Americans spent more than $1 trillion dollars during the holidays in 2018. That number rose another 4.5% in 2019. While holiday spending at an all-time high pre-pandemic, many families across Kentucky may have less to spend during the 2020 holiday season. COVID-19 financial challenges might cause people to adjust their holiday budgets. When tighter budgets are coupled with pandemic-related supply shortages, it is important to learn smarter ways to stretch consumer dollars and resources. To raise awareness and help consumers meet this need, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service challenged families to join the Use Less, Spend Wi$e Challenge during mid-November. Participants completed activities designed to help them use less, spend wisely, and discover low-cost ways to connect with others. 

Challenge participants received a list of activities from their county Kentucky Cooperative Extension office. The challenges were divided by three categories: USE LESS, SPEND WI$ELY, and PRICELESS. Participants were to complete six or more activities, then submit the survey at the official challenge link by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 — Use Less Stuff Day.

The Wayne County Extension Office participated in the Use Less, Spend Wi$e Challenge. During mid-November, nine consumers filled out the survey, indicating that a total of 14 household members participated. 

Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the challenge. Of the nine survey respondents, 13 activities were completed from the “use less” category, such as declutter a space; 15 activities were completed from the “spend wisely” category, such as pack a lunch; and 16 activities were completed from the “priceless” category, such as digital dining.

One of the respondents reported keeping a daily spending diary for two weeks, finding that eating out was a surprise spending habit. Two of the respondents identified personal spending leaks during the challenge, including fast food and shopping.

Participants indicated they took the challenge to learn to save money, spend less, and use it wisely. One participant learned to use what is already in the home. “I don’t have to eat out every day. Eating from home is just as good, you just get tired,” one said. “I was able to not spend on fast food and we will use this towards our grocery bill.”