Simplify Your Life
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
The average American uses far more than his or her share of our planet’s resources. Choosing simplicity involves clearing away clutter that detracts from the true purpose and beauty of your life.

Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
If the total on the register at the grocery store is lightening your checkbook more than you would like, there are some strategies that may help to reduce what you spend.

Investor Information on the Web - How Do You Judge Quality?
(Posted on 5/7/2008)
In today's Internet world, there are numerous Web sites with the words investing, money or finances in their titles, but how do you know which ones are reliable?

Family Ties Newsletter
(Posted on 5/6/2008)
Check out this important and useful information for your family!

Frequently Requested Publications
(Posted on 5/5/2008)
Land Value Surveys, Cash Rental Rates, Custom Farm Rates, Herbicide Guides, Consumer Information, Gardening & Horticulture Tips are just a few of the frequently requested resources from the Ida County Extension Office. Check out this link to quickly access these publications and many more!

Free Web Course Helps You Get the Most From Your Money
(Posted on 5/5/2008)
A free online course, offered through Iowa State University Extension, is helping people get a grip on their money. The course – Take Control of Your Money – makes it possible to learn money management skills in the privacy of home. The 7-step process covers spending habits, getting out of debt, and increasing savings.

Start Smart -- an FDIC Resource for Teens
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
If you're a teen-ager, learning how to save, spend and protect your cash is one of the most important things you can do. The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) has developed a new guide called "Start Smart: Money Management for Teens."

Subprime Lending Receives Attention
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
Subprime lending is receiving attention in the news as major financial institutions who invested heavily in this commodity now have to deal with increased numbers of foreclosures.

Extension Tip of the Week
(Posted on 4/28/2008)
Extension Tip of the Week (TOW) is a feature that can be sent to you directly by e-mail. These tips, sent weekly, will be brief and timely, cover a variety of topics.

After Tax Season Advice
(Posted on 4/17/2008)
With the passing of “tax season” many people think hard about their finances. Some people face financial CRISIS as holiday bills piled up. Some people set new goals or resolutions at the new year. Some people take an honest look at their total debt or total income. Some people simply say “It's time for a fresh start with my finances.” Does one of these descriptions fit you? If so, read on for financial tips from ISU Extension.

Planning Rebate Use Can Benefit Personal Finances
(Posted on 4/17/2008)
Americans are considering how to use their government rebate money — the economic stimulus payments the federal government is sending out after May 15. ISU Extension specialist says take time to plan how to use the rebate money.

Time For a Place of Your Own?
(Posted on 4/9/2008)
Purchasing a home is probably the biggest purchase you'll ever make. It's an exciting experience and not a simple task. Extension's online course will help you decide if now is a good time to buy a home, prepare for the home buying process and shop for a mortgage that works for you.

ISU Economist Offers Analysis of Crop Market Fluctuations
(Posted on 3/10/2008)
Strong demand for U.S.-grown corn and soybeans, both for export markets and for biofuel production, is the cause of upward pressure on prices for those commodities, according to Chad Hart, an agricultural economist at the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University.

2008 Iowa Farm Custom Rate
(Posted on 3/5/2008)
Many Iowa farmers hire some custom machine work in their farm business or perform custom work for others. The attached information is based on a survey of 185 Iowa farmers, custom operators, and farm managers.

Community & Economic Development Quarterly Newsletter
(Posted on 2/20/2008)
ISU Extension Community and Economic Development quarterly publication is available at this link. ISU Extension provides this tool to assist Iowa leaders with information to help their communities advance with the times.

Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund
(Posted on 2/7/2008)
New computer? New recliner? Nice vacation? Those are all great ideas. But before you spend the money, try to think through all the options - even the ones that aren't especially exciting or glamorous. ISU Extension has information to help you make those decisions.

Foundations Provide $1 Million to Aid Iowa Microenterprise Business Climate
(Posted on 2/7/2008)
An investment of $1 million to improve Iowa’s development of microenterprises was announced Monday at the 2008 Community Philanthropy Academy sponsored by the Iowa State University Community Vitality Center (CVC).

Wind Energy Production: Legal Issues and Related Concerns for Landowners
(Posted on 2/6/2008)
Farmers have long used wind energy.Today, rural landowners in suitable areas are utilizing wind energy in a different manner. By leasing out or granting easements over a portion of their land to wind energy developers they can diversify their income and provide some stability to the variability of farm income. However, wind farming presents numerous legal issues that landowners must consider carefully before entering into an agreement with a wind develop­ment company.

Need Information Quickly?
(Posted on 1/29/2008)
When you need expert answers in a hurry, rely on Iowa State University Extension Hotlines. Select this easy button or the blue text for links to these Hotlines.

Have You Heard, Extension is in the News?
(Posted on 1/23/2008)
Check out these links to Extension news releases for the latest happenings with ISU Extension. Whether you are into grape vines, p-index levels, finances, or childcare...this site has it all.

Average Value of Iowa Farmland Tops $3,900 an Acre in 2007 Survey
(Posted on 12/19/2007)
The average value of an acre of farmland in Iowa increased by just over $700 during the past year, to an all-time high of $3,908, according to an annual survey conducted by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension.The increases in values were reported statewide, with the survey recording averages above $5,000 an acre in five counties, and between $4,000 and $5,000 an acre in 51 counties. The land boom is being driven by the developing biofuel economy, according to Mike Duffy, ISU Extension farm economist who conducts the survey.

Teach Your Preschooler About Spending & Saving
(Posted on 11/14/2007)
Thrive by FiveTM: Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving--free activities and other resources for parents who want to encourage healthy attitudes about money in young children.

Financial Security for All
(Posted on 10/8/2007)
Check out eXtension’s Financial Security for All Web site to find information on attaining personal financial security. Learn about everything from investing, retirement, and estate planning to household records, teaching children about money and on-line calculation tools.

Let ISU Extension Help You With Farm Leasing Questions
(Posted on 8/26/2007)
Are you struggling to determine cash rental rates, understand Iowa Farm Land Lease Law, or are you in need of a Flexible Lease Agreement? If so, check out these links created by Ida County Extension.

ISU Offers Home Buyers Certification Course On-Line
(Posted on 6/25/2007)
The American dream of homeownership is an exciting experience, but it may be challenging. According to Mary Yearns, ISU Extension housing specialist and course author, “A Place of Your Own lets you focus on finding a home that fits your needs and your budget. It will help you prepare for the home-buying process and shop for a mortgage that works for you.”

Statistics Available for Economic Impact of Agriculture in Ida County
(Posted on 1/31/2007)
Iowa State University (ISU) Extension specialists have developed a set of fact sheets that provide county-specific numbers on the role agriculture plays in the economy of Iowa. To find Ida County's data and others check out the links we have made to these pages.

Extension Provides Community Economic Development Resources
(Posted on 12/13/2006)
Whether you are interested in a particular community or a county wide economic development group, you can find these resources on the links we have built into Ida County Extension's web page.

Ida County Poverty and Food Needs Profile
(Posted on 5/18/2006)
For information regarding Ida County demographics, food accessibility, food-related health issues, and food assistance programs check out this profile.