All Shook Up!

I have been thinking about snow globes.  Sometimes they just sit there so pretty on the shelf and then someone comes by and shakes them and the snow falls softly until it settles again.  Other times someone comes by and really, really shakes them up.  You wonder how the little figurines inside don’t fall out of place.  At times my home finances feel like a snow globe – sometimes calm and settled and then sometimes something happens and it feels like our finances have been shaken up again.  The vehicle breaks down, someone needs surgery, there is a job change … it often doesn’t take much for serenity to be turned upside down!  

If you’d like to take control of your finances, MSU Extension has great resources in our Solid Finances series.  The Solid Finances program was started in 2013 and includes weekly financial webinars.  This year’s series includes topics such as health care insurance options for those nearing retirement, avoiding financial scams, Banking 101, and estate planning and family legacies.  Each webinar can be joined live on Wednesdays at noon.  This year’s webinars started on October 5, but the great news is that all webinars are recorded.  In fact, you can listen to any of the 50 webinars that are posted on the MSU Extension Solid Finances webpage.  Some of the recorded webinars include topics such as understanding credit scores, teens and money and how to reduce debt.  

There are topics for every stage of life. If your financial world is pretty settled, like a snow globe on shelf, it doesn’t hurt to dust it off every once in a while and take a look at it to be sure.  If your financial world is a little shaky, it might just do to take advantage of the free resources to establish Solid Finances.  

Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt

I wanted to share the information below about a great opportunity to engage young people in learning about financial fitness.  Last year, we had several area students who completed the scavenger hunt and won the drawing for $100.  For more details, keep reading ...


Montana State University Extension is offering two Montana $aves $cavenger Hunts as a part of the America Saves program during 2014-2015.  The hunts are specifically designed for two age groups:  11-14 and 15-19.  Students will learn about the benefits saving and investing, how credit can be a friend for foe, and how to be in control of their money.

Students who complete the Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt are eligible for a drawing for one of 33 cash awards of $100 in each age group during America Saves week February 23-27, 2015. The 66 cash awards for Montana students are courtesy of generous sponsors.

The Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt can be used by teachers who want to incorporate learning about finances into their classes in family and consumer sciences, economics, math, or social studies.  The $cavenger Hunt could also be utilized as an extra credit opportunity for students to complete “after hours” at home or the local library.

Students have until February 20, 2015 to complete the 9 quizzes for the Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt.  The hunts do not have to be completed all at one time.

The Montana Saves Website has links to all the Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt materials:
Invitation to Students, Posters for each age group, and a list of websites for all quizzes.  Teachers whose students participated last year indicated a list of the websites for the school Computer Technician would be helpful.  You can print out the list or refer your Computer Technician to the site. www.montanasaves.org/

You are invited to review the Hunts to gain a better understanding of how this educational tool would be of benefit to youth.

The website for ages 11–14 (as of September 1, 2014). www.msuextension.org/montanasavesscavengerhunt1
The website for ages is 15–19 (as of September 1, 2014). www.msuextension.org/montanasavesscavengerhunt2

Please contact Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension, at goetting@montana.edu with questions.