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2SS • What Women Want • An Advertising Supplement to the Three Rivers Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette • Sunday, February 8, 2015
GROW your SAVINGS Tips for cutting expenses, setting money aside
whatwomenwant staff
EDITORIAL
Breanna Wells niche publications director
Staci Miller special sections manager
Wendy Miller section coordinator/ writer/designer
Karen Laskey copy editor
Jennifer Ellis writer
Linda Garner-Bunch writer
Cody Graves writer
Bruce Guthrie writer
Eilish Palmer photographer
ADVERTISING
Michelle Cothern director of zoned advertising
Terry Cody account executive
Deborah Hardin account executive
Erin Mize graphic artist
smokey eyes, page 4
heart
health, page 5
cover
story, page 6
color of
the year, page 8
design trends, page 9
One of the keys to successfully managing money is to save money. Convention- al financial wisdom recommends that
men and women have between three and four months’ worth of earnings in their savings accounts to cover themselves in case of an emergency. But many people live paycheck to paycheck, while others are mired in debt.
A 2013 survey from BankRate.com found that roughly three-quarters of Americans have little emergency savings. Many working professionals find it hard to save any money once they have paid their monthly bills, including home expenses, child care and other common expenses.
Financial analysts point to consumer trends among young- er generations as one possible cause of the dwindling empha- sis on saving money. Previous generations were taught the benefits of saving and being frugal, but nowadays, many peo- ple struggle to distinguish between necessities and luxuries. More readily available access to credit and a more materialistic culture may also be contributing to fewer dollars being saved.
“Growing the balance in your savings account or plan is challenging,” said Stacy Munford, branch manager at First Arkansas Bank & Trust in Jacksonville. “With discipline and reducing temptation, a savings plan for a family can be very rewarding and offer peace of mind at a difficult time. The best advice I have learned in saving for my family is to have enough to live on for at least six months.”
While saving may seem like an uphill battle, a little saving can go a long way. Explore these relatively painless ways to cut back and save more money.
DO IT YOURSELF
Make a list of all the service providers used — from mani- curists to hair stylists to lawn-care professionals — and figure out where cuts can be made. Doing all or a portion of the work yourself can save a considerable amount of money.
“Planning for short-term and long-term savings can be helpful,” Munford said. “Setting goals for emergencies, vaca- tions, a new car, a new home and education can be a great start in the right direction for [a family of] any size. Considering your family’s monthly expenses, budgeting and limitations will allow you to stay on track with your savings goals and plans.”
REVIEW YOUR SHOPPING CART
Impulse buys can bust budgets. When grocery shopping, take some time before getting in line to review your potential purchases.
“Documenting what is being spent monthly can help re- duce spending and allow you to focus on your priorities,” Munford said. “A review of your budget each month will help
groovy GIFTS Glistening glass
Evaluating your spending is one way to start saving money. Many of the services that you pay for could possibly be done by yourself, leaving room for more savings.
pinpoint your do’s and don’ts for the months to come to stay on track with your goals.”
LEARN TO COUPON EFFECTIVELY
Although you need not go to extremes, use coupons when shopping, and learn how to pair sales with coupons to earn even greater discounts. Many blogs and websites help make the process easier, telling you when and where to clip coupons. Sometimes you can print coupons directly online or load discounts to a shopper loyalty card.
SCALE BACK ON CERTAIN SERVICES
Assess your lifestyle to determine which services you can live without. If you rarely watch television, you may be able to reduce your cable or satellite package. Figure out if bundling services really does save you money. Add up how many min- utes you use on mobile-phone plans, as well as the amount of data. You might find that you do not need the biggest phone plan after all.
“First Arkansas Bank & Trust offers a wide variety of prod- ucts that can help with just about any savings plan our cus- tomers may need,” Munford said. “Our technology can also be helpful in keeping up with the monitoring of your funds via online banking, mobile banking and tablet banking.”
— Courtesy of Metro Creative Services, with contributions by Cody Graves, special sections writer
James Hayes Art Glass Co. offers a wide selection of glass decor, bowls, jewelry, stemware, vases and more. Each piece is handcrafted by Arkansas artist James Hayes. TO BUY: Purdy’s Flowers & Gifts, Newport
Incredible tones
Lend an ear to rich multi- toned sounds as the wind blows. Corinthian Bells Windchimes produce beautiful tones and resonances and come in a variety of sizes and colors. Each windchime is handcrafted and hand-tuned in the USA.
TO BUY: Main Street Mall, Heber Springs
Personal touch
Cowl-neck tops and CC Beanies are stylish by themselves, but a great way to personalize the items and make them look even better is to add monogrammed stitching. Available in a variety of colors and styles, there is no better way to put your touch on an exquisite look. TO BUY: Bimini Butterfly, Cabot
Girly glam
This Bonnie Jean yellow polka-dot dress is an ideal addition to any little girl’s wardrobe. Featuring white buttons and a white bow in the back, the dress can help your little one feel pretty and whimsical.
TO BUY: Merle Norman, Cabot and Beebe