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Tag: Family Life

Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus Checks) Frequently Asked Questions

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

If I owe the IRS will I receive an Economic Impact Payment?

Yes, but if you owe past due child support it may be offset.

Does my Economic Impact Payment affect federal programs I am applying for? 

No.  A payment will not affect your income for the purpose of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs.

My loved one is in a nursing home and received an Economic Impact Payment.  What do I need to do?

Economic Impact Payment funds are not considered income by Medicaid. After 12 months any remaining funds will count as a resource for continued qualifying for Medicaid, including those in care homes.

By: Brenda Langdon

Plan Ways to Stretch Your Resources

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

Substitute

  • When grocery shopping, compare the cost per serving/unit
  • Buy generic or store brand
  • Maintain your car to avoid costly repairs or replacement
  • Shop around for interest rates and financing terms
  • Buy clothing when on sale
  • Sew at home

Conserve

  • Pay attention to dates on food packages to use the older foods first
  • Use leftovers for lunch the next day
  • Maintain vehicle and get recommended service
  • Maintain your house with minor repairs
  • Conserve energy with insulation, weather stripping, storm windows, or plastic. Close doors and windows to retain heat.
  • Keep clothes clean, follow care instructions and store clothes properly
  • Reuse and recycle

Use your own resources

  • “Brown Bag” your lunch
  • Plant a garden
  • Sell unwanted items online or through a garage sale
  • Wash car yourself

Use Community Resources

  • Use parks, trails and other recreation areas
  • See if you qualify for SNAP benefits, the TANF program or similar programs
  • Use and support school transportation
  • Use the public library
  • Participate in activities and use the services available through your local K-State Research and Extension office.

Source: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3501.pdf

By: Brenda Langdon

Super Sitter Babysitting Clinic

Posted on by Marci Metz

The Post Rock District is partnering with Beloit Parks & Recreation to offer a babysitting clinic for youth, 10 years & older. Join us for this opportunity to learn and practice skills that will improve your ability to keep children happy and healthy as you go about your babysitting adventures! Registration is due by March 13 or until full. Find registration and payment information at postrock.ksu.edu under events.

By: Nora Rhoades

Thriving Across Generations ─ Succession Planning in Rural Kansas

Posted on by Marci Metz

Mark your calendars for the event “Thriving Across Generations ‒ Succession Planning in Rural Kansas”! K-State Research and Extension is teaming up with the Fort Hays State University Small Business Development Center to bring you a night packed full of valuable information in succession planning for your farm, small business or family.

This event will be held on March 11, 2020 from 5:30-8:30pm at the Fort Hays State University Student Union in Hays, KS. View complete details and register online at https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/thriving_across_generations/index.html.

 

By: Nora Rhoades

Are the Holidays Causing You Stress?

Posted on by Marci Metz

Stress enters our lives in many shapes and forms. Appropriate stress is healthy and useful – and can even help one rise to the challenge and face tough situations with strength and stamina. Stress can also be overwhelming and cause distress – such as anxiety, tension or irritability.

We’ve been talking a lot about dealing with stress throughout the holiday season on Post Rock Extension’s Facebook, Twitter, and Blog. Nora Rhoades, District Family and Youth Development Agent, provides a wealth of information to better understand how stressors impact individuals, and teaches practical strategies that can be helpful with managing stress. Here’s some tips:

  • Set expectations – Talk to your family, children, friends, and co-workers about expectations during the holidays. Be open with them if money is an issue. Use this as an opportunity to teach youth about the value of money and responsible spending. Be realistic. Take small steps to deal with holiday tasks instead of overwhelming yourself with goals that are too far reaching.
  • Keep things in perspective – Try to consider stressful situations in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing events out of proportion. Model how to keep things in perspective, including what type and the number of gifts to give and receive.
  • Make connections – Good relationships with family and friends are important. View the holidays as a time to reconnect with people. Volunteering is a good way to connect with others. Remember that accepting help and support from those who care about you can help decrease the impact of stressors.
  • Take care of yourself – Pay attention to your own needs and feelings during the holiday season. Engage in activities you enjoy and find relaxing. Evaluate your calendar and commitments to ensure you do something you enjoy each day. Taking care of yourself helps keep your mind and body healthy and primed to deal with stressful situations.
  • Cut back on device use – Instead of dialing into a gadget, go for a walk or play a board game with a friend. This promotes activity and distances you from sluggish time and possible influence from media which may not align with your expectations and values.
  • Practice mindfulness – Mindfulness helps calm the body and quiet the mind. Especially during busy seasons like the holidays, it is important to practice focused breathing and other self-soothing activities. Experiencing the joy of the season will be much easier when you slow down, stop, and pay attention to the wonder of the moment around you.

By: Nora Rhoades