Financial Fitness for Adults (FCS)
Financial Fitness
Diane Mason
Securing Financial Stability (general)
The consequences of the Great Recession and the extended period of slow economic growth which followed, encouraged Kentuckians to become more aware of their financial situation. Kentucky consistently lags behind other areas of the United States in key household economic indicators, including: personal income, population living below the poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt. These indicators, especially unemployment numbers became more exaggerated during the period of the Great Recession. However, at present economist are cautiously optimistic regarding future economic forecasts. It is important to acknowledge the impact of current economic conditions on family financial management. The goal of the Securing Financial Stability Initiative is to help Kentuckians understand and respond to changing economic conditions, while promoting healthy financial behaviors across the lifespan.
Maximize or extend resources to maintain or increase financial.
Number of individuals reporting improved family financial stability and economic well-being.
Number of individuals who avoided breaches in personal or financial security.
Improved the quality of their life resulting in a stronger family.
Adopt one or more short, mid and long term financial planning strategies.
Practice one or more resource management behavior(s) resulting in increased savings or investments
Apply practical living skills to advance education or employability
Examine personal and financial stability on a regular basis (at least annually).
Adults will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources.
Participants will increase understanding of consumer rights and privacy protection measures.
Adults will understand the importance of being prepared for retirement.
Participants will identify short, medium and long term personal goals and objectives related to maintain and improve their financial stability.
Initial Outcome: Awareness of money habits and need for managing money
Indicator: Post session evaluation
Method: Post session evaluation
Timeline: Immediately following session
Intermediate Outcome: Behavior change
Indicator: Individuals examined money habits and made one change for the better; individuals saving money; individuals creating spending and savings plans
Method: Follow up evaluation
Timeline: 3 to 6 months after the program
Long-term Outcome: Individuals become financially secure and self-sufficient
Indicator: Community and state statistics; fewer home foreclosures
Method: Monitor available statistics
Timeline: 4 years
Audience: Adults of general public
Project or Activity: Closing In on Retirement: Money Edition
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky and other Cooperative Extension materials
Inputs: guest speakers, other Extension agents from other counties
Date: November 2018
Audience: Adults of the general public
Project or Activity: What Every Family (and Spouse) Should Know
Content or Curriculum: Estate planning
Inputs: worksheets,
Date: April 2019
Audience: Adults of the general public
Project or Activity: Small Steps to Health and Wealth
Content or Curriculum: Small Steps to Health and Wealth
Inputs: challenge, curriculum
Date: May/June 2019
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Securing Financial Stability (general)
Women have unique financial circumstances. They earn less, on average, than men. They live longer, on average, than men, so their money has to last longer. Of the elderly poor in the United States, over 70% are women. (Rutgers University Extension Money Talk for Women program data.) Americans age 50 and older may have not saved enough for their retirement years and according to a survey by the Associated Press, about one-third will outlive their savings. (https://phys.org/news/2016-05-survey-one