Guest Contributor: Christina Pay, USU Extension Assistant Professor

​There are three shopping events each year in Utah that savvy shoppers look forward to with anticipation. These are known as case lot sales. Generally occurring in January, March and September, buying pantry items at case lot prices can save you money while helping you stock up on items you use on a regular basis.  However, don’t be fooled. Without a plan you may end up spending more money than saving it, so follow the tips below to help you make your own plan to find the best case lot bargains.

Guest Contributor: Andrea Schmutz, USU Extension Assistant Professor

Amid the current COVID craziness, there are a few things that remain certain: summer is winding down, our kids continue to grow up, and they’re probably going to need some new clothes for school. As the start of school rapidly approaches, are you asking yourself, “Do I really have to spend a lot of money on clothes when they are just going to outgrow them before they wear them out?” Guess what? You don’t! Here are five simple ways to clothe your kids without breaking the budget:

Guest Contributor: Christina Pay, USU Extension Assistant Professor

Most people will agree that the “dog days of summer” are usually slow, lazy, and hot.  This phrase took on a whole new meaning for me when I moved from Utah to the San Joaquin Valley of California. With temperatures in my new town ranging between 99⁰ – 114⁰ (F) each day, my heat tolerance was sorely tested. And, as temperatures rose, so did the power bill.  I couldn’t keep my head in the freezer all day (not practical) nor could I turn the air conditioner down to “arctic” (not economical). Instead, I learned a few tips along the way on how to stay cool without going into debt.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: KATHY RIGGS, USU EXTENSION PROFESSOR

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: ELIZABETH DAVIS, USU EXTENSION ASSITANT PROFESSOR

​One of the greatest assets that we have is our own health. When we are healthy it is easy to take it for granted and assume that we will always have the energy, strength, and ability to do the things that are important to us. Eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep are all an important part of taking care of our bodies. Unfortunately, sometimes we let the “cost” of being healthy get in the way. For example, I have heard from many people that they can’t afford to eat healthy. In order to preserve our health, it is important to recognize that we can successfully eat healthy even on a tight grocery budget.  Here are a few simple tips from nutrition Blogger Brittney Johnson to help you decrease your spending and increase your family’s health and longevity.