Financial Security for All - Personal Finance

The Annual Extension Holiday Showcase, “A Christmas for Everyone”, was presented three times to approximately 389 people. Many different items were made, displayed and demonstrated during the program. The program gives a variety of ideas on gift giving, decorating, and food ideas on helping consumers prepare for Christmas and the holidays. These gifts can save the participants money and also provide meaningful gifts. Attendees receive a booklet with step-by-step instructions. 90% of the participants, on the questionnaire reported they gained information on how to manage their money and/or time in preparing for the holidays.

Three Quilt Workshops was presented to 32 ladies, including “Hobo Quilt” and “Diamonds Are Forever” patterns. The workshop was designed so the participant could choose to construct the quilt that best suited them. This workshop included how to coordinate fabrics for the quilt, rotary cutting techniques, sewing instructions, and how to bind and quilt a quilt top. Each of the three workshops met four times to enable the participants to complete the project. Each participant gained knowledge in at least one quilting technique that none of them had acquired prior to this workshop. As a result the participants can save money by constructing their own quilts as compared to purchasing a handmade quilt. These workshops enabled the participants a way to make a useful item for their home and family.

An “Emergency Preparedness” program was presented at Melrose Senior Citizens, Curry Resident Center, Baxter Senior Center, Grady Senior Center, Extension Homemakers Leader Training, and at the Clovis Carver Library. The participants learned about the important papers they need to gather and how to store them to be ready to evacuate from their homes or incase a disaster damages their homes. The participants learned about keeping medical records, insurance records, titles to property and options for storing them safely. The participants also gained knowledge on why and how to make a plan in the event an emergency occurs.115 people participated in the workshop, along with distributing information to 120 others.

Knowing Your Credit Reports and Credit Reports was presented to 69 adults at the Retired Teachers Association September meeting. Attendees learned how to obtain a credit report, what is in a credit report, what affects a credit score and how it fluctuates, and what to do to improve credit scores. Credit card misuse was also discussed. 30% of the participants acknowledged that they have recently obtained their credit report. Approximately 50 % replied that they plan to get a report based on information presented in this program.

Newsletter articles have been written this year to increase knowledge in the matters of financial security. This newsletter is sent monthly to 260 household of all ages and life stages.
 

25% of the participants in the sewing, quilting and craft programs provided by Lea County Extension Service are exhibiting their completed items in the county fair and local quilt shows.

As a result of the on going quilting classes in Lea County, many of the beginner quilters have done the following:
**40% of the beginner quilters from one year ago, have completed numerous projects to be entered in the Lea County Fair and two quilt shows in the area.
**50% of the beginners have taken additional classes from the Lea County Extension Service, or other instructors to learn additional skills to complete more difficult projects.
**25% of the beginners have purchased quality equipment and supplies for their current projects.

Throughout the year various craft, sewing and quilting programs are requested by the county residents. As each of the class participants finish a new craft, sewing or quilting project, the following is learned:
**40% of the class participants recognize the equipment that is necessary to complete the pattern.
**25% of the participants move on to create additional projects that are at the beginning skill level, until the skills are mastered and they are ready to move up in their skills.
**90% of the participants finish the class and have a completed article to showcase to family and friends.

Twelve different articles were published in area newspapers for families on financial managment. The articles expressed money saving techiques for thier home, how to prevent identity theft, and budget tips for school, college, and holiday purchases.

Additional information on financial sercurity was published in a bi-monthly newsletter for over 250 individuals within the county and state.