When I was eight years old my parents started giving me an allowance. I believe I received twenty-five cents a week. I saved up my money. My very first purchase was a piggy bank – only it wasn’t a pig. It was two owls sitting on a branch that said, “Be Wise Save.”
All through my growing up years those wise owls looked at me from my bedroom shelf, reminding me to keep saving my dollars and cents.
Saving money is a life skill. It requires some thought, some intentionality. It is so easy to let those dollars sift out of your hands.
My parents set each of us up with our own savings accounts. Through school, you could save a dime a week in a special little dime saver.
During my babysitting career, those wise owls reminded me to Be Wise Save. Putting some money aside for future wants and needs was important – and continues to be important for all of us.
Linda talks about saving for a purse she really wanted. She did it by saving her lunch money and going without lunch. Maybe not the best method, but she did get that purse that she fondly remembers.
Susan, as a single mom, saved to take the kids out to dinner or for a special birthday outing to Canobie Lake. I have saved for a dishwasher, vacations, skis, a camera, a car, education, weddings. Savings can be for retirement, a house, or for whatever may come our way.
To coin a phrase, saving money makes good cents. (That was good, wasn’t it???)
Tax season is here at The River Center. As well as preparing tax returns for free, we encourage taxpayers to save some of their refund. To create or add to a fund for those emergencies that arise, like fixing the car or a leaky roof. Having some money in the bank can lower our stress levels as we look into the future. It can even be fun as we see our savings grow and our goals become reality. It was a happy day when I brought home that dishwasher, let me tell you!
Tax season is about more than just getting your tax return filed. It is an opportunity to set aside some of your return into savings. Saving for something you want or something you need, you decide.
The River Center phone is ringing off the hook to schedule tax appointments. The volunteer greeters and IRS certified preparers have been meeting since the fall getting ready. Individuals with under $66,000 household income are welcome to call and set up an appointment. You can also take advantage of the Do It Yourself tax return, using our computers and having a certified tax preparer nearby to answer any questions you may have during the process. Give us a call at 924-6800 ext. 11 to find out more.
And remember, Be Wise Save.
Margaret Nelson is the executive director of the River Center.ii