Use Less, Spend Wi$e Challenge

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

Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the challenge. Of the five survey respondents, 16 activities were completed from the “use less” category, such as declutter a space and tap the thermostat; 7 activities were completed from the “spend wisely” category, such as pack a lunch; and 11 activities were completed from the “priceless” category, such as take a hike, read a book, and self-care savings.

Of the respondents, two reported keeping a daily spending diary. One kept the diary for five days noted eating out as a spending habit. The other kept the diary for three days noted coupon spending habits. Also, three reported using the Basic Budget Builder worksheet during the challenge. Of the respondents, one identified personal spending leaks during the challenge, including spending money on $1 items that weren’t needed, but add up over time.

Participants noted various reasons for choosing to participate, from “just curious” to wanting “to see where I spent the most at and on what.” One participant noted the desire “to finish 2020 strong and to improve on my habits heading in to 2021!”

Several participants noted that spending on small items, or on wants instead of needs, can add up quickly over time. One noted the biggest take-away was watching the spending leaks. Another said, “Keep track of what you spend because unless you do its crazy how much you can waste without realizing it.”