CANR News

Category: Cooperative Extension

Organize Your Home and Finances!

April 01, 2025 Written by: Kelly Sipple, Health & Well-Being Financial Literacy Extension Agent

Spring is the perfect time for cleaning and organizing. While you're tidying up your home, think about your finances too. Families are facing challenges from severe weather and rising costs, which can hurt their financial stability, especially those with lower incomes. To strengthen your financial health, start by raising awareness of your situation. Organize important documents related to personal finance, insurance, and housing as you clean.

Reviewing your finances is crucial for preparing for unexpected events. Major weather disasters can disrupt access to resources, so having your essential documents ready is important.
It’s also wise to build emergency savings to help during income interruptions. You can lower your bills by paying down debt, checking subscriptions, and setting up autopay for bills.
Insurance costs are rising due to weather-related claims, which may lead to higher premiums. Review your policy to find ways to lower your payments and look for available discounts.
A secure home can positively impact jobs, health, and education. Consider using energy-efficient materials and keeping up with regular home maintenance to minimize damage from weather events.
Look into tax credits and rebates for affordable home improvements.

Being prepared can help reduce anxiety during extreme weather. Create emergency plans, gather supplies, and sign up for alerts. Understanding recovery resources and knowing how to find reliable contractors, if needed, can make you and your family more resilient.

A pile of bills including energy and electric

By reviewing your finances and seeking ways to cut costs, like reducing debt and optimizing insurance premiums, you can build a buffer against financial strain. Emphasizing energy efficiency and home maintenance not only improves the safety and comfort of your home but can also yield long-term savings. Finally, being prepared with a solid emergency plan and resources will not only instill confidence in your family but also help ease the impacts of unpredictable weather. Embrace the season not just for cleaning but for renewing your commitment to financial stability and resilience.

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