Extension
It Starts With Us
Financial Fitness for Adults (FCS)
Financial Fitness
Diane Mason
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 general public
Project or Activity: Money Talk
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky and other Cooperative Extension materials
Inputs: guest speakers, other Extension agents from other counties
Date: April 2021
Audience: Adults of the general public
Project or Activity: What Every Family (and Spouse) Should Know; Estate Planning Basics including wills and probate
Content or Curriculum: Estate planning
Inputs: worksheets, guest speakers
Date: March 2021
Audience: Adults of the general public
Project or Activity: Funerals and Funeral Planning
Content or Curriculum: UK publications; publications from Kentucky Funeral Directors Association
Inputs: guest speaker
Date: May 2021
Audience: Adults of the general public
Project or Activity: Use, Care and Selection of Home Electrics
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky
Inputs: food, equipment
Date: August 2020
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Financial Education - General
According to marketing research firm Modor Intelligence, the Unites States small kitchen appliance market is witnessing huge growth, innovation and consumer engagement. Consumer buying patterns include growth in the percentage of buyers purchasing housewares online. In addition, the trend of small kitchen appliances is gaining momentum among millennials, as they look for small space appliances that use less energy and are useful in smaller homes. Earlier research from Utah State University found
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Financial Education - General
Discussing end-of-life wishes and plans can be uncomfortable, but important. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting individuals and families in a variety of ways, planning for end-of-life became a focus for many. According to LegalZoom (www.legalzoom.com) the pandemic increased the number of people who have created a will or estate plan, but many American remain without. It is estimated that 30 percent of Americans don’t know if their parents have a will; only 41 percent of those over 55 hav
