DTI Issues Tips in Managing Household Budget

San Jose, Antique (PIA) – -In order to help consumers find ways to save money even in small amount and spend only according to the needs of the family, the Department of Trade and Industry issues tips in managing the family budget.

Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal, Information Officer of DTI Antique in a meeting with a group of mother members of Mother’s Club organized by the teachers of Sebaste Central School in Sebaste, Antique emphasized the need to prioritize the expenses of the family according to its needs.

During the discussion, Cardinal stressed the need to give priority to the basic needs which is food, shelter and clothing then health and education of children.

She said, in most cases mothers are the ones who manage the family budget. Thus, Cardinal said they must be aware of the products that are safe and have passed the quality standards.

Some of the tips in managing the family budget:

• Buy products in public markets rather than in supermarkets. Goods are fresh and much cheaper in public markets. Sellers often give out discounts to regular consumers.
• Before shopping, make a list of goods you need to purchase to avoid unnecessary or impulse buying. By having a list you can avoid buying things you don’t need.
• Pay your loans. Someone will trust you to borrow again if you know how to pay your loans.
• Avoid buying things that you don’t need. Before you decide to buy ask yourself first if the products are really needed. There are things that we bought that only end up in the stock room. Buying something not needed means extra expenses, instead of spending it, save the money for future use.
• Discuss with family members the status of your finances. By doing so, they too will understand and help you save.

In conclusion Cardinal said with our limited income, we really have to decide to save something for the future. We need to become well-informed consumers. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)