Gina Noe
UK Cooperative Extension agent for Family & Consumer Sciences
RICHMOND — These days, most of us are trying to stretch all we can out of every dollar. We continually are looking for ways to be more diligent about saving it and more penny-wise about spending it. During the month of March, the Extension Service will host a series of money management programs that can help with both!
On Monday, March 15, the topic will be “Make a Spending Plan.” The first step to managing money is to be aware of how much you have and where it is going. Then, determine your goals. You can then start to make and manage a plan for spending and saving.
Lesia Igo from Consumer Credit Counseling Service will talk about managing credit at the second session on March 22. Your credit score can determine more than just your ability to get a loan. Employers check them, insurance companies use them to determine rates and even rental rates can be set on the bases of credit scores. Lesia will explain how credit scores are determined and how you can improve yours. She also will discuss the new credit card laws and the difference between credit, debit and charge cards. You also may be surprised by how much credit actually costs. Sometimes you pay for an item many times over because of the credit costs.
On March 29, Skip Little, Certified Financial Planner, will cover “Saving and Investing to Meet Your Goals.” It never is too early or too late to start saving. Skip will talk about the magic of compound interest and the time value of money. He will share suggestions for saving for college funds, retirement and other goals.
All the programs will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be conducted at the Madison County Extension Education Center at 230 Duncannon Lane. If you are interested, call 623-4072 to register. There will be a minimal one-time, $5 fee to cover a light snack and materials for each session.
Spring gardening
It’s time once again to start planning your garden and spring landscaping. The annual Spring Into Gardening workshop series will be Tuesday, March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Extension Center. We have a variety of interesting workshops lined up. Sessions include Companion Plantings, Gluten Free Living, Small Space Gardening, Composting, Propagating, and Roses: Knock Outs and Beyond. Participants will be able to choose two classes.
The registration form and workshop descriptions are on line at: http://ces.ca.uky.edu/madison/. Click on Spring Into Gardening under Links of Interest. The fee is $7.50. This program always fills up fast so register soon.
Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
