Extension
It Starts With Us
Financial Fitness for Adults (FCS)
Financial Fitness
Diane Mason, Liz Evans
Financial Education - General
The consequences of the worldwide pandemic and racial tensions put a strain on individuals, families, and businesses finances. 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. It is important to acknowledge the impact of current economic conditions on family financial management. The goal of the Extension financial education programming 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 well-being.
Improved family financial stability and economic well-being.
Reduced number of individuals falling prey to scams.
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).
Take steps to secure personal information to avoid identity theft, fraud and other common scams
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; individuals take steps to reduce their risks of falling prey to scams or identity theft
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 the general public
Project or Activity: What Every Family (and Spouse) Should Know; Estate Planning Basics including wills and probate; Transferring Cherished Treasures; End of Life planning
Content or Curriculum: Estate planning; University of Kentucky curriculum; funeral planning; organ donation
Inputs: worksheets, guest speakers
Date: September and October 2023; March, April 2024
Audience: Young Adults/Adults of the general public
Project or Activity: Wedding on a Budget Program
Content or Curriculum: MoneyWise
Inputs: worksheets, possible guest speaker
Date: March 2024
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
In 2018 the Kentucky legislature passed House Bill 263 with modifications through House Bill 468 passed in 2019, allowing individuals to sell foods as a “home-based processor.” In general, this designation allows individuals to produce specific non-potentially hazardous foods in their homes to sell at farmers markets, festivals and fairs, or from their home resulting in no more than $60,000 a year in income. Marshmallows, in general, are “on-trend” with their popular
