K-State Research and Extension

search

Tag: Resource Management

Buying and Using Health Insurance – Consumer Resources

Posted on by Marci Metz
Nora Rhoades
Family and Youth
Development Agent

When choosing a health insurance plan for you and your family there is much to consider. The right plan for you and your family will depend on your health and your financial situation. The University of Maryland Extension provides some helpful consumer resources. These tools can help consumers be smart about buying and using health insurance. To access the resources visit https://extension.umd.edu/insure/consumer-resources.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Prepare Kansas Begins September 1st

Posted on by Marci Metz
Nora Rhoades
Family and Youth
Development Agent

We’ve had drought, wildfires, a spring blizzard and flooding in Kansas this year and it’s only August. If your home or office was affected by a disaster, would you have an accurate record of what you lost? Would you easily know who to report it to and how to reach them?

Prepare Kansas begins September 1. The annual online challenge will run through September to coincide with National Preparedness Month, coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Prepare Kansas is an online challenge for all Kansans and others available through the K-State Research and Extension Facebook page and the #prepareKansas blog.

This year, Prepare Kansas will help you take steps to be more financially prepared to weather any challenges, plus it’s a good way to stay organized.

  • Week 1: You don’t know where to get back to if you don’t know where you started, right? This week’s challenge takes you step-by-step through preparing a household inventory.
  • Week 2: Things change. Circumstances change. Know the right questions to ask as you review homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, plus auto insurance coverage.
  • Week 3: If you had a few precious minutes to leave your home or office, what would you take? Learn the basics about what to include in a grab-and-go kit to help get you back on firm financial footing more quickly.
  • Week 4: Communication is key. This week’s challenge is to develop and practice a family communication plan.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Farm Succession Planning Seminar in Lincoln

Posted on by Marci Metz
Nora Rhoades
Family and Youth
Development Agent

August 22, 2017

10:00am to 3:00pm

The Post Rock District is hosting a one-day Farm Succession Planning Seminar! The featured speakers will provide resources, tools, and insight related to: steps to keep the family farming, farm and rural business succession planning, strategies to maintain strong relationships and leaving a legacy through the family farm. The seminar will also include a question and answer panel with nationally and state recognized experts. For details and registration information visit www.postrock.ksu.edu.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Know Fact from Fiction about Insurance Coverage

Posted on by Marci Metz

Taking the time to read the fine print of health, auto and home insurance policies may not always happen with consumers. But it pays to understand what you’re purchasing so there are no surprises if you ever need to file aclaim.

Understand 9 common insurance misconceptions that may occur from a lack of policy knowledge. They were compiled from questions to the Kansas Insurance Department Consumer Assistance Division and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance provides insight about each misconception in the July 2017 column, “Insurance Matters”: http://www.ksinsurance.org/documents/department/insurance-matters/July2017-insurance-matters.pdf

By:  Nora Rhoades

Personal, Identity and Online Security

Posted on by Marci Metz

Your personal information is a valuable commodity. It’s not only the key to your financial identity, but also to your online identity. Knowing how to protect your information — and your identity — is a must in the 21st century. The Federal Trade Commission provides resources and things to consider related to the following topics and more.

Visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security for resources.

  • Limiting Unwanted Calls & Emails
  • Protecting Kids Online
  • Online Security
  • Identity Theft

By:  Nora Rhoades

Saving at Tax Time

Posted on by Marci Metz

Do you have plans for your tax refund? A tax refund provides the opportunity to improve your financial situation. Use the 30-40-30 plan to pay for your past, present and future. For more savings resources and tips on how to get the most value from your tax refund, visit America Saves at https://americasaves.org/ 

30-40-30 PLAN

  • PAST: Designate 30% of your refund to paying off debt and catching up on outstanding bills.
  • PRESENT: Earmark 40% for current use.
  • FUTURE: Use 30% to jumpstart an emergency fund or longer term savings.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Set a Savings Goal

Posted on by Marci Metz

Saving money, improving your financial life, building wealth. It all starts when you set a goal and make a plan to reach that goal. So what is your goal? Set up an emergency cash fund? Get out of debt? Make a down payment on a car or home? Sock away money for college or retirement? Setting a savings goal is important, and those with a savings plan are twice as likely to save successfully. There are lots of little things you can do to fund your savings.

Visit americasaves.org for saving tools and resources.

By:  Nora Rhoades