Trying to decide whether to rent or buy? It's a big decision. 
Before you pay out any money or start shopping, take a few minutes to listen to Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Julie Goings and her guest, as they discuss the pros and cons of renting and buying and what you need to consider before making that big decision.

Maybe you’ve heard Brad Paisley’s song, All I Wanted Was a Car, and thought that you could work hard and save up to buy your first car. The cost of a car doesn’t stop once you’ve paid for the car… there’s maintenance, gas and of course, insurance. Join Alison Crane, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and her guest, Anna Crane, as they discuss what you need to know when purchasing car insurance and how to save money. 

For more information you can download the brochure provided by the Arkansas Insurance Department at https://insurance.arkansas.gov/uploads/pages/brochures/auto.pdf 

Buying your first car can be a little scary. For many people, buying a car is their first major purchase. Cars are expensive and so is maintenance and insurance, you want to make a wise choice and get a car that you can be proud of and will last. On today's Grown Up U episode, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Mary Ann Kizer, and Agriculture Agent, Kurt Beaty, discuss everything you need to consider and check when buying a new or used car.

A major part of being an adult is paying bills. Following our practical steps to bill paying can help you track your expenses and give you some real peace of mind that your bills are being paid on time and you are keeping your credit in good standing. Listen to Family and Consumer Sciences Agents, Rachel Cheney and Pamela Luker, as they share their own personal experiences with paying bills and how to avoid the pitfalls of late fees and shut-off notices.

Have you thought about what to do with your hard earned money? Do you have questions about whether you should open an account at a bank? In today's podcast you can join FCS agents, Julie Goings and Valerie Turner, and their guest, Dana Worstell from Southern Bankcorp, as they discuss what you need to know about setting up an account and why you should keep your money in a bank. 

Where did the year go?  Have you been saving all year for your Christmas purchases?  
Be ahead of the game!  Start with a holiday budget. 
Join  Mary Ann Kizer, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, and AEHC Delta District Director, Dot Hart, as they share tips for planning your holiday budget that will help you to enjoy all of the festivities without stressing about how you are going to pay for it later. 

Just because your grades aren't the highest, it does not mean you aren't eligible for scholarships and just because you have great grades, it does not mean you will automatically win the scholarship. Listen to Family and Consumer Sciences agents, Valerie Turner and Julie Goings, as they discuss how it takes more than grades to get the scholarship.  You might find out you have more going for you than you think or at least learn a few areas to improve!

College is expensive and for most students scholarships are a must, but the whole process can be super intimidating. Our easy to follow tips for finding scholarships and filling them out can take away some of the stress. (By the way, the Cooperative Extension Service has several scholarship opportunities across the state of Arkansas. Contact your county Extension office to learn more.)

There is a sickening feeling that accompanies the realization that you have lost your wallet or purse. In Part 2 of The Cost of Losing Your Stuff, Amy Monk, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and her son, Will, discuss what to do if you lose your wallet and how to replace your important cards and documents.

"Where, oh, where has my little _____ gone? Oh, where could it be?" Before this is you, singing this sad song, you might need a little talk about the costs involved in losing your stuff and in case, you have already lost something we'll give you some great advice for how to replace it. Join Amy Monk, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and her son, Will, as they discuss the surprising costs of losing your keys and how to keep up with them in the future.