High-Risk Loans: Tax Refund Anticipation
(Posted on 1/22/2008)
For many years consumer educators have been warning about tax refund loans – the “quick refunds” that put money in consumers’ hands the day after they file their tax return, but with high risk and excessive fees attached. These refunds are not guaranteed, however, and can have significant consequences.

Time to Buy New Appliances?
(Posted on 1/19/2008)
If you haven’t been in the market for new appliances during the past several years, you’re going to be surprised at how innovative and energy-efficient appliances have become. You’ll find energy-smart appliance choices in almost all price ranges.

Family Matters Newsletters
(Posted on 11/1/2007)
Parenting tips, nutrition advice, and other ideas from ISU Extension. In this issue: The ABCs of Love, Online Home Buyer Education, High-Risk Loans: Tax Refund Anticipation in November, Talking Turkey, Easy Ways to Downsize Portions, Lighten Up Iowa, Iowa's Food Deserts.

Tips for Homemade Ice Cream
(Posted on 7/12/2007)
Homemade ice cream is a summer time treat that can be made safely if you know a few facts about ice cream recipes.

Free Family Nutrition Program (FNP)
(Posted on 6/11/2007)
Iowa State University Extension -- Story County offers free nutrition education to low-resource families with children younger 10 years old or expecting a newborn.

Talk to Your Teen about Driving
(Posted on 3/24/2007)
One year before your teenager is ready to get their permit, sit down and talk about the major points of driving. Use these strategies to help prepare future drivers.

Parenting Teens with Style
(Posted on 3/1/2007)
Parents have a resource when it comes to knowing how to parent adolescents - over twenty-five years of research! Key research findings can guide parents through their child’s teen years.

Raising Kids with Love and Limits
(Posted on 2/6/2007)
Authoritative parents deals with misbehavior by using discipline to teach rather than force or ignoring the misbehavior. They demonstrate respect for a child’s individuality by listening, explaining rules and expectations, and helping a child learn to problem solve.

Parenting Styles
(Posted on 1/30/2007)
Have you ever witnessed a parent trying to hush a whiny toddler by continuously offering him candy if he behaved? Or overheard an angry voice in the grocery say, “Shape up, or else!” to a wide-eyed, silent preschooler as the adult roughly yanked her by the elbow? Studies indicate there are essentially broad patterns of parenting or “parenting styles” which are related to a child’s future success and well-being - permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative.

Brain Development: Windows of Opportunity
(Posted on 11/16/2005)
Research shows that infants have critical periods for brain development. Find out why these “windows of opportunity” are critical to helping a child learn.

Money for Life: Investing for College Begins at Birth!
(Posted on 11/16/2005)
With today’s annual cost of an Iowa public university at $15,000 per year and a private college around $30,000, families need to plan ahead to have money available for children’s college.

Money for Life: Is College in Your Child’s Future?
(Posted on 10/24/2005)
Now is the time to talk to your high school student about financing a college education. If a student lives like a professional in college, she will live like a student as a professional! What does your child’s future look like?

Seeds of Hope Offers Help for Farm/Rural Familes
(Posted on 5/6/2005)
If you or someone you know is experiencing major change or stress associated with rural life, the Sowing the Seeds of Hope program may be able to help. The program offers no-cost mental health services – up to five one-hour sessions with a professional provider – for eligible farm/rural family members who do not have insurance coverage or who are underinsured.