GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: KRISTILYN WILKINSON, USU ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR

​Happy National Selfie Day! Yes, this is a real thing, and yes, we want to celebrate it!  A quick google search will let you know that on this day you should take a selfie and post it on social media to celebrate you. Doesn’t celebrating you give you the perfect excuse to treat yourself? Yes, yes it does! But treat yourself to what? “Treat yourself” is a common phrase we hear in society today, and it is usually associated with the idea that you spend some time treating yourself to life’s little luxuries. You know the ones I’m talking about, a pedicure, a night out with the girls (before Covid-19), etc. Of course, the next question that naturally follows is where do I get the money to treat myself on these little luxuries?

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: TASHA KILLIAN, USU EXTENSION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Choosing to pursue higher education can be a tough decision. It can be an even harder decision when you look at all the costs. In light of National Higher Education Day, high school graduations, and college freshmen getting ready for their first semester,  I thought I would share with you a few tips that got me through some of my higher education days, when money gets a little tight. If you, one of your children, a niece, nephew, or someone else you know is going to be starting their higher education experience in the next little bit, be sure to pass these tips on to them. 

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: KATHY RIGGS, USU EXTENSION PROFESSOR

Meaningful graduation gifts - Must they have a price tag attached? It’s again the time of year when graduation announcements begin to fill up mail boxes and social media pages. Though most graduates will experience a non-traditional ceremony this year, friends and family will still wish to acknowledge the hard work of high school, college or technology school graduates. However, with financial strains placed on many families, it can be difficult to know how much to spend and what type of gift will still be meaningful with less discretionary funds available.
Some may still consider giving a laptop, new smart phone or car. However, these can be very expensive and out of reach for many parents, especially when finances may be stretched just to cover basic necessities. However, this is a great time to share some sound financial advice-- which may be the most useful “food for thought” gift a parent can give. It may be that going to a quiet spot to share a favorite take-out meal will help the advice to be easier to share and easier to accept.
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For parents: Six possible financial management strategies to consider sharing:

GUEST BLOGGER: MELANIE JEWKES

Recommendations for food storage are to have 72-hours’ worth of food and water to tie you over until water supplies, roadways and help can reach you in the event of an emergency. BeReadyUtah.gov spells that out to be one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days and a 3-day supply of non-perishable food. However, the American Red Cross recommends having a 3-day supply of food and water for emergencies that require an evacuation, AND  a 2-week supply for emergencies where you are confined to your own home.
 
Don’t let that 2-week supply of food and water be too daunting. Here a few tips on establishing a food storage for emergencies on a budget.

GUEST BLOGGER: ELIZABETH DAVIS

Why do I need an emergency fund? The reason is simple really, we don’t know what is going to happen. Money guru Dave Ramsey recommends starting with a $1,000 cash emergency fund. This is SEPARATE from long-term savings and should be immediately available in case of emergency. After debt is eliminated, then save enough to cover the basic expenses without income for 3 months.  This number will vary for different family's situations. What I would like to discuss is the first step. Saving $1000 dollars. Sound overwhelming? My recommendation is to make a plan that can work for YOUR situation.