Are you consumer savvy?
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EmailNo matter what age we start buying for ourselves, we will be a consumer for the rest of our lives.
Are you ready to start shopping? Do you have a list of purchases you think you need? Are you able to make wise choices when using money? Listed below will give you some ideas on how to make wise use of money. Also, resources are given to help youth learn good decision making skills on money management. Michigan State University Extension 4-H youth programs offer curriculum, resources and activities to help youth become a skilled consumer.
Resources shared are taken from “The Consumer In Me” resource listed below.
In Level 1, “The Consumer In Me” covers purchasing goals, making lists, bargain shopping and interest and compound facts. People who buy goods and services are called consumers. It is important for youth to develop skills in managing the resources and then making the best choices. To become a wise shopper means getting the best deal, making the most of the money we have and being responsible with the money.
A good activity would be to think about a purchase you made last week. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why did you decide to buy it?
- Where did you buy it?
- Are you satisfied with the purchase?
Sometimes when we purchase something, it might be a good sale, found in a bargain basement or maybe we just needed a new pair of shoes.
Are you a list maker? One of the best ways to avoid impulse buying is to make a list and stick to it. A list can help to avoid the temptation of buying what you don’t need or can afford. When making a list, prioritize the items starting with the first one being the most important.
4-H youth programs are offered in the money management area to help youth learn needs and wants, set goals and help with decision-making skills when purchasing items.
Become a savvy consumer and learn ways to save money, buy what is only needed and have fun shopping knowing you have made good choices.
For more information, please visit the 4-H Youth Money Management website on the MSU Extension website.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. Read more in the 2017 Impact Reports.
