By MICHELLE BERAN
Cottonwood Extension District
Changes in income, increased expenses, and other financial stresses can be overwhelming.
We have several publications available through K-State Extension that can help identify opportunities and provide insight into coping with and handling tough financial times.
One of these is “When Your Income Drops: Coping With Stress,” which was updated in 2025 and includes some ways to understand and help in addressing financial situations.
None of us handle finances or financial stress in the exact same way. This can create additional stress within a household when all are not on the same page. This publication is part of a series which include additional topics such as “Making Ends Meet,” “Don’t Panic; Take Control,” and “Sharpening Survival Skills.”
Another publication that can be useful for any household is “How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup.”
It notes that a financial checkup is just as important as a physical checkup and can help identify problems, chart progress, and outline action steps to achieve goals. It is a great tool for helping with a household discussion about priorities and financial management. It covers great information highlighting a tax checkup, credit checkup, insurance checkup, a retirement checkup, and an investment checkup.
“Healthy Connections: Family Meals in a Snap” provides information about the numerous benefits of cooking at home, including better nutrition, saving money, and strengthening family bonds.
Let us know if we can provide a resource or guide to help your family in navigating financial stresses.
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!
Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.