I don’t always do the best job of it, but I have a strong opinion on supporting local businesses. Things have to make sense for your family and your budget, but if at all possible I think a person’s money should be spent at local businesses.

By frequenting local businesses, there is a better chance that a larger portion of your money will stay in your local economy, in turn helping those around you and your area. When we spend money at big box stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Etc.), a larger portion of that money is sent back to the corporate offices. I know that those larger places employ many local people and that should be taken into account. This is true, but how many of those jobs are full-time positions?

I’m not saying never go to Wal-Mart, I know I do from time to time myself. I’m just saying that the next time you want fast food, try the locally owned mom & pop place. The service and the food are probably both better there anyway.