Our goal for this year is to reduce the number of items we own. We are not hoarders, but we have items that we have not used in a while. So, we have been cleaning out by recycling, donating and selling.
With that in mind and with April being Financial Literacy Month and this week is also America Saves Week, I will be offering my books at a discount. 
Cash Credit and Your Finances: The Teen Years: looks at finances through the eyes of five different teenagers all with different financial choices to make. They all have things they want and need, but they all handle their money differently. Some will succeed and some will give up… which one do you want your child to be? This makes a great gift for the teen in your life.
111 Ways To Save: With prices going through the roof, you must make difficult choices on where to spend your money. Gas prices are up, food is soaring and you want to be able to have what you want and not go into debt. Try any of these super easy cost savers at any time to find extra cash in your wallet.
Thrive In Five: Take Charge of Your Finances in 5 Minutes A Day: Each year do you resolve to improve your finances only to have something happen that pushes you back to the same place you were in last year? With daily short tips that take five minutes or less, this book will help you improve your credit score, spend less, and save more money – all while getting organized!
You can purchase any of my three books from my website www.JillRussoFoster.com at a 10% discount with the code “10PercentOff” to receive the discount. Do you want to buy the book as a gift? As I clean out, I have a few books that you can purchase through me personally and I can personalize the book to your recipient with a message. This is a limited time offer, so act now.
This is a general rule about spending – 50/30/20 rule. 50 percent of your take home income should go towards your needs (such as food, housing, childcare, minimum debt repayment etc.), 30% towards your wants (dining out, travel, clothing, subscriptions, memberships) and the remaining 20% to your savings / debt repayment (emergency funds, retirement, additional payments towards debt). Nerd Wallet can tell you the amount for each category 
Now that we are past the frost, it’s time to start our garden. I save our cardboard egg containers to use to start my seeds. Buying seeds (our library gives out free seeds) and starting them indoors will create a budget friendly alternative to buying vegetables at the grocery store. Don’t worry if you don’t have a yard, container gardening works just as well. Simply start with growing your own lettuce or herbs. It’s easy and will help your budget. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth
There are other types of insurance you need. If you own or lease a car, you need auto insurance. If you own a home / condo, you need homeowner insurance. If you rent an apartment, you need renter’s insurance. With what is going on in the country (floods, wildfires, mudslides etc.) Make a plan to have your needs assessed so that you’re covered for anything that may happen. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth
Let’s talk about insurance. Do you have all the insurance coverage you need? Do you have health insurance to cover medical care when needed? Most employers offer this to their employees. If you don’t have it through your job, there are other ways to access health insurance. Every state offers some type of insurance. One major medical incident can ruin a budget without insurance. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth