Lead photo with a nice home along with a transparent photo of home owner's insurance and article title Organize Your Home and Finances

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.

Home Insurance Policy photo
  • 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.


Related News

  • Pumpkin: Spice up your Life

    November 17, 2025 | Written by: Kimberly Moore, Health and Well-being Extension Agent
    As fall settles in, the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to show their colors. With these seasonal shifts, the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables available in Delaware changes as well. One standout of the season is the pumpkin. Fresh pumpkins can be found at markets and stores across the state from August through November. They’re perfect for outdoor décor, carving into jack-o’-lanterns, or using in a wide variety of delicious recipes. And if working with a whole pumpkin feels intimidating—or they’re out of season—canned pumpkin puree offers an easy, affordable way to bring that classic fall flavor to your meals.
  • Protecting Poultry

    November 11, 2025 | Written by Michele Walfred | Photos by Michele Walfred
    University of Delaware students enrolled in the course Understanding Today’s Agriculture visited a local organic poultry farm for an up-close, candid look into the state's largest agricultural sector. The farm’s owner, Georgie Cartanza, is UD Cooperative Extension’s poultry extension agent and a chicken grower herself with four poultry houses. She taught students about the importance of biosecurity on a farm.
  • The county agent

    November 10, 2025 | Written by Michele Walfred | Photos by Michele Walfred and courtesy of National 4-H
    UD Cooperative Extension’s embrace of tradition and innovation extends across the state of Delaware. As agriculture is the leading economic driver in Delaware and is responsible for nearly $13 billion annually, Extension plays a big role in a small state. County agriculture agents serve as a bridge to farmers, helping them access the latest research and information about agriculture.
View all news

Events