Recommended reading

• Cutting Food Costs * ⁺
  You can put off buying a new car or appliance, but you have to buy food. This bulletin shows you how anyone can cut food costs using knowledge and common sense. Discusses meal planning, convenience foods, unit pricing and supporting healthy diets. 2 pages.

• Getting Organized ⁺
  Finally, you can get a handle on your family finances and records, all in one place. Keep track of contracts, leases, notes, copyrights, military service records, motor vehicle titles, and certificates of birth, marriage, divorce, death, and citizenship. Keep tabs on income and expenses, bills, bank accounts, credit records, real estate, stocks, bonds, educational records, taxes, insurance, medical records, employment records. Plan your estate and leave instructions for survivors. Keep track of valuables and household inventory. Determine your net worth. Everyone should have this 48-page booklet to organize personal and financial records.

• Investing In Your Future: A Cooperative Extension System Basic Investing Home Study Course
  Developed for those who are new to investing and who may not have thousands or even hundreds of dollars to start with. The first three units explain how and why to invest and cover credit management, retirement planning, risk, and creating a savings plan. The next five units break down types of investing: equity investing, fixed-income investing, mutual fund investing, tax-deferred investing, and investing with small dollar amounts. The final three units review investment resources, selection of professional financial advisors, and investment fraud. Each unit concludes with specific steps that readers can take to apply the course material to their lives. Includes examples, worksheets, and a glossary. 158 pages.
• Planned and Unplanned Spending * ⁺
  This 5-page fact sheet explains how getting control of unplanned spending, and budgeting for planned or necessary spending, can help you get on track and stay there.

• Using Credit Wisely * ⁺
  Credit is a financial tool that has allowed many of us to buy homes, cars, and other "big ticket" items. However, if you are not careful, the use of credit can lead to serious debt. Learn about the types of credit, the different methods used by credit card companies to calculate interest, credit card traps to be aware of, credit warning signs, and your rights and responsibilities. Explains how to determine how much debt you can afford. 6 pages.

• Making Your Own Baby Food * ⁺
  Homemade baby food is a cost-effective way to provide nutritious food for your infant. Learn what foods to include, what foods are best omitted, what equipment to use, and safe preparation practices. Includes recipes. 4 pages.

* free online version available
⁺ published by University of Maine Cooperative Extension