Seller’s market is what one might call our current economy. The cost of homes and vehicles are highly valued due to demand exceeding availability. This demand-pull on goods and services causes higher than average inflation rates, affecting everyday items we purchase such as the food we eat at or away from home. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), food prices have changed 4-5% from a year ago. With a higher cost of items, paying closer attention to spending and habits may be important to stay within financial budgets and goals.

Healthy eating is important at every age—and can be done on a budget. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Start with these tips:

• Plan, plan, plan. Plan your meals for the week based on your food budget and make a grocery list that includes staples and perishables. Save money by buying only what you need.
• Compare similar products. Locate the “unit price” on the shelf sticker near the item price. Compare different brands and sizes for the best money-saving option.
• Stretch your food dollars. Add beans and canned or frozen vegetables to bulk up your meals and make your food dollars go farther. You will reap the benefits of extra fiber, vitamins, and nutrients while feeling full.
• Grow your own in your home. Grow herbs like basil and oregano inside your home for a fraction of the price. Small gardens can be grown on a windowsill or a kitchen counter.
• Buy in bulk. Save money by buying larger quantities of foods that store well like whole grains, canned or dried beans, and frozen vegetables. Don’t overbuy foods that you will throw out later.
• Look for on-sale produce. Grocery stores rotate their sales and buying what is on sale is a great way to save money and get variety. Do the same with frozen and canned items.

The benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite. For more tips on healthy eating on a budget visit myplate.gov/eat-healthy/healthy-eating-budget. For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.3720.

The Compulsive Keeper

Putting things away after the fair reminded me of how stuff just seems to multiply and collect. Statements such as, “We might need that someday,” repeatedly come to mind.

Yes, we were sorting through things from a specific event. Yet it reminded me how we tend to “over keep” things, especially in our own personal living spaces. Things accumulate with little effort. Without some self-control, our homes can be reduced to pathways or overstuffed drawers and closets. Then it becomes an overwhelming task when we really get the urge to purge.

How do we know if our ‘collections’ have gotten out-of-control? A collector is proud to show off their collections and will keep them neat and organized. However, if a large group of unrelated items is stashed away out-of-sight, we might be leaning toward the cluttered category. If it is in plain sight and in a state of disarray, we could be on the verge of hoarding.

Hoarding can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. It often starts in adolescence and gets progressively worse with age. It’s usually a personal and private behavior making it difficult for others to know the seriousness of the situation.

Individuals are more likely to hoard if they have a family member who keeps everything. Often these individuals are withdrawn from society because they are isolated or lonely. They may struggle with obsessiveness and worry about making the right decision whether to keep something or not. The process of trying to decide whether to keep or dispose creates distress, so they may avoid making any decision at all. Thus, everything is kept.

Other characteristics that can indicate a tendency to hoarding include:

–Difficulty or anxiety with letting go of possessions, regardless of their value.

–Unable to find important papers or money in the clutter.

–Buying things because they are seen as a bargain with a desire to stock up.

–Not inviting family and friends to their home due to shame or embarrassment.

–Refusing to let people into their homes to do needed repairs.

Compulsive keepers often have a poor sense of time. They may be late or absent frequently in the workplace. Missing important deadlines and a reduction of productivity are other signs that often create havoc for businesses.

How can we support a family member or friend who has stuff they can’t seem to deal with? Even though we might want to help clear out some clutter, we need to ask first and develop trust with the compulsive keeper. They need to be ready to make some lifestyle changes.

Be sympathetic, listen, and try to understand the emotion and meaning behind all of the things they have chosen to keep. If safety is an issue, work together to create ways to make doorways and hallways safe and clear. Celebrate the successful small steps.

We all have different standards as to what is clutter and what is not. If you were to step into my office right now, you would likely question my clutter status. Yes, it’s time for me to do some serious housecleaning!

More information on clutter control is available through K-State Research and Extension Southwind offices, and by contacting Barbara at 620-625-8620 or by email to [email protected].

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Advance Child Tax Credit & Scams

To help parents during the pandemic, the Child Tax Credit has been expanded under the American Rescue Plan Act. This means that many families will receive advance payments starting July 15, this opportunity is confusing and scammers are already are jumping into the game with attempts to capture personal information from you.

What is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)? The CTC is available if you claim any children younger than 17. The CTC has been $2,000 per qualifying child. For 2021, the amount will increase to $3,600 for children ages 5 and under and $3,000 for children ages 6 through 17. Note, the CTC amount is based on income.

The American Rescue Act included an Advance Child Tax Credit Payments program. These early payments from the IRS are half of the estimated CTC that you may properly claim on your 2021 tax return during the 2022 filing season. If the IRS has processed your 2020 or 2019 tax return, these monthly payments will be made starting in July and through December.

In general, you do not need to do anything to receive these advance payments. You may opt out of the monthly payments and get your money in one lump sum when you file during 2022.

Families should be on the alert for scammers using phone calls, emails, texts and social media to trick them into providing information needed to get the new 2021 advance Child Tax Credit. The IRS emphasizes that the only way to get the Advance Child Tax Credit is by either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through the Non-filer Sign-up tool , exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is a scam.

There are many details regarding the Advance Child Tax Credit. To learn more and find answers to your questions, I recommend 3 resources. First is the IRS Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021 (www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021). Here you can learn the details of program, unenroll from advance payments, and non-filers can submit information. The second is The White House (www.whitehouse.gov/child-tax-credit). Here they will cover the same topics as the IRS, but also provide some examples of how the Child Tax Credit works for families that may be similar to yours. The third source is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/managing-your-finances/).

For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.3720

As parents get older, we want to be reassured they are taking care of themselves and staying healthy. That can be hard to discern at times, especially if we live a distance away. The Mayo Clinic suggests these questions to think about as we consider the abilities and health of our older parents.

Are they able to take care of themselves? Pay attention to their personal appearance and to things around the house. Failure to keep up with personal hygiene, yard work, and housework might be signs of dementia, depression or physical impairments.

Is there an issue with memory loss? It’s normal to forget things from to time to time. However, asking the same question repeatedly; getting lost in familiar places; and becoming confused about time, people and places can be indicators of memory loss.

Are your parents safe at home? Here again, watch for red flags around the house. Do they have difficulty in navigating narrow stairways? Have either of them fallen recently? Are they having difficulty reading directions on medication containers?

Are your parents safe on the road? Driving can be challenging for older adults. If they are easily confused while driving or they have experienced a moving violation, it might be time to stop driving.

Have your parents lost weight? Weight loss without trying could be a sign that something is wrong. They may be experiencing a lack of energy, difficulty in grasping tools, or reading labels. They may have lost interest in eating, due to a loss of taste and smell. Weight loss can also signify other serious underlying conditions.

Are your parents in good spirits? Monitor your parents’ moods and ask how they are feeling. A drastic change in mood or outlook could be a sign of depression or other health concerns.

Are they still social? Inquire about their activities. Are they staying connected with friends, their usual organizations or faith-based communities? Are they maintaining interest in hobbies and other daily activities? If they have given up on some of these activities, it could indicate a problem.

Are they able to get around? Note how your parents walk. Are mobility issues limiting their usual walking distances or activities? Would an assistive device, such as a cane or walker, help?

If any of these indicators exist, consider sharing your concerns with them. Talk with your parents about seeing a doctor and making changes. Including close friends in the conversation may help. Encourage regular medical check-ups where weight loss, changes in mood, or memory loss may be a concern. Maybe you or someone else could attend the doctor visit with them.

Discuss potential safety issues with your parents and work with them to make a plan to address them. Some simple home modifications may help in preventing falls. Transportation options may be discussed rather than driving themselves. Home care services may also be an alternative to assist with house cleaning, running errands, or in-home meals.

Contact the doctor for guidance if your parents dismiss your concerns. The doctor may need permission from your parents to discuss your parents’ care. However, these discussions may give you and the doctor insight on future doctor visits.

Look into local agencies that offer aging assistance services. A local or area Agency on Aging would be a good first place to start. There may be social workers available that may evaluate your parents’ needs and help connect them with local services.

Some older adults don’t want to admit they can’t do something on their own or don’t realize they need help. They may not know where to start to look for assistance to help them remain as independent as possible.

It’s important that they understand the problem and the proposed solution. Remind your parents that you care about them and that you want to help support their health and well-being, both today and in the years to come.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

July is in full swing and that for most of the country means it’s time for the county fair. For many, this is the best time of year.

The county fair is more than just a carnival or night time events. It is an exhibition of talents from all ages with exhibits ranging in a variety of sizes and categories. Most exhibits have taken an entire 4-H year to complete and some a lot less, but all of the exhibits have a special story and add value to the county fair.

As any 4-H’er can tell you, there is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears involved with preparing for the county fair. The animals you see were raised by youth not just because of the county fair, but to help the youth learn invaluable life lessons to become responsible, caring individuals. The same goes for any of the indoor exhibits from cooking to sewing to photography to woodworking and so on! The opportunities are endless.

I would like to encourage you to take a minute and attend a county fair near you. Explore all of the great accomplishments within the indoor exhibits and the barns full of animals. Visit with a 4-H’er about their project and see the excitement they display.

In the coming weeks, there will be three fairs held within the Southwind Extension District. The first is Bourbon County Fair – July 10^th-17^th, Woodson County Fair – July 17^th-21^st, Neosho County Fair – July 22^nd-26^th, and Allen County Fair – August 22^nd-25^th. We hope to see you at the county fair!

If you would like more information on how to be involved either to enter exhibits or be a helper, please contact your local Extension Office. Contact information can be found on our website at www.southwind.ksu.edu. For more information about being in 4-H, contact Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

It has been a scorcher the past week to say the least. The cooler temperatures this week will certainly be a welcome relief. However, we’ve just passed the Summer Solstice which means the official start of summer has begun. More hot days are on the way!

A priority in the summer months is not becoming overheated. Too much heat is not safe for anyone. It’s even riskier for older adults or if health problems are an issue.

Getting relief from the heat quickly is important. Initial symptoms of heat stress can include feelings of confusion or faintness. Being hot for too long can cause several other illnesses under the umbrella of hyperthermia.

The National Institute on Aging offers these definitions for different levels of heat stress along with recommendations should related symptoms occur.

A sudden dizziness can happen while a person is active during hot weather. This is known as heat syncope. If a beta blocker type heart medication is being taken at the time or you are not used to being in the heat, you are more likely to feel faint. Resting, putting your legs up and drinking water should make the dizziness go away.

Heat cramps are common – a painful tightening of muscles in the stomach, arms or legs. Cramps may accompany a high level of activity. The skin may feel moist and cool with the body temperature and pulse remaining normal. Find a way to cool down, drink plenty of fluids avoiding those with alcohol or caffeine.

Swelling in the ankles and feet when you’re hot is a symptom of heat edema. Put your legs up to help reduce the swelling. If that doesn’t work fairly quickly, check with your doctor.

Heat exhaustion is a clear warning that your body is no longer able to keep itself cool. You could feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated and nauseated. There may be a lot of sweating involved. Body temperature may remain normal, but the skin may feel cold and clammy. The pulse will likely be rapid. Again, rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t feel better soon, get medical care. If not careful, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Medical help is needed right away. Those who are dehydrated or may be dealing with chronic disease or alcoholism are at most risk. Signs of heat stroke include: Fainting (may be the first sign); becoming unconscious; a change in behavior (confusion, agitation, staggering), body temperature over 104 degrees F; dry, flushed skin and rapid pulse or slow pulse; and not sweating even if it’s hot.

Each year, most people who die from hyperthermia are over 50 years of age. Health problems and some drugs taken for chronic disease can contribute to hyperthermia. Being overweight or underweight can also be an issue.

Older adults can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature outside does not have to reach 100 degrees F to put them at risk for heat-related stress.

Pay attention to the temperature and humidity reports as we head into summer. Be safe, drink plenty of fluids, and keep cool!

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

I scouted my bald cypress and sycamore trees last week looking for newly hatched bagworms. Unfortunately, I found what I was looking for. You have to really be looking in order to see bagworms right now because they are still small – about a ¼ inch in size. Bagworms are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Most homeowners typically don’t get too concerned about bagworm control until they see large bags present on plants. By then it is too late and the damage is already done! Now is the time to treat.

Bagworms overwinter as eggs deposited in the female bags. From mid-May through mid-June, larvae hatch from the eggs and exit from the bottom opening of the old bag. Larvae begin constructing their miniature silk-lined bags immediately. Only after the bags have been completed do the larvae begin actual feeding activities. And as the larvae grow, so do their bags. By mid-to late August when feeding activities are complete, larvae firmly anchor their bags to the twigs and branches on which they were feeding.

Bagworms are most commonly found on eastern red cedar and junipers. However, bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce and pine. Broadleaf trees, shrubs and ornamentals can also serve as a host to bagworms. After bagworms have defoliated a host plant, they are capable of migrating in search of additional food sources. They may attack the same species from which they came or a completely different species.

The damage caused by bagworm feeding can be minimal to severe. As larvae enter their later development stages, they require greater amounts of food. Sometimes in what seems to be just overnight, bagworms can completely defoliate a tree. Several successive years of heavy foliar feeding can result in the death a tree, especially with conifers.

There are two ways to control bagworms – cultural and chemical. Cultural practice is used by those who do not want to utilize insecticidal sprays to control bagworms. Instead, bagworms are eliminated by handpicking individual bags from plants. This is best done in the winter months when bags stand out against a trees background color. Keep in mind that a single missed bag could result in a thousand new bagworm larvae. Of course handpicking becomes impractical when a host is literally covered with bags or it is too tall to make handpicking possible.

Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. Generally, bagworm larvae will begin emerging from the overwintering bag by mid-to late May. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. Controls applied in late summer are often a waste of time and expense because the larvae are large, tough and may have stopped feeding. Now is the time to make insecticidal control.

Insecticides commonly used to control bagworms include spinosad, acephate, cyfluthrin, or permethrin. These are sold under a variety of trade names. Check the product label for active ingredients.

For more information on bagworm control, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Wallet Wisdom financial webinar series concluded last week with All About Credit.  A question came up about if young adults going to college should have a credit card during their school years or wait until they have graduated and have a job.   

Paying with a credit or debit card has become the norm and taking the place of cash in everyday transactions.  Establishing credit, specifically good credit, can help young adults reach their financial goals. Goals may include a loan for a car or mortgage, credit cards, renting an apartment, a job, or even insurance. Good credit takes time and patience, waiting until after college to establish credit can delay dreams, goals, or establishing a household.   

A person’s financial knowledge and capability is a better indicator of when they are ready to handle credit products such as loans or credit cards.  As a parent or caregiver, ‘thinking out loud’ or a conversation with teens and young adults about credit (or money) can help them build self-control, planning, and problem-solving skills with money.  

For teenagers and young adults, topics about credit might include: 

• Understanding credit card is the same as borrowing money. 
• Plans and use of a credit card. 
• Establishing use standards such as paying the balance each month or not using it as an emergency source. 
• How it can be useful for making purchasing online or convenience. 

• Your own strategy or rules of thumb for using a credit card or what you have learned about managing your credit. 
• Financial responsibilities such as paying on time, paying balance in full, and debt-to-credit ratio utilization. 
• Shop for a credit card together, comparing interest rates and annual fees.  
• Explore credit card repayment calculators to see how long it could take to repay a $1,000 credit card debt by making minimum monthly payments.  

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a great resource on money conversation starters, approaches, and activities for youth of all ages.  It is also a great resource if you are an adult looking for information or tools on many financial topics at consumerfinance.gov.  The Wallet Wisdom, Focus on Your Finances K-State Webinar Series recordings is available on the River Valley Extension District YouTube Channel. 

For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.3720