Archive for the ‘Home Economics’

  • Money talks: Using communication skills to discuss finances
    Have you and your partner ever fought over money? You are not alone — most couples have experienced an argument or have recurring conflict about money. Regardless of income, money is one of the most common causes of discord in a relationship. When money gets tight, the chance for conflict is even higher. However, there are some tips that can help when trying to discuss...
    by at March 3rd, 2012 at 08:03 am
  • Tax law changes for 2011
    It can be confusing to keep up with tax changes from year to year. For example, many of the tax credits/programs from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 have now expired. However, the basics of the tax code remain similar to previous years, and this article outlines some of the major changes for tax year 2011. Due Date of Return – Good news for procrastinators,...
    by at March 3rd, 2012 at 08:03 am
  • Money talks: The value of understanding
    Arguments about money are rarely only about money — they’re also about our values. How your partner wants to spend money may be different than how you want to spend money. You each have a different value, hence the disagreement. Understanding your partner’s values can help nurture your relationship and can help reduce the amount of conflict. How much do you know...
    by at February 25th, 2012 at 09:02 pm
  • Saving and investing go hand in hand
    Every family has its own unique financial goals. Those goals could be saving for retirement, putting money aside for a college education or buying a house. Whatever your goals, you should seriously consider investing, says a University of Missouri associate professor of personal financial planning. Three things can help you become a successful investor: discipline, diversification...
    by at February 25th, 2012 at 09:02 pm
  • Jump-start your savings
    Money is so easy to spend; it slips through fingers like water. Even with the best intentions to put a little money aside every month, we often find there’s nothing left when the month comes to a close. But saving doesn’t have to be hit-or-miss. There are simple tricks that can help you pay yourself first. A great place to start is with your annual income tax refund....
    by at February 25th, 2012 at 09:02 pm
  • Use Ceiling Fans to Cut Cooling Costs
    MANHATTAN, Kan. – Installing ceiling fans is a familiar recommendation when it comes to cooling a home or other room, but the fans, themselves, are not cooling units, said Bruce Snead, K-State Research and Extension residential energy specialist. In moving the air, the fans produce a cooling effect that can reduce reliance on an air conditioning unit and yield a savings...
    by at May 28th, 2011 at 09:05 pm
  • Choose Money Management Styles to Enhance Relationship
    MANHATTAN, Kan. – Money matters, but how much you have – or don’t have – may not be the key issue. When dating, couples and prospective partners are eager to get to know each other and may overlook financial management styles important in building relationships, said Charlotte Shoup Olsen, Kansas State University Research and Extension family systems specialist. While...
    by at April 15th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
  • Save When Buying Appliances
    MANHATTAN, Kan. – Shopping for kitchen and laundry appliances often is prompted by the failure – or anticipated imminent failure – of an older appliance. The need for an immediate replacement may leave little time for comparison shopping, yet would-be buyers are urged to take the time needed to compare features; energy efficiency; availability of service; warranty,...
    by at March 2nd, 2011 at 09:03 pm
  • Conserve energy and save money
    Are your finances in a constant state of turmoil? Your energy bills can be a large monthly expense. Every little action you do to use less energy can make a difference in your pocket book. It may be as easy as turning off the lights. Read on for more low to no-cost solutions that will help you conserve energy and save money! Energy savers for your appliances and electronics: A...
    by at January 8th, 2011 at 01:01 pm
  • Take steps to offset soaring heating costs
    Keeping warm air inside and the cold air out can be relatively inexpensive, according to Barbara Buffaloe, a former University of Missouri Extension housing specialist. In many homes, a lot of heat escapes through the roof, cracks in walls, and gaps around windows, doors and pipes. Homeowners can ease the shock of high utility costs by reclaiming some of that lost heat. Twelve...
    by at December 9th, 2010 at 09:12 am