Frequently Asked Questions: Our answers to your #1 Money Questions

Ask Us a Question »

Finance
FAQ
The reality of estate planning is that when you own anything of value, you have an estate and it’s important to have a plan in place for it after you pass on.
Do I Need an Estate Plan?

Do I Need an Estate Plan?

The reality of estate planning is that when you own anything of value, you have an estate and it’s important to have a plan in place for it after you pass on.

Finance
FAQ
Did you know that the average American family spends $460 more per month to maintain the same standard of living as they did before high inflation? This increase may be even higher in Utah, where inflation is well above the national average.
How can I Adjust my Spending Plan for Rising Prices?

How can I Adjust my Spending Plan for Rising Prices?

Did you know that the average American family spends $460 more per month to maintain the same standard of living as they did before high inflation? This increase may be even higher in Utah, where inflation is well above the national average.

Finance
FAQ
With inflation at an all-time high, we are all feeling the effects of rising prices all around us. Our extension finance experts have come together and compiled our top 5 tips and resources to help you combat the rising prices.
Anxiety Rising as Quick as Inflation? Here are 5 Tips and Resources to Combat Inflation

Anxiety Rising as Quick as Inflation? Here are 5 Tips and Resources to Combat Inflation

With inflation at an all-time high, we are all feeling the effects of rising prices all around us. Our extension finance experts have come together and compiled our top 5 tips and resources to help you combat the rising prices.

Finance
FAQ
According to a survey by slickdeals.net the average U.S. consumer spends about $5,400 a year ($450/month) on unplanned purchases! Think about ways even a portion of that money can help you reach your financial goals.
Stop Impulse Buying Dead in its Tracks

Stop Impulse Buying Dead in its Tracks

According to a survey by slickdeals.net the average U.S. consumer spends about $5,400 a year ($450/month) on unplanned purchases! Think about ways even a portion of that money can help you reach your financial goals.

FAQ
Finance
Some households feel they don’t have the financial capability to pay for college expenses for their children. This may be especially true if there are multiple children in your family or if you live on a limited income.
Financing Your Child's Education

Financing Your Child's Education

Some households feel they don’t have the financial capability to pay for college expenses for their children. This may be especially true if there are multiple children in your family or if you live on a limited income.

FAQ
Finance
If you are wondering how to determine appropriate amounts to budget for food, gas, bills, and savings, use these steps to guide you.
How to Budget the Right Amount for Expenses

How to Budget the Right Amount for Expenses

If you are wondering how to determine appropriate amounts to budget for food, gas, bills, and savings, use these steps to guide you.

Finance
FAQ
There are so many questions about life insurance. When do you need it? How much do you need? Where should you purchase it? Read here for answers.
What You Need to Know about Life Insurance

What You Need to Know about Life Insurance

There are so many questions about life insurance. When do you need it? How much do you need? Where should you purchase it? Read here for answers.

FAQ
Finance
There are several options to consider for short-term investing, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons for each option.
How to Save for Short Term Goals

How to Save for Short Term Goals

There are several options to consider for short-term investing, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons for each option.

FAQ
Finance
It takes time and effort to stick to financial goals, but the key is not to give up. Read our tips for staying motivated and on track with your financial goals and budget.
Tips for Sticking to Your Financial Goals and Budget

Tips for Sticking to Your Financial Goals and Budget

It takes time and effort to stick to financial goals, but the key is not to give up. Read our tips for staying motivated and on track with your financial goals and budget.

Finance
FAQ
A strong foundation of communication can prevent the negative consequences of financial disagreements. How can newlyweds establish this strong foundation from the beginning?
Discussing Finances as Newlyweds

Discussing Finances as Newlyweds

A strong foundation of communication can prevent the negative consequences of financial disagreements. How can newlyweds establish this strong foundation from the beginning?

Finance
FAQ
Many people feel pressured to overspend during the holidays. Here are some key questions to ask yourself and some expert tips to implement.
Budgeting Tips for any Holiday

Budgeting Tips for any Holiday

Many people feel pressured to overspend during the holidays. Here are some key questions to ask yourself and some expert tips to implement.

FAQ
Finance
When used responsibly, these rewards can be a great tool to reduce costs on some of your big-ticket items. For example, if you like to travel, using a credit card for your regular every day purchases can save you money on an airplane ticket later on.
Is it a Good Idea to use Credit Card Rewards?

Is it a Good Idea to use Credit Card Rewards?

When used responsibly, these rewards can be a great tool to reduce costs on some of your big-ticket items. For example, if you like to travel, using a credit card for your regular every day purchases can save you money on an airplane ticket later on.

FAQ
Finance
Saving for retirement can feel a little less intimidating when you are informed and have clear savings goals. Understanding different types of retirement plans and how they best align best with your savings and retirement goals will set you up for having
Navigating Various Types of Retirement Accounts

Navigating Various Types of Retirement Accounts

Saving for retirement can feel a little less intimidating when you are informed and have clear savings goals. Understanding different types of retirement plans and how they best align best with your savings and retirement goals will set you up for having

FAQ
Finance
It’s easy to justify holiday spending as being generous, but without planning a realistic budget, holiday spending can quickly make ringing in the New Year financially stressful. The key to reducing stress is planning ahead
Money Tips for the Holiday Season

Money Tips for the Holiday Season

It’s easy to justify holiday spending as being generous, but without planning a realistic budget, holiday spending can quickly make ringing in the New Year financially stressful. The key to reducing stress is planning ahead

Finance
FAQ
Budgeting with a varying income is possible! Continue reading for some basics that can help make it a little more manageable.
Family Budgeting with an Irregular Income

Family Budgeting with an Irregular Income

Budgeting with a varying income is possible! Continue reading for some basics that can help make it a little more manageable.

Finance
FAQ
If you have ever felt guilt around the way you spend or save money, you are not alone. There are definitely some things you can do to have a better relationship with money and to not let it have such a strong hold on your emotional well-being.
How Do I Stop Obsessing About Spending Money?

How Do I Stop Obsessing About Spending Money?

If you have ever felt guilt around the way you spend or save money, you are not alone. There are definitely some things you can do to have a better relationship with money and to not let it have such a strong hold on your emotional well-being.

FAQ
Finance
Many families in the United States find themselves in a position of transitioning from two incomes to one. Regardless of the reason behind a family going through this transition, there are a variety of effects it can have on the family that need to be con
Tips for Transitioning from Two Incomes to One

Tips for Transitioning from Two Incomes to One

Many families in the United States find themselves in a position of transitioning from two incomes to one. Regardless of the reason behind a family going through this transition, there are a variety of effects it can have on the family that need to be con...

FAQ
Finance
This question does not have a straightforward answer. Every debt situation is different, and your debt management strategy will depend on your financial goals. When exactly is debt consolidation a good idea? Here are some scenarios where debt consolidatio
Is Debt Consolidation a Good Idea?

Is Debt Consolidation a Good Idea?

This question does not have a straightforward answer. Every debt situation is different, and your debt management strategy will depend on your financial goals. When exactly is debt consolidation a good idea? Here are some scenarios where debt consolidatio...

Finance
FAQ
A lot of people have a hard time trying to pay off debt and save money at the same time and that is usually because they don’t have a strategy on how to do that. It’s challenging if you feel like you have to choose between saving money or focusing on payi
How Can I Save While Still Paying My Debts?

How Can I Save While Still Paying My Debts?

A lot of people have a hard time trying to pay off debt and save money at the same time and that is usually because they don’t have a strategy on how to do that. It’s challenging if you feel like you have to choose between saving money or focusing on payi...

Finance
FAQ
Do you keep dreaming about that dream vacation? Do you wonder if it is attainable? Your dream vacation can happen with a little planning and taking a realistic look at your budget.
How to Save for a Vacation

How to Save for a Vacation

Do you keep dreaming about that dream vacation? Do you wonder if it is attainable? Your dream vacation can happen with a little planning and taking a realistic look at your budget.

FAQ
Finance
With the way that house prices are rising in Utah, you may have found yourself in a similar situation to me – wanting to have your own place but needing to save just a little while longer so you can confidently buy a home, without wrecking your monthly bu
Protecting Yourself as a Renter

Protecting Yourself as a Renter

With the way that house prices are rising in Utah, you may have found yourself in a similar situation to me – wanting to have your own place but needing to save just a little while longer so you can confidently buy a home, without wrecking your monthly bu...

FAQ
Finance
There are a lot of budgeting tools, tricks and apps out there to choose from that will help you manage your finances. Unfortunately, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer for which process is best for everyone. You will need to decide which system for ma
Budgeting Tools and Techniques

Budgeting Tools and Techniques

There are a lot of budgeting tools, tricks and apps out there to choose from that will help you manage your finances. Unfortunately, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer for which process is best for everyone. You will need to decide which system for ma...

Finance
FAQ
Are you among the growing group of Americans who are paying rent for their home, condo or apartment long-term? Perhaps this option works well for you or maybe you are open to home ownership but have lots of questions you need answered before making such a
Home Sweet Home - Should I/we Rent or Buy? That’s a very good question!

Home Sweet Home - Should I/we Rent or Buy? That’s a very good question!

Are you among the growing group of Americans who are paying rent for their home, condo or apartment long-term? Perhaps this option works well for you or maybe you are open to home ownership but have lots of questions you need answered before making such a...

FAQ
Finance
Money Accountability Pal (MAP) = A person you confide in regularly about progress towards a current money goal or when making major money decisions. Your MAP is somebody who will cheer you on and support you. Someone you could check in with regularly to
What is a Money Accountability Pal?

What is a Money Accountability Pal?

Money Accountability Pal (MAP) = A person you confide in regularly about progress towards a current money goal or when making major money decisions. Your MAP is somebody who will cheer you on and support you. Someone you could check in with regularly to

FAQ
Finance
One of the most common mistakes homebuyers make is looking at a home they can’t afford. Here’s a few things to consider when evaluating your financial situation in preparation for probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make in your life:
What You Need to Do When Preparing to Buy a Home

What You Need to Do When Preparing to Buy a Home

One of the most common mistakes homebuyers make is looking at a home they can’t afford. Here’s a few things to consider when evaluating your financial situation in preparation for probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make in your life:

FAQ
Finance
"Date Night" doesn't have to break the bank! Here's a list of meaningful and fun date ideas that you can do at home!
Inexpensive Date Ideas

Inexpensive Date Ideas

"Date Night" doesn't have to break the bank! Here's a list of meaningful and fun date ideas that you can do at home!

FAQ
Finance
if you are like many people (myself included) the idea of budgeting seems overwhelming and makes you feel anxious. It can seem impossible to lay out a budget and stick to it. However, there are some things you can do to help you build budgeting skills. I’
Budgeting Tips

Budgeting Tips

if you are like many people (myself included) the idea of budgeting seems overwhelming and makes you feel anxious. It can seem impossible to lay out a budget and stick to it. However, there are some things you can do to help you build budgeting skills. I’...

FAQ
Finance
If you, or someone you know, may be considering building or improving their credit score, here are a few strategies that may help.
What is the Best Way to Build Credit?

What is the Best Way to Build Credit?

If you, or someone you know, may be considering building or improving their credit score, here are a few strategies that may help.

FAQ
Finance
The first thing to keep in mind when answering this question is that price is not always directly related to quality. Just because an item has a higher price doesn’t always mean it will be higher quality.
When is it Worthwhile to spend More on a High-Quality Item?

When is it Worthwhile to spend More on a High-Quality Item?

The first thing to keep in mind when answering this question is that price is not always directly related to quality. Just because an item has a higher price doesn’t always mean it will be higher quality.

Finance
FAQ
Being generous and making plans to give financially during this time of year can add additional budget overwhelm. There are a couple of ways to manage being generous during the holidays without breaking your budget.
How can I stay focused on my financial goals and still afford to be generous?

How can I stay focused on my financial goals and still afford to be generous?

Being generous and making plans to give financially during this time of year can add additional budget overwhelm. There are a couple of ways to manage being generous during the holidays without breaking your budget.

Finance
FAQ
Entering the world of home ownership is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make. To protect your investment, consider employing a couple of safeguards that will help you save money and retain the value of your home.
Home Maintenance Checklist

Home Maintenance Checklist

Entering the world of home ownership is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make. To protect your investment, consider employing a couple of safeguards that will help you save money and retain the value of your home.

FAQ
Finance
One principle of learning to save money is learning to reduce costs. An easy approach, often overlooked, is to find simple ways to save on the costs associated with owning a home. This can be done by conducting a home energy audit.
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

One principle of learning to save money is learning to reduce costs. An easy approach, often overlooked, is to find simple ways to save on the costs associated with owning a home. This can be done by conducting a home energy audit.

Finance
FAQ
The months of October through January can feel like a never-ending season of festivities – all of which involve money. You know, the trip (or two) to the corn maze, the costumes, the pumpkins, the extra candy, the gifts, the donations, the trip, the extra
How to Build up a Holiday Fund

How to Build up a Holiday Fund

The months of October through January can feel like a never-ending season of festivities – all of which involve money. You know, the trip (or two) to the corn maze, the costumes, the pumpkins, the extra candy, the gifts, the donations, the trip, the extra...

FAQ
A1
Finance
A common conundrum when managing your personal finances is figuring out how to save money without feeling so strapped. If you have ever asked yourself this question then the following tips are for you: pay yourself first, automate your savings payment, a
How can I save money without feeling like I can't ever spend money?

How can I save money without feeling like I can't ever spend money?

A common conundrum when managing your personal finances is figuring out how to save money without feeling so strapped. If you have ever asked yourself this question then the following tips are for you: pay yourself first, automate your savings payment, a

Finance
FAQ
It’s a good idea to review your insurance each year and make sure you have adequate coverage. November is a great time to do this because if you purchase your own Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance through federal and state marketplaces, open enro
Where to Start with Insurance Needs?

Where to Start with Insurance Needs?

It’s a good idea to review your insurance each year and make sure you have adequate coverage. November is a great time to do this because if you purchase your own Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance through federal and state marketplaces, open enro...

FAQ
Finance
The simple answer to this question is when you are putting your budget together you write down all of your expenses that you don’t pay each month and the amount. Add all the amounts together and divide that number by 12. This will give you the amount you
How Do I Budget for Non-Monthly Expenses

How Do I Budget for Non-Monthly Expenses

The simple answer to this question is when you are putting your budget together you write down all of your expenses that you don’t pay each month and the amount. Add all the amounts together and divide that number by 12. This will give you the amount you

FAQ
Finance
Are you wondering how much you should be saving? Or how much should you be putting towards paying off debt? We have the answer to those questions!
How to Manage Your Cash Flow?

How to Manage Your Cash Flow?

Are you wondering how much you should be saving? Or how much should you be putting towards paying off debt? We have the answer to those questions!

FAQ
Finance
If you are new to budgeting it can be difficult to figure out how much to plan on spending on food. Unlike other items in our budget, the grocery budget can fluctuate greatly from month to month.
How to Make a Food Budget?

How to Make a Food Budget?

If you are new to budgeting it can be difficult to figure out how much to plan on spending on food. Unlike other items in our budget, the grocery budget can fluctuate greatly from month to month.

FAQ
Finance
Wondering whether it’s a good time to refinance your home mortgage? If you plan to stay in your current home for more than a few years, here are the top scenarios when the cost of refinancing may be in your favor.
Refinancing - When is it a good Idea?

Refinancing - When is it a good Idea?

Wondering whether it’s a good time to refinance your home mortgage? If you plan to stay in your current home for more than a few years, here are the top scenarios when the cost of refinancing may be in your favor.

Finance
FAQ
Money affects every facet of our lives, particularly our relationship with our partner. Marriage.com lists financial stress as the No. 2 reason for divorce among couples.
Can you share ideas on how we, as a couple, can work together on our finances without ending up in an argument?

Can you share ideas on how we, as a couple, can work together on our finances without ending up in an argument?

Money affects every facet of our lives, particularly our relationship with our partner. Marriage.com lists financial stress as the No. 2 reason for divorce among couples.