Financial Management
A financial checkup is as important as a physical checkup. A regular check of financial health can identify problems, chart progress, and outline action steps to achieve goals. It can also provide motivation to change. Complete your "Financial Check-Up" as you start your journey to financial capability.
Check Your Credit
The average American checks their credit score – the number that reflects their creditworthiness – around four times a year. A credit score, based on information in a credit report, is typically used to determine whether they are approved for loans, credit cards or even renting an apartment. According to a survey conducted in 2020, only 33% of Americans had checked their credit report in the last year. To help Kansans better monitor their credit reports, K-State Research and Extension offers a “Check Your Credit” program that reminds them when it’s time to request another report. The program discusses why you need to check your credit reports regularly.
Joy Miller from K-State encourages consumers to utilize free credit reports available from the three main reporting agencies. Watch the Sound Living YouTube Video for more details. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program that discusses topics related to families and consumers, hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode features insights from K-State experts in areas like child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness, and beyond.
Sound Living YouTube Video on Credit Reports with Joy Miller
For more information: Annual Credit Report
Understanding Your Credit Report
Budgeting
Spending Plan Resources:
Housing Resources
Retirement
When Your Income Drops
Many circumstances can lead to an abrupt reduction in income: a factory layoff or cutback, loss of a job, reduced farm income, or loss of a second income from a spouse. Just the threat of any of these situations is a serious blow to individuals and families struggling to survive economically in difficult times. The fact sheets in this series can help you begin to find your way when your income drops.
When Your Income Drops: Don't Panic -- Take Control
When Your Income Drops: Making Ends Meet
When Your Income Drops: Coping With Stress
When Your Income Drops: Community and Family Resources
When Your Income Drops: Sharpening Survival Skills
Read the K-State Research and Extension news article here.