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 

Someday you may find yourself filling the shoes of someone who settles an estate for a loved one or close friend. You may be asked in an estate planning process (prior to a loved one’s death) to serve as an Executor for a Will, or you may be asked by the Court to serve as an Administrator of an estate. If an Administrator is appointed, no Last Will and Testament exists. If you agree, either way, be ready for a challenging road ahead.

Even in a simple estate where a living spouse inherits everything, there is paperwork to be done — paying creditors, closing accounts, and distributing assets. Settling an estate is not a quick process.

The grieving process sometimes makes it hard to think clearly if you are close to the one who has passed on. Family dynamics often create extra challenges.

An Executor will usually be asked to fill that capacity by the writer of the Last Will and Testament. Often a copy of that official document will be shared with the named Executor. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with the writer prior to passing to learn more of the background of their decisions and their wishes.

An Executor’s role doesn’t begin until after the loved one has passed and has been officially appointed by a Probate Court. For this to take place, the original Will needs to be located and filed with the Court. The attorney who drafted the Last Will and Testament will likely need to be contacted. An attorney will likely need to be hired, however, it’s not required to use the attorney who drafted the Will for the estate settlement process.

Families are sometimes surprised with designations that may be laid out in a Will, such as a gift to a long-lost friend or a charity. Purposeful exclusions, such as a direct heir, can create conflict in the estate process. To help address those potential trouble spots, asking the writer of the Will to include an informal letter with the Will explaining the reasoning behind their actions, can help deflate those obvious contention points.

If there is a home or other property involved after the loved one’s passing, putting small valuables in a safe place is advisable. Empty homes are prime targets for thieves who may be watching obituaries. Family members may also believe things in the home may be theirs. Locking buildings, possibly even changing locks, and taking photos of contents are good steps to take to document the property and help you as the estate representative to follow the guidelines of the tasks before you.

Some of the greatest conflicts within families during an estate process rise from those items with sentimental value. These items may have little or no monetary value. However, they may hold great meaning to more than one of the heirs. Coming up with a process that is fair for everyone involved when distributing the assets, may be one of your most challenging tasks as the estate representative.

The Probate Court will make sure that all creditors and taxes are identified and paid before real estate transfers and monetary payments can be made from the estate to the heirs. You, as the estate representative, may need to convey this message to all of the heirs to prepare them for the extended time frame before the estate can be settled.

K-State Research and Extension has a simple publication called “Decisions After Death” which shares practical suggestions in knowing where to start relating to financial and legal matters after the death of a loved one. Gathering needed documents and learning who to contact are included in the information.

Not everyone is comfortable wearing the shoes of an estate representative. It’s okay to decline that responsibility when asked if it is going to create undue stress.

It is an honor to be asked to represent a loved one’s wishes after they have passed. Hopefully these tips can better prepare those asked to settle an estate in a way that respects the loved one who has passed, serve the heirs that remain, and complete their tasks as well as possible.

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

The May meeting of the Starlite FCE was held May 20^th at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, the Flag Salute and Club Collect were led by Deb Lust.  Ten members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for ten hours and had recycled eighty pounds of cardboard.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report.  Glenda Miller read a thank you card from Betty Johnson.  Glenda also announced that the Aging with Attitude sessions are available on line if you missed them.

Deb Lust announced that the Master Gardeners had assisted Presbyterian Village with their vegetable beds.  Starlite members Clarice Russell, Noleen Whiteside and Letha Johnson, residents of Presbyterian Village, assisted the Master Gardeners.

Jackie Warren updated the club on the Bourbon County Fair, this year’s theme is “Fun for the whole Herd.”  Deb Lust announced the Memorial Day service activities, which include a service on the Court House lawn at 9:30 at the veteran’s memorial, a 10:30 service at Memorial Hall and a reinternment of a WW11 veteran at the National Cemetery at 1:30.

New business consisted of the club voting to participate in the Scarecrow and Hay Bale decorating contests at the fair.  Doris Ericson made the motion to participate in both contests, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried   Glenda Miller asked for volunteers to bring wrapped candy to the next meeting to make firecracker treats for Tri-Valley, Karen Peery, Letha Johnson, Doris Ericson volunteered.  Glenda also announced that the Recognition Day has been cancelled, but Fall Follies will be held in Bronson this year.

Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting Terri Williams presented the lesson on “Where is the Top of the world.  Refreshments of food from that area was provided by Glenda Miller and Terri Williams.

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Leaves of three – let it be! I’m certain that someone has told you this before in an attempt to keep you away from poison ivy. It is true that poison ivy has three leaflets. However, the untrained eye can easily confuse poison ivy with other plant species such as Virginia creeper.

Poison ivy occurs in three forms: an erect woody shrub, a groundcover that creeps along the ground, and a woody vine that will climb trees. It can grow to 10 feet or more as it climbs up trees or fences. All parts of poison ivy – leaves, sap, roots, and burning vines, are poisonous at all times of the year. All of these plant parts contain a toxic oil which causes irritation to the skin on many people. The typical reaction is an itchy rash with clear blisters about 2-3 days after contact with the oil.

As stated earlier, poison ivy always has three leaflets. But the leaf margins can vary. They can be toothed, incised, lobed or smooth. The size of the leaf can also vary. The middle leaflet is larger than the other two and the middle one is the only leaflet with a long stalk. The other two are closely attached to the leaf stem. Virginia creeper has the same habitat as poison ivy and is often confused as being such. However, if you look close, Virginia creeper has five leaflets rather than three.

Have you ever gotten poison ivy, but swear that you didn’t touch it? Yes, it can happen. Poison ivy can be spread to you from your pet’s fur after they have ventured out to an infested area; from touching the clothing of a person who has come in contact with it; from garden tools that may have been used to pull down or chop vines; and even by the smoke from a burning vine. Burning poison ivy will cause the toxic oil to vaporize and be carried in the smoke. Believe it or not, the oil from poison ivy can remain active on clothing and footwear for as long as a year.

Poison ivy is not the easiest plant to kill. It is a tough plant and difficult to eradicate without killing desirable plants in the process. There are three methods used to destroy poison ivy – pulling the plants out by hand, cutting the plant off at the vine and treating the stump, or spraying the plant directly. The first two methods are more risky as far as infecting yourself with poison ivy.

The method used depends somewhat on the growth form the plant has taken. If it is in the groundcover form, direct spray or hand pulling is often used. If the plant is in the shrub form, direct spray is routinely used. For plants that are a woody vine and climbing, the preferred method is to cut the plant off at the base and treat the sprouts after they emerge. With any method, make certain to wear gloves and preferable a long sleeve shirt. Wash clothing and your skin immediately after you have finished.

Several herbicide products are labeled as “Poison Ivy Killers.” The products are premixed, ready-to-use products containing the active ingredient triclopyr. Glyphosate, 2, 4-D and dicamba (Banvel) offer fair to good control. Once a treatment is made, wait 3 to 4 weeks for the product to work before applying any additional herbicide. Read label directions and follow with care as these chemicals cannot differentiate between poison ivy and other plants – meaning you might accidentally kill desirable plant species while trying to kill poison ivy!

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.

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

Family Consumer Science News Column

Joy Miller

620-223-3720 or [email protected]

Release: May 14, 2021

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, What Do You Need to Know?

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began providing financial assistance for funeral expenses under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Funeral Assistance program is one of the ever-evolving schemes to take advantage of a vulnerable economic moment. Read on to learn more about the Funeral Assistance Program and tips to avoid being scammed.

Beginning in April, survivors can apply for up to $9,000 in qualifying funeral expenses if a loved one past away after January 20, 2020 related to COVID-19.

To be eligible for the funeral assistance, applicants must meet these conditions.

• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• COVID-19 related death must have occurred in the United States or U.S. territories.
• No requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen, or qualified alien.
• Applicant(s) is a U.S. Citizen or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses for a death attributed to COVID-19.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. No online applications will be accepted. Prior to calling, start gathering documents such as official death certificate, funeral expense receipts and contracts, and proof of funds received from other sources specifically used toward funeral costs. This information will need to be submitted after registering the application. Review the Funeral Assistance frequently asked questions page for qualifications, covered expenses, and information needed to apply at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance|FEMA.gov.

FEMA reports that scammers are contacting people and pretending to offer to register them for funeral expense benefits. To avoid government imposter scams, here are some tips:

• FEMA will not contact you until you call or apply for assistance.
• The government won’t ask you to pay anything to get this benefit.
• Don’t give your own or your deceased loved one’s personal or financial information to anyone who randomly contacts you.

If you get a scam call, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or call 620.223.3720.

Maybe I’m just at that point in my life, but I always find it interesting when I get a chance to hear some of the personal stories of someone who has lived a full life. They are likely remembering back in their time. They are also sharing bits and pieces of what has molded their lives to be the person they are today.

All older adults have made their mark on their families, their communities, and beyond – whether they realize it or not. Just by the fact that they have lived life, they have had many trial and error and success experiences.

Older adults bring wisdom, experience and life history to younger adults’ perspectives on their future. Purposeful sharing and connections can be incredibly valuable to both of the individuals involved. We need to make time to visit with our older adult relatives and friends and encourage them to tell their stories.

Jumpstart those memories with questions, photos and portions of stories which you may already be aware. Let them fill in the blanks and the story behind the story.

Here are some questions to stimulate the stories:

— What kinds of toys and games did you play?

— What was your schooling like? You may learn their one-room school building had been moved from one location to another in the middle of the night as a result of a neighborhood feud.

— What were you paid for your first job?

— What was your favorite vacation spot?

— What would you like to tell your 22-year-old self?

— What do you think your 22-year-old-self would want to tell you?

— What are the best and worst pieces of advice you’ve received?

— What motivated you in life?

— What were some of the turning points in your life?

— Looking back, is there something you wish you had done that you did not?

— What are you most proud of?

These are samples of questions, and most will lead to many other questions and stories. Plan on several visits. Be sure to write them down or document them in some way to share with other family members and your younger generations.

Many countries revere their older adults where older age is honored and celebrated, and respect for elders is central to the family. Our western culture often depicts aging in a negative light. We have a lot to learn.

May is Older Americans Month. It’s a great reminder for all of us to find ways to celebrate the older adults in our own lives and communities.

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

The impact of our cold winter may be noticeable on evergreen trees and shrubs in the area. People often tend to believe that the browning they see is a disease. Actually, it is winter damage or winter kill. Some trees and shrubs that looked fine last fall are now showing symptoms of the tough winter.

Winter damage is common on evergreens due to desiccation injury. Desiccation injury happens because evergreens continue to lose moisture during the winter months. This is especially true on windy or sunny days. When the soil freezes, the plant’s roots cannot absorb moisture. Put these two environmental conditions together and the foliage exposed to the sun and wind will eventually dry out and die. Damage is most often seen on the south and west side of evergreens. Winter damage to ornamental trees and shrubs will be seen as dieback of twigs and branches to complete death of the tree.

The best time to assess the extent of the damage and potential for recovery is mid-May. By this time, new growth should have developed. If not, then the branch or tree could be dead.

The winter was also hard on some of our roses. I have seen several that were either killed to the ground or had a majority of canes damaged. If the rose is looking scraggly, prune out all dead wood. Apply a light application of fertilizer to help promote new growth and hope that it will recover. If there was extreme damage, complete replacement is probably in order.

Another thing that has been showing up and worrying homeowners is rows of holes in their trees. The problem is not borers. It is caused by feeding of the yellow-bellied sapsucker.

The difference between borers and sapsuckers is easily distinguished. Borer holes will be randomly spaced over the trunk. Holes that are in a horizontal or vertical row are caused by the feeding of the sapsucker. This woodpecker makes a shallow hole and then feeds on the sap released from the wounds or on insects attracted to the sap.

This bird is highly attracted to pines, apples, maples and Bradford pears. However, just about any tree species can be a target. And interestingly enough, certain trees may become favorites to the exclusion of nearby trees of the same species. Damage to mature, established trees is usually slight though small trees may be girdled and killed.

These birds are migratory and are usually present from October to April. So, there shouldn’t be any more damage from them until next fall. If you feel the damage was severe enough to warrant control, you may want to try one of these remedies next fall.

• Wrap the trunk with fine wire mesh in the area of damage. This may discourage the sapsuckers if left in place for several months. The mesh must be adjusted every six months or removed when no longer needed because if left in place the tree will likely be girdled.
• Use Tanglefoot on the area of damage. This is a sticky material that is applied to the tree trunks to capture insects that crawl up the trunk. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers do not like to put their feet in the sticky material.

As you scout your trees and shrubs this spring, if you find any type of damage, give me a call and I can help you diagnose the problem.

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.

Prep now for safely preserving garden foods.

Gardeners are making their plans, and in some areas, vegetables and other foods are already being planted. That is a sign that food preservation season is not far away and now is the time to check canning equipment and make repairs needed or replace worn items.

Examine jars and take damaged ones out of your canning supply. It is also recommended that you have your dial gauge pressure canner checked to make sure it is working properly. This service is free at Extension offices, just drop off the gauge and lid.

Following recipes and directions will help insure a safely canned food. And don’t forget to adjust your processing for your location’s elevation. Sources for recipes include the So Easy to Preserve by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension or Blue Ball/ Kerr. K-State Research and Extension along with other State Cooperative Extension websites will have recipes and resources, too.

What else? Learn how canners work with your stovetop. Some canners should not be used on flat, glass stovetops. Always follow the canner and stove manufacturer’s directions. Each year there is a new trendy way to preserve food in jars but have NOT been validated with research. These include oven, microwave, and electric pressure cookers.

Take the time to get educated and practice with jars filled with water as a substitute, this will help guide you to making safe food and reducing waste. K-State Research and Extension has how-to videos and publications on food preservation and canning available online and a bimonthly newsletter called Preserve It Fresh Preserve It Safe to keep you up to date. To learn more and for publications visit our website at southwind.ksu.edu/food_preservation/food preservation.html

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

Barbara Stockebrand

Southwind Extension District –Yates Center

Family and Consumer Sciences

Many older adults are beginning to venture out of their safe havens with feelings of relief and caution as more are becoming fully vaccinated against Covid-19. There is excitement among them to be resuming more regular activities that the virus so abruptly put on hold.

Scheduling medical appointments that were delayed and planning trips that were all put on the back burner are goals again. Many may be planning to see children and grandchildren they may not have seen for months – or longer. Others are planning outings with friends for the first time in a long time. Simple things that previously felt unsafe now feel possible.

Regardless of our age, we all benefit from having those in our lives we call friends. The importance of relationships with friends and the value of being connected to others cannot be overstated. As said by Thomas Aquinas, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”

Meaningful friendships have meaningful results. They produce mutual respect, trust, support, acceptance, joy, empathy, and love to name a few elements of friendship. A good friend won’t hesitate from telling you the truth, even if it is something you may not want to hear.

Friendships are good for our health. Healthy friendships can boost our physical and emotional health in several ways:

Personal improvement – If we want to make a positive change in our life, such as quit smoking, a friend’s support can make all the difference. He/she is usually right there with us encouraging us, boosting our self-confidence. Our chances of reaching our goals increase.

Knowing that others care – and that we care for them, increases feelings of compassion, self-worth, and security.

Support in life’s challenges – It might be retirement, death of a loved one or another difficult life event, research has found that having friends in our corner increases our ability to manage, persevere, and recover.

According to a 2017 Michigan State University study, it was found that friends begin to have a bigger impact on our well-being than family members as we grow old. This gives credence to the need to pay attention to our friends all along life’s journey in order to be there for each other during major transitions. Friendship is a lifelong endeavor.

We still should proceed with caution as we start mingling. Some of our friends and neighbors may not be fully vaccinated or they may desire not to do so for their own reasons. As goes with being friends, we need to be respectful of each other’s position and health needs to continue cultivating those friendships.

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

The popularity of container gardening has exploded. As we live in a world of limited time and space for gardens, container gardens seem to be a practical fit. Residents of apartments, long term care facilities or houses with small lots can still enjoy gardening. Poor soil or no place to put plants in the ground is no longer an excuse for not enjoying plants.

Building a container garden is really quite simple. However, they tend to need a bit more attention than a garden in the ground. Careful attention needs to be paid to the potting media, watering and fertilizing.

Garden soil is great for growing things in the ground but when using containers, the soil needs to be changed. Container soils need to be well aerated and well drained but yet still be able to retain moisture. This is why a soil substitute, or potting mix (media), is often used. These mixes may contain soil (called a soil mix) or no soil at all (called a soilless mix) and may also contain other ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. You can also your own mix by using one part soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. The same potting media can be used from year to year if the plants in the containers were healthy during the growing season with no major disease issues.

What about the contain itself? Containers come in many different styles and sizes. Containers can be made from clay, plastic, ceramic or wood. I have even seen used cattle supplement lick containers used and they actually work quite well. The only essential thing is that the container must have drain holes in the bottom.

As for the size of container, it depends on the type of plants to be planted. Small plants can be grown in fairly small, shallow containers while larger plants will need more space. Most annual flowers and small vegetables do best in 12 inch pots. Larger vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes or peppers will require a 16-24 inch container.

When choosing plants – most of the standard varieties of vegetables will grow well in containers. However, there are some cultivars bred specifically for small spaces. Lettuce, spinach, radish and onion are all early season vegetables that can be easily grown in containers. For the more warm season vegetables – sweet, hot and banana peppers do well in large containers. Tomatoes, dwarf varieties such as Patio, Pixie, Tiny Tim or Tumbling Tom, are a good choice. If you like a small vine tomato, consider Mountain Belle (cherry), Mountain Glory or Sunmaster.

We have a very useful publication titled “Growing Vegetables in Containers.” It gives complete information on planting, care, fertilization, and variety selection. Visit www.southwind.ksu.edu to download.

As we are just beginning of the growing season, I want to share my office rotation schedule in case you have questions that you would like to visit about in person: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Erie office; Tuesday – Iola office; Thursday – Fort Scott office. However, I can always be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 620-244-3826.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. 

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