Welcome to Iowa State University Extension Southwest Area
News from Southwest Area Extension
Freezing Your Credit Reports
(Posted on 8/7/2008)
After July 1, 2008 Iowa consumers have the ability to freeze their credit reports. When should you use this service and how should it be managed?

Talk to Children About Tough Times
(Posted on 7/25/2008)
Whether due to a natural disaster, a plant closing or other circumstances, many families are facing financial conceerns that are causing changes in how they live. Donna K. Donald, family life special with Iowa State University Extension, says in most cases it is best to be honest and open with your family about what is happening. Think about what message you want to send to your children.

Crop Insurance and Disaster Programs
(Posted on 7/1/2008)
Producers facing decisions dealing with the question of “To Plant Or Not To Plant” should make those decisions based on sound agronomic and well documented management practices.

I Won't Do That Again
(Posted on 7/1/2008)
Supply and demand factors continue to dominate the talk of grain producers and market analyst.
Welcome, We Help
(Posted on 6/27/2008)
Welcome, We Help, is a community self-help offshoot of the Horizons program in Wayne County.

Help Children Grow Up Fit
(Posted on 5/30/2008)
Today's children are growing up in a visually oriented, high-tech society with too much observation and not enough participation in physical activities. However, Donna Donald, a family life specialist ith Iowa State University Extension, says it's not too late to get these kids on the road to physical fitness. Adults can play an important role in helping their children become physically fit.
Television Signals Changing
(Posted on 1/30/2008)
Users of old indoor antennas and rooftop antennas will need converter boxes when TV signals change to digital signals in 2009.
'Time Out' Isn't Just for Football Teams -- It Works for Kids, Too
(Posted on 12/5/2007)
Football teams aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a “time out,” says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. Many parents use time outs to discipline their children. Time out can be a good way for both parents and children to cool off and prevent further misbehavior. Used properly, time out can be a learning opportunity, and that’s the true meaning of discipline.

Money Talk: A Financial Guide for Women series
(Posted on 12/5/2007)
Money Talk is an online/correspondence financial education program designed forthe unique needs of women today. Participate in the course from the comfort of your own home. ISU campus instructors provide an opportunity to upgrade your current financial skills.
Money 4 Life Cuts Medicare Maze
(Posted on 8/15/2007)
When changes in prescription drug benefits were announced under a new Medicare law passed by Congress in 2005, it was widely hailed by senior citizens. But, with 42 different insurance plans to choose from, sorting through the maze of options was time consuming and frustrating for many older Iowans.

Traveling With Children
(Posted on 7/2/2007)
Some people say children and car trips don’t mix, But the secret is simple – plan ahead. The adoption of a few basic ideas can result in happier children and less stressed parents.

A Place of Your Own
(Posted on 6/26/2007)
"A Place of Your Own" online education for homebuyers, covering the important points about home mortgage selection and what to do as you progress through the steps of finding the right property, making an offer, and completing the steps in closing.
Set Investment Goals
(Posted on 6/21/2007)
Investment goals should be SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, reviewed, and time-related.

Parenting Teens: Love and Limits Still Important
(Posted on 3/29/2007)
"Parents DO make a difference when their children are in the teen years!" Mrs. Donald says. "It's never time to stop being a parent. It's always time to use authoritative parenting by demonstrating love and setting limits with warmth."

Helping Teens Make Good Decisions
(Posted on 2/22/2007)
Why don't teens and adults see eye-to-eye on "risky" behaviors involving drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity? Given differences, parents can still help their teens make good decisions.
Biomass
(Posted on 11/1/2006)
Look at the many ways biomass serves Iowans!
Help Your Child Deal With Daily Stress
(Posted on 9/19/2006)
Often the "little things" that go wrong during the day have the largest impact on how your children feel. By teaching your children how to cope with daily stress, you let them know you are truly there for them. As they learn to manage the "little things," they become better at tackling the bigger ones.
Say "Yes" to Family Mealtime
(Posted on 8/16/2006)
When families eat and talk together, relationships get stronger. Family mealtime is possible even with today's busy family schedules. Be creative and family mealtime can work for your family.
Dealing With Identity Theft
(Posted on 6/7/2006)
To confirm whether or not your personal information is being used for financial fraud, obtain a free copy of your credit report.

National Do Not Call Registry
(Posted on 4/15/2005)
Cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies -- if you do not want your number released, contact the Do Not Call Registry.
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