Ramsey County

Making $ense of Dollars and Cents

January 12, 2009

Financial Stress Continues      

          According to the American Psychological Association’s 2007 “Stress in America” survey, money and work continue to be two of the top sources of stress for almost 75 percent of Americans. Americans are looking for answers to questions about how to handle finances during these tough times.

          eXtension.org, an innovative, university research-based Web site has new resources to help Americans who are becoming increasingly concerned with losing their retirement funds, investments, jobs and even the roof over their heads.

          University experts from across the United States worked to compile a new section on eXtension.org with free, easy-to-access financial management information. These experts address questions facing Americans during the current economic distress and encourage consumers to be proactive in their financial situations.

          eXtension's Financial Crisis content, found at http://www.extension.org/financial_crisis, is organized into five areas:

Business, Family, Farm & Ranch, Individual, and Youth

          The reports and articles found on the site reflect the "best of the best" information from university experts on financial matters today. More articles and resources will be added to the site as they are developed.

          Not only do eXtension’s experts provide consumers with tools to help them cope with stress, practice positive spending habits, manage their debt and stretch their dollar, but they also are available to answer specific consumer questions. With an easy-to-follow form, Web site viewers can identify a specific category within any of these five categories, ask their question and expect to quickly receive an answer from an industry expert. Likewise, viewers can post comments about articles and resources on the web site, as well as rate the posting they read.

          In addition to answering questions, eXtension.org experts provide a number of different articles on everything from “Surviving Economic Downturns” to “Becoming Financially Secure in Tough Times"   

          Some resources provide creative suggestions for inexpensive social activities for individuals and families or on ways to stretch nutrition dollars at the grocery store such as:

          Have a family game night, go for bike rides, and bake or cook together as a family.

          Take advantage of free programs offered by the library, museums, and community bands or orchestras, or other free community events.

          Invest in staple foods like canned fruit, tuna, or sauces when they are on sale.

          Plan meals around items that are on sale, especially costly items like meat and fish.

          Children and teenager recreation can weigh heavy on the families’ pocket books.  Plan and budget for wants like entertainment, vacation, or trips. Consider what part the teenager's money will play in family vacations or other purchases.

          At eXtension’s Financial Crisis content area, Web site viewers can find other resources regarding nutrition, consumer credit, lifestyle transitions, retirement planning, saving and investing, communicating about money, children and money, home ownership, and health finance. The newest resource area within the Personal Finance category is “Money Management in Times of Disaster.”

Go to Making $ense of Dollars and Cents Index
Go to Ramsey County Extension Service Home Page

524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - NDSU.Ramsey.Extension@ndsu.edu