Before You Spend, "THINK LOCAL FIRST!"

Local businesses are fighting to stay alive during these tough economic times! I have two suggestions that can have an immediate impact on their survival.

First, when you get your next credit card statement highlight all the purchases you made with local businesses. Then look at all the rest of the items and decide if you could have bought locally. Where did you buy your groceries, gas, clothes, gifts, etc.? Did local business get YOUR business? If not, why not?

Where did you eat out?  

Who is your CPA, lawyer, insurance agent, financial services adviser?  

Where do you bank? 

Are all of these local options? Could they be?

Second, do the same exercise with your check book. 

Look at all your entries to see where your money was spent—close to home or not? You may be surprised how much money is leaving your community.

These two simple things can help raise awareness, and hopefully change spending habits, to benefit your local business community! Wherever you live, spend locally FIRST! 

It can make a huge difference!

What are some ideas you have for supporting local communities? Respond on Lake Minnetonka PATCH!