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Financial Security for All (Curry County)

Plan Goal

Improve the financial literacy of Curry County citizens through better money and time management, increased savings, wise use of credit, and general consumerism. Provide instruction and useful budgeting to Curry County residents on various quilting, needl

Situation Statement

Financial security is important to individuals, families and communities. Financial literacy is important for all income levels. It is especially critical for limited resource families. The fewer the resources the less room to make financial errors or deal with emergencies such as medical, dental, loss of job or death of a wage earner. The household assets of communities are an indicator of a region’s economic stability and prosperity. The 2004 per capita income in New Mexico was $26,191 making it 47th in the nation which was down from 46th in 2003. The per capita income for Curry County is around $22,603 which is lower than the state average.
Learning about quilting and various craft project is on the rise. Adults are choosing to take time out for themselves, as well as their families. Many mothers are using crafts as a way to spend time with their children--doing something constructive. The county clientele have asked that the home economist teach the public how to create various craft, sewing and quilting projects using the products available in our county.

Target Audience and Actions

**Target Audience**
All Curry County citizens including individuals, families, youth, seniors.
All Curry County citizens particularly limited resource families.
Policy makers
Mass Media

**Actions**
Programs on using credit, credit reports and estate planning will be presented to Extension Association members and other groups. CreditSmart Curriculum, basic money management classes, and disaster readiness financial issues will be utilized with various groups.
All craft, sewing and quilting programs will recruit adults of various skill levels. The adults will be taught the techniques to complete the project as well as budgeting, consumerism, and quality vs. quantity.

Class topics will be set up throughout the year based on suggestions from the general public and Curry County Extension Home Economist.

Short-Term Objectives

95% of the participants will leave the class with an understanding of what supplies and equipment are necessary to complete a quilting, sewing or craft project.
70% of participants will increase knowledge of basic money management practices
70% of participants will increase knowledge of credit costs.
70% of participants will recognize the importance of personal records, a valid will, durable power of attorney and other estate planning documents as a result of the legal education program.
50% of participants will plan to get their credit report.

Medium-Term Objectives

40% of participants will have obtained their credit reports after one month
30% of participants will have taken steps to save for retirement within six months
20% of teens will have started a savings plan within two months
40% of participants will develop a list of important documents related to being legally secure to be organized and or updated within two months
80% of the participants will be able to recognize quality supplies for their money.
70% of the participants will choose to spend their money and time on additional classes, to learn more techniques and tips.
85% of the participants will design a budget to purchase quality equipment needed for their projects.

Long-Term Objectives

30% of participants will have increased savings after two years.
75% of the participants will purchase quality equipment needed to continue learning about the various craft, sewing and quilting projects they enjoy.
75% of the participants will purchase quality supplies needed to continue learning about the various craft, sewing and quilting projects they enjoy.

Evaluation Plan

CreditSmart surveys and life skills surveys will be used for short term and medium term objectives.
Long-term objectives cannot be measured without additional funding.
Pre-post tests for increase in awareness, knowledge and intention to take action.
An evaluation will be completed using observances while in class as well as a post-evaluation survey. Additional evaluations will be done through personal conferences with various chosen individuals.