Extension
It Starts With Us
Securing Financial Stability, Estate Planning, Real Skills for Everyday Life
Securing Financial Stability
Linda Brown-Price, Joan Bowling, Kathy Byrnes
Real Skills for Everyday Life
Estate Planning
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 (42,958 KY 53,657 US Census 2014), population living below the poverty line, unemployment, (5.8% compared to National rate of 4.9% Department of Numbers) and revolving debt. These indicators, especially unemployment numbers, became more exaggerated during the period of the Great Recession. However, at present economists 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. Consumers need to be aware of safety tips and strategies as they maneuver the internet and utilize technology in their everyday lives. The 2015 Kenton County Survey from current and new users of extension, and the “Farm Tour,” indicated a need for classes on sewing, budgeting, credit, job skills, estate planning Medicare, and Social Security.
• Maximize or extend resources to maintain or increase financial resources.
• Number of individuals reporting improved family financial stability and
economic well-being.
• Increase the number of clientele reporting improved privacy security measures
and reduction in reports of financial fraudulent matters across the state.
• Individuals will be able to retain gainful employment by utilizing the
necessary skills and technology to rebuild financial security.
• Number of people who adopt short, mid, and long-term financial planning
strategies
• Practice one or more resource management behaviors 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).
• 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, young and older 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.
Initial Outcomes: Increase knowledge and skills to improve employability
Indicator: Increase number of responses to job inquiries, long-term employability
Method: Surveys, phone calls, success stories
Timeline: 3 to 6 months after class then a year follow-up
Long-term Outcome: Increased financial planning and investments
Indicator: Retirement and Investment planning increased
Method: Surveys, informal feedback, phone calls, success stories
Timeline: 6-9 months after class
Outcome: Change in knowledge, opinions, skills and attitudes to improve
practical living skills.
Indicator: Increased knowledge of technology skills
Method: Informal observation, feedback, pre and post tests
Timeline: 3-6 months after class
Outcome: Increased knowledge and skills related to managing available resources.
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting improved knowledge (such as knowledge of ways to reduce expenses; cut spending; and save for emergencies).
Method: Pre and Post Test, informal feedback testimonials, success stories
Timeline: 6-9 months after class
Outcome: New sewing skills and completion of sewing project
Indicator: Class project will be of an acceptable standard
Method: Agent and Master Clothing Volunteer approved, follow-up survey
Timeline: Fall and Spring
Audience: College students, general public, young adults, retirees
Project or Activity: 3-5 Week Series of classes
Content or Curriculum: Money Talks: A Financial Guide for Women
Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Agents and Specialists, Program Assistants, Kentucky and CES publications and resources, and Community Partners
Date: Fall 2017
Audience: Young Adult Job Seekers
Project or Activity: Resume and Interview Skills Classes
Content or Curriculum: KY CES Resources
Inputs: KY CES State Specialists, Program Assistants, FCS Agents, Community Partners
Date: February 2018
Audience: Homemakers, young couples, general public, low income families
Project or Activity: Identity Theft
Content or Curriculum: KY CES Curriculum
Inputs: KY CES Agents and Specialists, Program Assistants, Community Partners
Date: March 2018
Audience: Homemakers, job seekers, general public
Project or Activity: Basic Computer Classes
Inputs: FCS Agents and Program Assistants
Date: September, October 2017
Audience: Limited-resource clientele, general public
Project or Activity: Real Skills for Everyday Life
Content or Curriculum: KY CES Curriculum
Inputs; KY CES Specialists, FCS Agents, Program Assistants, and Community Partners
Date: October-November 2017; Feb, March 2018
Audience: Individuals participating in past financial classes
Project or Activity: Financial Newsletter
Content or Curriculum: ”KY CES”
Inputs: KY CES Specialists, FCS Agents,
Date: Bi-monthly
Audience: Adults interested in sewing
Project or Activity: Beginning Sewing for Adults series
Content or Curriculum: FCS Agent and Master Clothing Volunteer designed
Inputs: Master Clothing Volunteer Curriculum, FCS designed
Date: February-April 2018
Audience: Sewing Expo
Project or Activity: Three-day seminar from District 3 Agents
Content or Curriculum: UK Clothing Program publications
Inputs: Master Clothing Volunteers, FCS agent designed
Date: April 2018
Audience: Adult Sewing Project Group
Project or Activity: FCS Agent Designed
Content or Curriculum: Master Clothing Volunteer curriculum
Inputs: UK Clothing publications
Date: Monthly, beginning September 2017
Audience: Young Adults
Project or Activity: Financial Literacy for Young Adults
Content or Curriculum: Extension sponsored resources
Inputs: Ky. CES State Specialists, FCS Agents
Date: November 2017 and March 2018
Author: Joan Bowling
Major Program: Securing Financial Stability (general)
Teenagers in limited resource families are faced with nonacademic barriers to learning that may carry over into adulthood impacting future success unless programs are in place to assist in the transition. In an effort to address some of these barriers, the Family and Consumer Sciences agent and the Youth Service Center coordinator at the local high school have partnered to offer monthly programs throughout the school year for a group of 12 referred students. The programs taught incl
Author: Linda Brown-Price
Major Program: Disaster Preparedness
It’s always a good idea to keep important papers in a safe place such as a safe-deposit box or in a fireproof, waterproof, and burglar-proof home safe. This is even more important during emergencies when you need information in a hurry. Sometimes, though, such papers are lost, stolen, or destroyed. . A class on Emergency Preparedness in Recordkeeping was taught to older residents in Kenton County by the Kentucky State Area Specialist for Family and Consumer Sciences. Topics covered include
Author: Linda Brown-Price
Major Program: Securing Financial Stability (general)
As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age and begins preparing to retire early or face retirement, most face critical financial struggles and need to make life-altering decisions regarding their financial future. Questions arise concerning estate planning, when to begin social security benefits, and investment issues. The Kenton County Extension Office, Kentucky State Area Specialist, collaborated with subject matter experts to present up-to-date information on these topics.Sixty-thre
Author: Mary S Averbeck
Major Program: Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Core Curriculum
Most young people have little confidence in their money management skills according to an Equifax study. In fact, 74% of 12-22 year-old youth want their schools to teach money management. As few as 10 hours of instruction can be enough to improve youths’ spending and saving habits according to the National Endowment for Financial Education. Recent years of tough economic times have increased awareness of the need for financial literacy. Extension advisory groups have identified finan
Author: Linda Brown-Price
Major Program: Embracing Life as We Age (general)
A three part series “Brain Matters” was held in Kenton County in the spring of 2017 that addressed the effects of brain stimulation on the health of the brain. Mental exercise was stressed to stimulate and enhance brain connection, increase blood flow, and provide new challenges that exercise cognitive functions. A follow-up survey was mailed to participants in the winter of 2018. 94% of the respondents indicated they had increased their mental exercise. Participants indicated increa
