Home & Community Archive 2017
Keep Hackers from Ruining your Holidays Text Audio
Kansans will soon take to the Internet for a variety of cheerful holiday reasons. The increase in cyber traffic means, however, that home computer networks and smart devices will be more vulnerable to malicious scamming and hacking by persons’ intent on dampening your holiday spirit.
Shop Online Safely Text Audio
As you scroll online another ad pops up, peaks your interest and before you know it you are buying online, again! Once a shopper sees how easily it is to purchase online they tend to be hooked! It is convenient, quick and you don’t have to fight the crowds!
Money Matters Wildcat Extension District- Keeping Holiday Debt Under Control
Beat the Holiday Financial Blues Text Audio
It is hard to look forward to a holiday, if you are worrying about how to pay for it. Have you stressed about how to provide a fun experience for children without breaking the bank?
Money Matters Wildcat Extension District -Financial Tips You Can Use
Prepare Kansas, Are You Ready? Text Audio
Sometimes, life in the heartland is not for the faint of heart. At least that’s the way it seems when homes and communities experience tornadoes, flooding, drought and other disasters like Kansas communities can.
Back to School- Off to a Smooth Start Text Audio
Summer is winding down and it’s time to think about school again. Listen to these four tips to make it a great start to a successful school year.
Stay Cool with these tips to Lower Cooling Cost Text Audio
As summer starts to heat up and temperatures rise, many of us are cranking up the air conditioners to stay cool.
Save Money When Money is Tight Text Audio
The idea of saving money can be an intimidating concept for some. Having money saved and available can provide security in the event of an emergency and even reduce stress in everyday life. However, studies have shown that one out of three Americans do not have sufficient savings to cover unexpected expenses.
Planning an Inexpensive Vacation Text Audio
A family vacation is an annual tradition for many families but for those on a tight budget, it may be an unnecessary expense. Like any big purchase, a vacation requires planning.
Are You Prepared? Text Audio
Tornado season is here and can strike at any time. Are you prepared? To be prepared, you should have a household inventory, check your insurance coverage and prepare a grab and go box.
Tips Help Young Adults Manage Money Text Audio
With many costs rising, older teens and young adults who learn and practice money management and saving strategies now rather than later in life may be better able to meet their future financial needs.
Cut the Clutter and get Organized! Text Audio
American consumers have a desire for purchasing a great deal of “stuff,” which has led to clutter-filled homes. In addition, families have less time to keep everything organized.
What to keep? What to throw out? Text Audio
One of life’s most important lessons is distinguishing what is trivial from what is not. While we’re tempted to lump our personal documents among life’s petty details, their significance can be major.
Paying Off Holiday Debt Text Audio
The joy of the holiday season is now behind us. Soon, coming to your mailbox will be the bills for all of the gifts, food and traveling expenses that built up over the last few months. Do you have a pay-off plan?
You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Click the link for further information.
Tips for Parents, Balancing School and Family Article Audio
Fielding remarks such as "What do you mean, Jack's not joining the team?" shouldn’t prompt a guilt trip. School and community activities are bountiful but reclaiming family time can strengthen the family. Choices are key in an endless list of activities. Overcommitted will have the family suffering from the stress. Read on to discover how the following tips can help a family reclaim family time and a balance between school, family, work and community.
Money Matters Newsletter Newsletter
Money Matters Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter with timely financial tips you can use. This edition focuses on ways to track spending, keeping your budget in check as the holiday season begins and how to save for emergencies. Click the link above to read on.
November 27, 2017
Be A Cold Water Hero! Article Audio
The American Cleaning institute has launched The Cold Water Saves Campaign. Washing your clothes in cold water has numerous benefits to the Earth and your wallet. Small changes in your laundry habits isn’t hard, you just have to check the garment label.
November 16, 2017
Stretch Your Holiday Budget Article Audio
The holidays are quickly approaching. Making a plan will save you from starting the New Year with a pile of debt that remains from holiday shopping. Here are a few suggestions for stretching your holiday dollars and managing your money and resources throughout the season and into the New Year.
October 20, 2017
Make the Most of your Money Article Audio
Making the most of your money starts with five building blocks for managing and growing your money. Keep these five principles in mind as you make day-to-day decisions and plan your financial goals.
September 20, 2017
Money Matters Newsletter Newsletter
Money Matters Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter with timely financial tips you can use. This edition focuses on ways to track spending, keeping your budget in check as the holiday season begins and how to save for emergencies. Click the link above to read on.
September 11, 2017
Are you ready to take the challenge - the challenge to organize your financial life? Having records organized and up to date, including health, insurance and bank information, can help you in your day-to-day life, but is especially important in emergencies. Prepare Kansas 2017, an online challenge to all Kansans and others available through the K-State Research and Extension Facebook page, will provide guidance through steps to be more prepared to handle disasters.
Five Ways to Save Article Audio
If your overall financial picture needs to be improved, it's going to take some time. You have to start somewhere, and your monthly expenses are a good place to begin. Saving $50 per month may not sound like much, but if you can find five different ways to do this, you could save up to $3,000 in one year. Click on the article above for five simple options.
July 28, 2017
Christmas in July: Start Saving Now so Holidays Don't take a Bite Out of your Budget
It’s the season for cookouts, gardening and going to the pool. It’s also a great time to begin setting aside money for the holidays. As with many things in life, preparing and planning before you begin makes things easier. It is no different with financially preparing for the holidays. The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends and when we get caught up in the excitement, we spend more than anticipated. Planning ahead of time can save you financial and emotional strain.
June 30, 2017
Money Matters Newsletter Article
Money Matters Newsletter comes out quarterly. The late spring addition discusses the following: Shredding, what to shred and when. How to Avoid Credit Card Skimmers and How Much Should You Keep in Checking and Savings?
June 2, 2017
12 Ways to Save Energy and Money Article Audio
Saving energy and money go “hand in hand.” The Consumer Federation of America has identified 12 simple ways consumers can save. These tips can help consumers with energy-saving ideas that also save money. Energy takes a huge bite out of household budgets. Families on average spend $2200 each year on utility bills. By using the following energy saving tools households can save money and help the environment.
June 2, 2017
How to Build Credit Article Audio
Building credit takes time, so it’s important to begin building your credit before you really need it. Credit cards are a very useful type of credit tool, and when used wisely, they can help you build your credit. However, it’s important to manage credit card use, because credit cards can also be a route to debt if you misuse them. Read on to learn ways to build your credit with or without a credit card.
May 3, 2017
Saving for Summer Vacation Article Audio
A great way to spend a vacation or a road trip is traveling around the country to see new and exciting places. Whether it is following a sports team or visiting friends, the possibilities are endless. Read on to learn steps to ensure a successful trip with your family or friends on a budget.
April 5, 2017
Insurance Matters Article Audio
Kansans with years of experience watching the weather know that when March rolls around, it’s time to turn our attention to the skies and to the weather reports. March is the month when many state residents begin preparing for potential severe weather problems. That includes checking your insurance policies on personal property to make sure you have the coverage and information you need.
March 6, 2017
Smart Uses for your Tax Refund Article Audio
Get the most out of your tax refund by developing a plan. Make a commitment to enjoy part of the money. Be smart, and use the rest for practical purposes. Allocate 80 percent of your refund for "smart uses" and the remaining 20 percent as cash for enjoyment or to make a special purchase. Consider the following smart uses to improve your finances and make the coming year more enjoyable.
January 2017 Radon Article Audio
You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year. Read on to find out four ways to protect you and your family.
