Family and Consumer Sciences

Live Smart Ohio

Ohio State University Extension

Do You Really Need That?

Needs & Wants: It is, perhaps, the most basic of concepts in consumerism. You already know the difference between needs and wants… and you are aware that it’s responsible – and usually necessary – to meet our needs before we satisfy our wants. But it’s the first part – knowing the difference – that can […]

WRITTEN BY: Joanna Fifner, Extension Educator, Ohio State University, fifner.2@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Melanie Hart, Extension Educator, Ohio State University, hart.382@osu.edu

SOURCES:

  • http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2006/12/14/luxury-or-necessity/
  • https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Career-Tech/Family-and-Consumer-Sciences/Family-and-Consumer-Sciences-Standards-FINAL-15-JULY-2015-1.pdf.aspx

REFERENCES:

  • http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2006/12/14/luxury-or-necessity/

Financial tools and resources of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

I recently visited the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and learned first-hand about the many efforts of this federal agency to support consumers in making healthy financial decisions. As many of you know, the former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is the director of this agency.   After learning about all that the CFPB offers […]

WRITTEN BY: Caezilia Loibl

REVIEWED BY: Amanda Woods

Rainy Days and Emergencies Don’t Have to Get You Down!

Money management experts recommend an emergency account for that unexpected expense or worse, a job loss. How much do you need? Again the experts would say 3-6 months’ worth of expenses to give you a cushion until you find another source of income.  Years ago I established a fund that changed my financial situation and I […]

WRITTEN BY: Terri Worthington, FCS Educator, Geauga County

REVIEWED BY: Melanie Hart, FCS Educator, Greene County

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • Pixabay

SOURCES:

  • https://americasaves.org/for-savers/set-a-goal-what-to-save-for/save-for-emergencies

REFERENCES:

  • Mary Hunt, Debt-Proof Living: How to Get out of Debt & Stay that Way (2014)

What Are You Saving For?

We all know that saving is an important part of taking positive steps toward financial health and wellness. By saving, you are setting yourself up to better face financial emergencies, and prepare for a financially stable future. A recent survey released by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) highlights the great steps many Americans are taking, showing that 70% […]

WRITTEN BY: Amanda Woods, M.Ed. Healthy Finances Program Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

REVIEWED BY: Amanda Rysz, Program Specialist, Training and Professional Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

SOURCES:

  • Consumer Federation of America, 2016, http://consumerfed.org/press_release/less-than-half-of-u-s-households-report-good-savings-progress-according-to-annual-america-saves-week-survey/
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2015, http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201501_cfpb_report_financial-well-being.pdf
  • America Saves, AmericaSaves.org

Welcome Back, Tax Time!

Just as sure as winter rolls in and the weather becomes a little more frigid, tax time joins us once again!  Every year, like clockwork, we collect our paperwork, receipts, and applicable forms and begin the process of filing our taxes.  And, with this annual civic duty, also comes the decision about how we are […]

WRITTEN BY: Amanda Woods, M.Ed. Healthy Finances Program Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

REVIEWED BY: Amanda Rysz, Program Specialist, Training and Professional Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

NEW Family and Consumer Sciences Volunteer Program

Ohio State University Extension is looking for community members who have skills, knowledge, and interest in nutrition, money management, parenting and other areas related to Family and Consumer Sciences.  Individuals will receive training in evidence-based programs and science-backed practices. In this inaugural year, there will be 2 levels of volunteers:  Advocate and Promoter. An Advocate […]

WRITTEN BY: Linnette Goard, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

REVIEWED BY: Michelle Treber, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

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