USU Extension Families and Finances

Having a MySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov makes it convenient to check your social security statements, change your address, request a replacement card, and manage your benefits online.

Did your family status change recently? Even if not, have you taken a moment to review your current beneficiaries? It’s a good idea especially whenever you experience a life change such as marriage, birth, adoption, death, or divorce.

Knowledge is power. You are more powerful than your circumstances! Even the most basic personal finance principles can be forgotten.

Consider a temporary, part-time job to help you achieve your financial goals much faster. If you’ve decided to get rid of debt or save more money for future expenses, then a part-time job can help you get there quicker. A part-time job could also be a way to break into a career or line of business that could end up meaning a bigger full time paycheck. Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance.

Car insurance can be one of your biggest monthly expenses. I’ve found you can usually save on auto insurance by doing one of two things: changing your coverage level or getting a new policy. Amanda Christensen is co-author of the PowerPay Money Mastery Online Course. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram @UtahMoneyMoms.

Taking an audit of your recurring charges and current subscriptions can help you see where you might be leaking unexpected cash. If you’re looking for a little extra to throw at debt payments each month, this is a great place to start. Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance.

Let’s talk goal-setting. I think written, SMART goals are the way to go versus the more arbitrary goals like “save more” and “have less debt”.

Whether you have joint finances or separate, it’s still important to sit down with your spouse or partner and get on the same page. Similarly, if you’re single, you don’t have a default accountability buddy to discuss your money issues with. You must check in with yourself or a trusted friend or family member from time to time.

If you earn an income and someone else depends on that steady stream of income to survive, then you should probably evaluate your life insurance. Because if you’re gone, your dependents will be left without that income source.

Having your financial records organized and in one spot brings clarity and allows you to quickly find documents for reference. Properly protecting important documents means you won’t have to start over in the event of a fire or other incident.