk around your house to see if any items, such as rulers or calculators, could be used both at home and school. Restock old binders with new paper instead of wasting money (and resources) on new spiral notebooks. Instead of buying pencils and pens, remember to grab the freebees businesses often hand out (Hint: many credit unions love to hand out pens with their logos!)

Remember to recycle. A new start often means it’s time to get rid of old things taking up space. Make sure that all those old papers, tests you’d like to forget, and even old printer ink cartridges find their way to the appropriate recycling bin, not the trash can.

Trade in paper lunch bags and plastic baggies for insulated lunch bags and plastic containers. Not only do they save money and reduce waste, but a lunch bag in your favorite color or featuring your favorite cartoon character express your personality far more that a drab brown bag.

Think before you print! No, you can’t use the excuse that you are “going green” to avoid handing in a paper, but do you really need to print that funny email?

Walk! Or bike, or even carpool. Planning extra time to get to school a greener way is well worth the effort- and gives you the joy of not having to find a parking spot!

-Diana D., Maine Credit Union League

Festivals, Music and More

It is the weekend of festivals and fairs around the state -- from New Sweden to Lewiston -- there is an event for everyone. You can find Maine’s Credit Unions as one of the sponsors of the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland from August 4th-8th, with face painting, live music, tours of a Navy Ship and a parade.

If dance or music is more your scene, this is the last weekend of the Bates Dance Festival on the Bates College campus in Lewiston. This Saturday, August 7th they are having a Young Choreographers Showcase and the Festival Finale. The Arootsakoostik Music Festival is also this Saturday in New Sweden; this event features more than two dozen Music Acts and the proceeds from the festival go to local charities.

No matter where your weekend takes you don’t forget to look for surcharge free SURF ATMs throughout the state -- just look for SURF Dude and you’ll save on surcharge fees. Send us a photo of your favorite spot this weekend and you could win $300!! Click here for more information about SURF Dude’s photo contest.

Jess H., Maine Credit Union League