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Tag: Expenses

Simpler Living

Posted on by djbechard

The recent increases in prices for many Americans’ everyday expenses may motivate a return to simpler living. All of us have fixed monthly costs such as housing and variable costs such as food and fuel.  The variable costs are the ones in the short run that we can modify.

Here are some ideas for decreasing costs:

  • Buy products in bulk – especially non-perishable items.
  • Use only as much laundry detergent as required for a load.
  • Seek lower-cost substitutes for products you are already buying.
  • Do it yourself – save costs by taking on home projects yourself.
  • Cook more from scratch.
  • Plant a garden, which can be an opportunity to increase your access to fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits.
  • Avoid impulse buying by having a list at the grocery store. Your budget may not have much flexibility for impulse purchases. Focus on what your needs are.

Save on gas by planning ahead to run several errands on the same trip.

By: Brenda Langdon

COVID-19 Funeral Expense Program

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

If you or a member of your community lost a loved one to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a government program that pays for funeral expenses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pay up to $9,000 for funeral expenses for loved ones who died of COVID-19. Survivors can apply for benefits by contacting FEMA, toll-free, at 844-684-6333. To find out if you qualify, read FEMA’s https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq

Unfortunately, FEMA reports that scammers are contacting people and pretending to offer to register them for assistance. To avoid those scams, here are some tips:

  • FEMA will not contact you until you call or apply for assistance.
  • The government won’t ask you to pay anything to get this benefit.
  • Don’t give your own or your deceased loved one’s personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you out of the blue.

If you think you got a scam call, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

By: Brenda Langdon

Balancing Income and Expenses

Posted on by Nora Rhoades
Brenda Langdon, Family Resource Management Extension Agent

The 5 C’s are a great starting point to assist people who are struggling to balance income and expenses in economic good times or bad such as trying to reduce debt, ​establish an emergency fund, save for retirement, or reach a personal financial goal.

Control – As much of the situation as you can.  Recognize that it is natural to feel the effects of stress.  Developing and following a plan can reduce stress and help you maintain control of your financial position.

Communicate – Talk with family members about available income and resources.  Decide what the family needs now, soon and in a few months.  Then make a plan together.

Be Prepared to Change – To make it through the hard times, look for ways to reduce expenses, use the things you have longer, swap items with others, trade services.

Claim benefits that are due to you – Apply for unemployment, SNAP, utility assistance, and local resources as soon as possible.

Confer with creditors – Don’t ignore the situation.  If you can’t make credit payments contact creditors and work out realistic payment schedules.

By: Brenda Langdon