USU Extension Families and Finances

Having a MySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov makes it convenient to check your social security statements, change your address, request a replacement card, and manage your benefits online.

Did your family status change recently? Even if not, have you taken a moment to review your current beneficiaries? It's a good idea especially whenever you experience a life change such as marriage, birth, adoption, death, or divorce.

Knowledge is power. You are more powerful than your circumstances! Even the most basic personal finance principles can be forgotten.

Consider a temporary, part-time job to help you achieve your financial goals much faster. If you've decided to get rid of debt or save more money for future expenses, then a part-time job can help you get there quicker. A part-time job could also be a way to break into a career or line of business that could end up meaning a bigger full time paycheck. Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance.

Car insurance can be one of your biggest monthly expenses. I've found you can usually save on auto insurance by doing one of two things: changing your coverage level or getting a new policy. Amanda Christensen is co-author of the PowerPay Money Mastery Online Course. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram @UtahMoneyMoms.

Taking an audit of your recurring charges and current subscriptions can help you see where you might be leaking unexpected cash. If you're looking for a little extra to throw at debt payments each month, this is a great place to start. Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance.

Let's talk goal-setting. I think written, SMART goals are the way to go versus the more arbitrary goals like “save more” and “have less debt”.

Whether you have joint finances or separate, it's still important to sit down with your spouse or partner and get on the same page. Similarly, if you're single, you don't have a default accountability buddy to discuss your money issues with. You must check in with yourself or a trusted friend or family member from time to time.

If you earn an income and someone else depends on that steady stream of income to survive, then you should probably evaluate your life insurance. Because if you're gone, your dependents will be left without that income source.

Having your financial records organized and in one spot brings clarity and allows you to quickly find documents for reference. Properly protecting important documents means you won't have to start over in the event of a fire or other incident.

One of the fastest ways to improve your financial situation is to review your list of expenses and look for ways you can eliminate and reduce. This process isn't about becoming a scrooge, it's about spending wisely and within your means so you can achieve financial goals faster.

We all have expected expenses that vary from month to month. Groceries, household goods, clothes, dining out, entertainment, etc. What I do when I feel like I'm spending too much in these categories is create a simple, selective budget to get this spending back under control.

According to Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance proper money management is a language you never stop learning. It's important to regularly consume information to keep you motivated and intentional.

According to Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance knowing your assets will allow you to calculate your personal net worth (assets minus liabilities). It will also give you a sense of what you need to insure, secure, or include in your last will and testament.

Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance reminds us that whether it's debt on a credit card, a car loan, student loans, or your mortgage, making an efficient plan to tackle debt doesn't happen on it's own. It takes self-discipline and a game plan!

Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance reminds us that no matter the income level, financial success comes from consistently living below one's means. A review of your monthly expenses will give you a sense of part of the "big picture." It will also give you the information needed to create an emergency fund, a simple budget, and automate your bill paying.

Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance explains that it is not uncommon for your credit reports to contain errors, and these issues can pop up at any time. So it's a good idea to review your credit reports at least annually, of only for this purpose.

Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance explains how it's important to adjust your 401K each year, both the amount (or percentage of income) you are contributing, and the type of individual funds or investing products to which you are contributing.

According to Amanda H. Christensen, Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance, everyone should have at least $1,000 extra saved up. Having that thousand-dollar cushion in your finances can do a lot for your feelings of security. It's also evidence that you are capable of living within your means, and (possibly more importantly) holding on to your savings.

Jonathan Swinton, Utah State University Extension Health and Wellness faculty, explains risk perception and the new coronavirus. 

Utah State University Extension financial expert Amanda Christensen gives tips on protecting your Social Security identification. 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower discusses the seven signs of a healthy relationship. 

Utah State University Extension's Dr. Dave Schramm explains the research behind smiling and happiness. 

Utah State University's Dr. Dave Schramm give two tips couples can use to improve their relationship. 

USU Extension's Dr. Dave Schramm gives tips on expressing gratitude to increase happiness and decrease depression. 

Utah State University Extension's Dr. Dave Schramm give two minute tips on parenting. 

Utah State University Extension's Dr. Dave Schramm gives two tips for raising your levels of happiness and positivity 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower explains three blocks to remove from your relationships to keep them strong. 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower gives 4 tips on how to say "no." 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower give you four tips for keep the fun in your life and relationships. 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower offers five tips on how to better give and receive love. 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower discusses the most common needs of men and women

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower presents five tips to help you live a more balanced life. 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower give four tips that will help you strengthen your relationships. 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower gives four tips on how to practice mindfulness.

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower presents four tips to help you become a better listener.

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower presents four tips to help you relieve stress. Click on the PDF icon for more information about stress relief.

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower offers three tips on managing conflict 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower offers three tips on increasing positivity in your relationships 

Utah State University Extension's Naomi Brower gives three tips on winning relationships