Promote Healthy Financial BehaviorsPlan of Work

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Barren County CES

Title:
Promote Healthy Financial Behaviors
MAP:
Securing Financial Stability
Agents Involved:
Schalk, Tarry, Crain
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Communications & Expressive Arts
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Financial Education - General
Situation:

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.


Life choices are often based more on personal desires rather than factual information. Those who seek information often turn to internet sources which may not be based in research. Decision-making may be based on product marketing claims, family tradition, myths, faulty information, and lack of knowledge. 4-H offers projects in FCS which assist youth in becoming responsible and contributing members of the family and contributing members of Kentucky communities. At the same time, these life skills prepare youth for the families they will establish as adults.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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. Gain and maintain employment through life skill development

Intermediate Outcomes:

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 and responsible consumer and financial decision making.


Apply practical living skills to advance education or employability


Examine personal and financial stability on a regular basis (at least annually).

Initial Outcomes:

Teenagers and adults will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources. (Social marketing and Program participants)


Participants will increase understanding of consumer rights and privacy protection measures.


Teens and young adults will simulate life situations to recognize importance of education and employability skills.


Participants will identify short, medium and long term personal goals and objectives related to maintaining and improving their financial stability.

Evaluation:

Evaluation: Small Steps to Health & Wealth online assessment

Outcome: Implement Financial Behavior Change

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting

Method: Online survey

Timeline: Immediate


Evaluation: Money Habitudes

Outcome: Intent to adjust spending habit toward financial stability

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting

Method: Survey, Observation

Timeline: Immediate


Evaluation: 4-H Financial Programs

Outcome: Youth will demonstrate responsible consumer and financial decision making

Indicator: Number of youth participating in programs

Method: Survey, observation

Timeline: October – June


Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Citizens

Project or Activity: Small Steps to Health & Wealth

Content or Curriculum: Small Steps to Health & Wealth

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, CES Facilities & Equipment

Date: January - March


Audience: Citizens

Project or Activity: Money Habitudes Program

Content or Curriculum: Money Habitudes

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, CES Facilities & Equipment, Community Partners.

Date: September-November


Audience: 4-H Program Participants, Parents, Volunteers

Project or Activity: 4-H Dollars and Sense, 4-H Reality Stores, APES, Career Education Programs

Content or Curriculum: 4-H and various curriculum

Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Community Groups, Organizations, Schools Systems

Date: October- May



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