The calculators at PowerPay will allow you to enter your balance, current payment, and interest rate to determine the time and cost for repaying a debt. (Use the additional payment calculator from the menu once you get to the PowerPay site). You can try various debt repayment scenarios and find one that works for you. Without knowing your loan interest rate and original loan balance, it’s not possible to figure this out for you.
But if we put in some …
Unexpected loss of income can be one of the most stressful events in a lifetime. Here are some things to consider.
Reduce Expenses
A job loss could potentially last for many months, so it is wise to track spending and tighten the family budget. Cooperative Extension offices in many states have information about living on a reduced income.
Apply for Unemployment Insurance
Each state has different eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance and benefits. Basically, if you’ve become unemployed through no …
Losing a job or otherwise experiencing a loss of income is a challenge in the best of times. In the current economy, it is essential to MAP OUT a plan to get back on your feet again. The PowerPoint presentation, fact sheets, and activities below are designed to help you MAP OUT your plan.
Debt management involves developing one or more strategies to help a debtor get that debt under control.
Should you shop for a lower interest rate on your debt?
• This can be a good option, if it substantially reduces your monthly payments and the refinancing is not too costly. Inquire whether other higher cost debts can be rolled into the lower cost loan.
What if you can’t pay your bills
• Prioritize your debt. Keeping a roof over your head …
Planning Shopping Trips
• Keep a pad and pencil handy for jotting down foods as they run low. Encourage all family members to add to the list.
• Don’t shop with a hungry or tired child, or when you are hungry.
At the Store
• Stick to your shopping list; avoid impulse purchases. However, watch for “in store” specials that you know you can use.
• When buying a food for the first time, buy a small amount in case …
Prevent Food Waste
• Cut down on the amount of food you throw away; freeze leftovers or use them in recipes like soups or casseroles. aInstead of thinking “leftovers” – think “planned overs.” Have a plan to use excess food from one meal, whether by using it within a few days or freezing it for the future.
• Take leftovers for lunch instead of eating out. Store properly to keep foods safe to eat.
• Before buying an unfamiliar food, …
An emergency fund is money set aside in a readily accessible savings account for unanticipated events such as unemployment, medical bills, and car repairs. A sum of money to cover basic living costs for three to six months is recommended.
Accumulating Liquid Assets
• These are assets that can be easily converted to cash.
• The majority of these funds should be in accounts that have easy access, like checking accounts.
• Regular or passbook savings and money market accounts …
Utility Budget Plans
You can work with your service provider so that your monthly bill is based on an average of the previous year’s monthly bills. This is usually called “level billing.”
However, if you exceed the budgeted amount, you could end up owing money at the end of the current year or your fixed payment will increase next year. In some cases, a utility company may make an adjustment during the year, if useage is greatly exceeding the estimated …
A net worth statement, sometimes called a financial statement, measures wealth or how much we are worth – at one point in time.
What are your assets? Assets include cash and other items of value that can be converted to cash. Some assets are more difficult than others to convert to cash. Be careful not to overvalue personal belongings, such as televisions and furniture as these often lose value over time.
• How much do you have in cash or …
