Americans spent more than $1 trillion dollars during the holidays in 2018. That number rose another 4.5% in 2019. While holiday spending was at an all-time high pre-pandemic, many families across Kentucky may have less to spend during the 2020 holiday season. COVID-19 financial challenges might cause people to adjust their holiday budgets. When tighter budgets are coupled with pandemic-related supply shortages, it is important to learn smarter ways to stretch consumer dollars and resources. To raise awareness and help consumers meet this need, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service challenged families to join the Use Less, Spend Wi$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 Leslie County Extension Office participated in the Use Less, Spend Wi$e Challenge. During mid-November, seven consumers filled out the survey, indicating that a total of 21 household members participated.

Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the challenge. Of the seven survey respondents, 25 activities were completed from the “use less” category, such as declutter a space and hydrate from home; 21 activities were completed from the “spend wisely” category, such as channel your chef, pack a lunch, and shop your pantry; and 21 activities were completed from the “priceless” category, such as homemade happiness and take a hike.

One of the respondents reported keeping a daily spending diary. Also, one reported using the Basic Budget Builder worksheet during the challenge. Of the respondents, four identified personal spending leaks during the challenge. Once identified, they plugged these leaks by not eating out, staying home to save gas, and buying in bulk.

Respondents chose to participate for a variety of reasons, including: as a family activity, to save money, to gain control of spending, to gauge spending habits and make some changes. One noted learning that, “We can cut down on expenses by making small changes and not spending so much on junk.” Another said, “It's not that hard to curb spending and waste. Over time every little bit adds up.” Another comment shared was, “It was interesting to see just how many bad habits you have when it comes to buying things.”

Participants who completed these activities designed to help them use less, spend wisely, and discover low-cost ways to connect with others may continue to learn more by seeking ongoing moneywise tips and education provided by Leslie County Cooperative Extension.