Keep track of important documents and records. These should be accessible when needed and stored in a safe place. Receipts, documentation, proofs of ownership and identification may be necessary to collect insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, to receive military compensation, and to solve tax or inheritance problems.

Use our helpful online guide to manage your personal paperwork.

An abrupt reduction in income may happen due to an employer's layoff or cutback, the loss of a job or other source of money or reduced farm profits. These situations are serious for individuals and families in difficult economic times. The fact sheets below can help you if your income drops.

When Your Income Drops: Don't Panic -- Take Control

When Your Income Drops: Making Ends Meet

When Your Income Drops: Coping With Stress

When Your Income Drops: Community and Family Resources

When Your Income Drops: Sharpening Survival Skills

Check Your Credit is a campaign that educates Kansans about the importance of regularly checking their credit reports and instructs them on how to access their free credit reports.

• Understanding Your Credit Report

This educational series is designed to support individuals managing stress, setting goals, and seeking to achieve success in day-to-day living. Each component of the series includes tools, learning opportunities, and encouragement to simplify daily life.

• Money Management
• Time Management Skills
• Job-Ready Skills

Everybody needs an estate plan. An estate plan will help ensure your wishes are respected even when you are not around. If you have no estate plan when you die, state law will be used to decide who inherits your possessions, and cares for your children, so your wishes won’t be considered.

Use our helpful online guide to start the estate planning process in your home.

Learn more about commonly used estate planning terms.

A free program offering Kansans the opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues.

Find a SHICK counselor in your community.

Contact your local extension office for additional program information.

Stay up to date on the latest news and activities from our team. Be sure to check out our most recent news and subscribe to the Sound Living podcast for the latest family and consumer stories.

• Sound Living: Podcast
• K-State Research and Extension News: Family and Consumer Sciences