Continue reading »]]> Join us for our May Webinars! You can participate from home, work or mobile device! Just click the registration link and you will be sent the log-in instructions. It’s quick, easy, and FREE!

Annuities 101
This free one-hour webinar will be May 16, 11:30-12:30.
Are you making decisions about retirement money and options?  Many people consider annuities.  Before you decide, get some good research-based info!  Learn about different types of annuities and things to consider before purchasing. Discussion includes types of annuities; fees & charges; and settlement options. To register: http://bit.ly/Annuities101

$aving Strategies: Your Home Landscape
Free one hour webinar May 23, 11:30-12:30.
Most of us enjoy having a nice landscape, but are you getting the most for your money?  Discover ways to save money in your landscape by focusing on proper plant selection and sustainable landscaping principles. To register: http://bit.ly/LandscapeSaving

Continue reading »]]> Growing a lawn in North Florida can be frustrating. With time, most people discover this. Our climate, sandy soils and pest problems are unique compared to most areas of the United States. You don’t have to play a guessing game in maintaining a Florida lawn. 

I will discuss “Lawn Care in Northwest Florida” for the May 7^th First Tuesday Series program at the Crestview Public Library. I will focus on best management practices to help make growing a Florida lawn less frustrating. 

The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive behind the Post Office in north Crestview. The hour long presentation begins at 10:30 a.m. with coffee and cookies served starting at 10 a.m. There will be time for questions following the presentation. For more information, call the library at 682-4432. There is no cost to attend. Click link to read entire article. How to grow a North Florida lawn presentation

Continue reading »]]> We know that saving money isn’t always top of mind. That’s why Okaloosa Saves , along with America Saves campaign, is launching a new text message service to keep you motivated to save as part of Financial Literacy Month. Now, when you take the SAVES PLEDGE you can choose to receive text message tips and reminders. And if that isn’t enough, we are giving away $500 to help one person reach their savings goal. (Must be 18 years of age or older to win.)
How to enter to win the $500:
1. Take the SAVES PLEDGE before April 30, 2013.
2. Click the box to receive text messages.
When you take the SAVES PLEDGE, you will choose a savings goal and an amount to save. We will use the goal you choose to send you text message related to that goal. Text messages will come in the form of tips to help you find money to save, as well as advice and reminders to help you save for your specific goal.
It’s a win-win situation. One lucky person will win $500 to help them reach their savings goal – and everyone will win by staying motivated to save.
Don’t forget to share this with friends and family. It may be the th ing that helps them set their goal to start and emergency fund, pay down debt, or save for items like education or retirement.
Good Luck and Happy Saving!

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Have you ever been in this situation? You are with friends and they suggest going somewhere for dinner. Your finances are tight and you really can’t afford to eat out at the pricey place suggested. What would you do?

1. Admit you don’t have the funds and say, “I really can’t afford it.”
2. Keep quiet and go along—you’ll just order an appetizer and water.
3. You enjoy being with friends so go ahead and buy what you want!

Saying those words, “I can’t afford it” is something many have struggled with at one time or another. Some may feel shame or embarrassment if they utter those words. But there’s nothing wrong with saying it! Money issues are often difficult to discuss or verbalize. Perhaps rephrasing it would help– “that’s out of my price range right now.”

It is important to be honest with yourself about what you can afford. Facing reality may be difficult but it can reduce your financial stress. Would you rather confront things now or when you are struggling to pay your credit card bill? However, do you even know if you can afford it?

Everybody needs to learn how to manage money. Good money management includes being able to pay your monthly bills, save for the future, and buy the things you need and want without creating unmanageable debt. A spending plan can be a helpful money management tool. For resources on spending plans and more, click here.

You probably have noticed that different people have different attitudes about money. Some people want to collect as much as they can, while others want to buy as many goods and services as they can. Recognizing your attitude about money can help you deal with situations where you say, “I can’t afford it.”

Recent articles by Jean Chatzky (http://jeanchatzky.com ) and the Wall Street Journal discussed having to admit when you can’t afford something.
Here are some tips for saying “I can’t afford it”.
• Know your situation and what you will say when presented with an offer. “Let me check my budget/spending plan.” “Let me think about that.” “That’s not in my plan for today. Maybe another time.”
• Understand the emotions that are involved. Friends often get their feelings hurt if you never want to go with them. Explaining your plans in advance can often avoid misunderstandings.
• Peer pressure encourages us to spend money when we can’t afford it. The constant barrage of advertisements or friends, family or co-workers can exert pressure to part with your money. When you have a clear understanding of your money and financial goals, it may make it easier to resist. But it is not always easy!

Knowing and understanding your finances will help you find the courage to say, “I can’t afford it” or “that’s out of my price range.”

Article can also be found on the Living Well in the Panhandle newsletter.  To subscribe to this newsletter, click HERE.

Continue reading »]]> Nita Hall, Progressive HCE Member, was recognized today as the “Pride of HCE” at the Okaloosa Home & Community Education Council Meeting. Mrs. Hall received this honor at the county and district levels for her years of service to HCE and the University of Florida/IFAS Extension program in Okaloosa County. Congratulations, Nita!

Shown in photo:  L-R  Nita Hall, LaDonna Medley (Progressive HCE President)

Continue reading »]]> The Okaloosa County Master Gardeners will hold a Plant Sale featuring native plants. The Native Plant Sale will take place Saturday, April 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach. 

Florida has the greatest wealth of native plants for use in the home landscape as compared to other states. Nearly half of the tree species that are native to the United States are found in Florida.

A few of the native plants that will be available include banana shrub, native hibiscus, native blueberries, native azaleas, bald cypress, Florida anise, Southern mountain laurel, coneflower and blue beach grass. There will be many other native plant species available. But arrive early for best selection.

The Northwest Florida Fairgrounds is located at 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach.

Click on link to read entire article. Master Gardener Native Plant Sale