2020 has been a stressful year. From pandemics to natural disasters, and seemingly everything in between, we have faced a level of uncertainty many of us have never seen before. This uncertainty has led to stress and worry in all aspects of life, including finances. If you fall into this category of finding your financial life more stressful in this crazy year, know that first you are not alone. According to a study performed by a group of researchers in Canada, parents have reported a higher level of stress with 22% of mothers saying their financial stress has increased regarding the next 6 months of their future (Carroll, et al., 2020). With all this stress happening, it can almost seem like a gloom and doom case scenario. However, there are things you can do to help manage this stress, especially when it comes to your finances. 

Each year millions of Americans participate in National Make a Difference Day, a day set aside for volunteers to participate in big or small acts of community service.  While this day comes every year on the fourth Saturday of October, it doesn’t need to be the only day for volunteering your time.
Volunteering is beneficial for many reasons ranging from increased good health to emotional wellbeing.  Sandra Quadros Bowles, on her Money Wisdom blog, suggests that volunteering can also provide some significant financial benefits.

Guest Contributor: KristiLyn Wilkinson, M.S.
USU Extension Empowering Financial Wellness Program Manager

Welcome to Part 3 of 3 in this series on financial health for women and “working out” your retirement!  Did you miss Part 1 or Part 2? Don't miss them!
...
Now that you have decided which IRA type is right for you, how do you go about opening one? There are multiple different kinds of accounts that can be designated an IRA; mutual funds, stocks, bonds, CDs, saving accounts, etc. Think about your IRA as being a cookie jar. You can put a variety of different cookies into the jar. The type of “cookies” or “investments” you put in the jar depends on what your long-term goals are. Then think about writing on the cookie jar either “traditional” or “Roth” and this will let you know what kind of tax benefit you are going to get on the cookies in your jar! Are you thinking about downing a package of Oreo’s yet? Because I am! 

Guest Contributor: KristiLyn Wilkinson, M.S.
USU Extension Empowering Financial Wellness Program Manager

Welcome back to Part 2 of 3 in this series of financial health for women and “working out” your retirement! If you read Part 1, I know you are anxiously waiting in your stretchy pants to jump right in, so here we go! 
What is an IRA? IRA stands for individual retirement account. There are two kinds of IRA’s, the traditional and Roth. I will break each of these down so you can decide which one is best for you. 
​Click "Read More" below to keep reading!