Disaster Preparation

Weather emergencies, such as tornadoes, floods, and lightning, can occur without a lot of warning. However, you can prepare for different types of severe weather.

One of the basic recommendations to help you prepare for any emergency is to assemble a disaster supplies kit, which includes water, food, a first-aid kit, and many other items.

Knowing what to do in different circumstances may save your life and the lives of others. 

New "10 Tips Nutrition Education Series" resources available

New "10 Tips Nutrition Education Series" resources available

Money Smart Week

It's too bad money doesn't come with instructions.  Because we all need to know how to spend it, save it and borrow it wisely.  That's why banks, businesses, schools, libraries and lots of others are joining together to help support financial education during Money Smart Week - April 20th through the 27th.  Be a part of it.  Learn to be Money Smart.  For information and activity listings visit www.moneysmartweek.org.

April Financial Literacy Month

You Could Win $500 by Signing Up for Text Messages from America Saves

By Katie Bryan, America Saves Communications Manager

We know that saving money isn’t always top of mind. That’s why America Saves is launching a new text message service to keep you motivated to save as part of Financial Literacy Month. Now, when you take the America Saves Pledge you can choose to receive text message tips and reminders. And if that isn’t enough, we are giving away $500 to help one person reach their savings goal. (Must be 18 years of age or older to win.)

How to enter to win the $500:

1.       Take the America Saves Pledge Between April 1 and April 30, 2013.

2.       Click the box to receive text messages.

When you take the America Saves Pledge, you will choose a savings goal and an amount to save. We will use the goal you choose to send you text message related to that goal. Text messages will come in the form of tips to help you find money to save, as well as advice and reminders to help you save for your specific goal.

It’s a win-win situation. One lucky person will win $500 to help them reach their savings goal – and everyone will win by staying motivated to save.  

Don’t forget to share this with friends and family. It may be the thing that helps them set their goal to start and emergency fund, pay down debt, or save for items like education or retirement. 

Good Luck and Happy Saving!

Make Half your Plate Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture, plus vitamins, minerals and fiber to your plate.  Make 1 1/2 cups of fruit and 2 cups of vegetables your daily goal.

March is National Nutrition Month

Eat Breakfast

Start your morning with a healthy breakfast.  Include lean protein, whole grains, fruits and veggies.  Try oatmeal cooked with low-fat milk, sliced almonds and berries or top a toaster waffle with low fat yogurt and fruit.  Find more quick breakfast ideas at www.eatright.org/nutritiontipsheets.

Check If You're Being Over-Serviced

    It's easy to "set it and forget it," paying the same bills every month.  This week, take a look at your regular services - are you using all of your cell phone minutes? Do you have more coverage than you need on your car insurance? Are you utilizing any extra cable channels you pay for?  If your answer is no to any of these, call your provider, and change your plan.