KNOXVILLE – From the national conversation to the dinner
table, it seems the topic at hand for everyone is finances. How to pay for
credit card bills from the holidays, how to balance the budget and, for some,
how to get through without a paycheck. University of Tennessee Extension
specialist Ann Berry has shared a list of resources for the public, including
resources specific to furloughed federal employees.
“An unexpected loss of income is a difficult situation, but
there are resources and ways to manage money so that utter disaster can be
avoided,” says Berry. “Having an emergency fund to help navigate difficult
seasons is always the best plan, and can be achieved through careful planning
and budgeting. But long term financial wellness is a lofty goal that is
sometimes hard to achieve when families are struggling to make ends meet,” she
continues.
Berry adds that the UT
Extension Family Economics website has links to learn about handling
financial emergencies, protecting assets, saving and budgeting, and avoiding
debt. “These resources from UT Extension can help, no matter what financial
obstacles an individual or family may be facing, including loss of income,”
continues Berry.
The full list, compiled by the national Extension Financial
Security for All Community Practice, is below.