Purchasing Car Insurance: What College Students Should Know

Line of cars awaiting Covid-19 mobile testing. Photo taken 07-10-20.

Florida law requires drivers to have car insurance that provides financial protection in the event of a mishap. This 4-page publication provides an overview of auto insurance requirements in Florida as well as a glossary of car insurance terms for college students. Written by Nicholas Horvath, Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, and Sarah M. Ellis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, January 2021.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1493

Fondos de Inversion: Un Glosario para Principiantes

This image was taken prior to national guidelines of face coverings and social distancing. Using IFAS-generated budgeting tools, young people can learn to manage their money and begin saving and investing in the future. UF/IFAS Photo: Tyler Jones. IFAS Extension calendar 2009.

El mejor momento para comenzar a invertir o ahorrar es ayer, ya sea para la jubilación, para enviar a su hijo o hija a la Universidad o para el pago inicial de una casa. Para poder tomar una decisión acertada sobre que vehículos financieros escoger para una cartera de inversiones o plan, es primero fundamental conocer las opciones disponibles en el mercado y entender los mecanismos y principios detrás de cada uno de estos vehículos de inversión. Hay libros enteros escritos sobre estos temas, pero con el propósito de este artículo es proporcionar un glosario breve, pero completo de los fondos principales de inversión financiera. This 3-page document is the Spanish version of FCS3352, Major Asset Classes: A Brief Glossary. Written by Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, Nelly Nelson, and Jarrett Tsai, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, December 2020.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1494

Gender Affirmation Surgery: Financial Considerations

January 2007 calendar, During the excitement of the holiday season, many people overspend. Bringing this and other debt under control often seems like a daunting task. IFAS Extension family economics programs are helping people regain control of their finances by providing money management tips for reducing debt. UF/IFAS Photo by: Thomas Wright.

This 3-page factsheet provides a brief overview of gender-affirming medical care, expenses, and funding options. A glossary with key terms discussed in this publication is included at the end. Written by Chloe W. Swearingen, Megan Donovan, Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, and Sarah M. Ellis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2020.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1492

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

Through its Hurricane Preparedness for Hotels and Motels Program, the Florida Energy Extension Service helps the tourist industry keep guests safe during lightning storms.

This 1-page document provides general information regarding disaster assistance and links to online resources for taxpayers affected by a federally declared disaster. Written by Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar and Heidi Copeland, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised September 2020.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm259

Finding and Using a Co-Packer

Cottage foods cookie baker Kathy Paiva (left, in apron) and Extension agent Soohyoun Ahn preparing food at a communal kitchen. Photo taken 08-25-17.

A contract packager, commonly called a co-packer, is a manufacturer that will produce, package, and/or label a product for clients. This new 7-page factsheet provides a brief overview on the definition of co-packers, advantages and disadvantages of using a co-packer, and the list of things you need to consider when you hire and work with a co-packer. It also includes a noncomprehensive list of co-packers in Florida and Georgia. This factsheet is one in the Food Entrepreneurship in Florida series, which serves as a useful guide to help run a successful food-related business. Written by Alison O’Donoughue, Wendi Jennings, and Soohyoun Ahn, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs380

Residential Irrigation Water Costs in Osceola County and Orange County, Florida

Single-family, detached homes.

Interest in understanding water use and irrigation costs has risen in recent years. This case study is a 5-page evaluation of water use and associated costs for residential landscape irrigation in Osceola County and Orange County, Florida. Homeowners in central Florida can use the results to assess their water consumption and bills in relation to similar homes in the area. Written by Nick Taylor, Tricia Kyzar, Pierce Jones, and Kaitlin O. Robb Price, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, December 2019.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae536

Risk Management Planning for Agricultural Business Owners

Red chili peppers growing on the bush. Photo taken 09-13-18.

Risk identification is the beginning point for risk management planning because solution identification begins with knowledge of the problem. This 4-page document presents questions to consider regarding production risk, price or market risk, financial risk, legal risk, and human risk. Written by Martie Gillen and Beatrice Pierre, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, August 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1485

Design and Construction of a Constant Head Infiltrometer

Closeup water drops. UF/IFAS Photo by Marisol Amador

This new 8-page document details the construction procedure for a Mariotte siphon constant head infiltrometer using readily available materials. Written by Mahesh Bashyal, Michael J. Mulvaney, and Eban Z. Bean, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, June 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag433

Strategies to Fund Your Child’s College Education: Using Savings and Tax-Advantaged Vehicles

Students look at the College of Agriculture building.

It is never too soon to explore funding options for college educations, whether your child is a newborn or is in middle school. You are more likely to be prepared to fund your child's education if you start planning earlier. This new 4-page document describes and discusses several accounts that allow you to pay for college while taking advantage of tax and savings opportunities. Written by Jessica McCumber, Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, Martie Gillen, and Sarah M. Ellis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, June 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1484

An Overview of Risk Management Planning

Using IFAS-generated budgeting tools, young people can learn to manage their money and begin saving and investing in the future. UF/IFAS Photo: Tyler Jones. IFAS Extension calendar 2009

As risks evolve and diversify, approaches to conducting business require a targeted focus on risk management, particularly in agriculture. This new 3-page document explores risk in agriculture, the need to understand risk, formation of strategies to manage risk, and government programs that exist to help growers and producers manage risk. Written by Martie Gillen and Beatrice Pierre, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, May 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1482

Major Asset Classes: A Brief Glossary

Using IFAS-generated budgeting tools, young people can learn to manage their money and begin saving and investing in the future. UF/IFAS Photo: Tyler Jones. IFAS Extension calendar 2009

The best time to have started investing is yesterday. This new 2-page document aims to provide a brief but comprehensive glossary of the main financial investment vehicles. Written by Jarrett Tsai, Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, and Martie Gillen, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, May 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1483

Permeable Pavement Systems: Technical Considerations

Newly installed PICP parking stalls as part of a commercial installation. Note the curb separating landscaping and directing runoff away from the pavement surface.

Permeable pavement systems are Green Stormwater Infrastructure practices that can reduce runoff while supporting vehicle and pedestrian traffic. This new 8-page document provides technical details of permeable pavement systems, such as application, system elements, design, installation, operation, maintenance, crediting, and costs, in order to inform planners, engineers, landscape architects, local government officials, and other professionals in the built environment about the considerations for implementing and maintaining permeable pavements. Written by E. Bean, M. Clark, and B. Larson, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, April 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae530

Hurricane Impacts on Florida's Agriculture and Natural Resources

Two oak trees downed due to Hurricane Irma. Photo taken 09-14-17

Hurricanes are capable of affecting almost everything in their paths. Their strong winds and heavy rains can directly impact both inland and coastal areas in short periods that usually last about a day. This new 10-page document reviews basic facts about hurricanes and their effects in Florida and discusses ways they might affect Florida's agriculture and natural resources. Written by Young Gu Her, Ashley Smyth, Pamela Fletcher, Elias Bassil, Ulrich Stingl, Zachary Brym, and Jiangxiao Qiu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae528

Clearing Up Charitable Giving

Money changing hands. Photo taken 08-02-17.

Life is filled with uncertainty. When disasters or hard times arise, individuals often become vulnerable and feel helpless and confused. After the initial shock, people start to wonder how they can help. When we feel moved to donate, we should take steps to confirm that our gifts are going exactly where we intended them to go. This 3-page fact sheet discusses impulse giving, ways to avoid it, phone solicitations, mail fraud, resources for accurate information on charitable organizations, and steps to take if one falls victim to a scam. Written by Lynda Spence, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1479

The Art of Goodbye: A Closer Look at Emerging Trends in End-of-Life Rituals

Green or natural burial.

With increased access to information, survivors as consumers are seeking more alternatives to the conventional funeral. For some, tradition continues to inform, but for others, options are evolving and forming new possibilities. This 3-page document is part of a series which addresses end-of-life concerns, entitled The Art of Goodbye. The publication discusses family-directed funerals, certified celebrants, and green or natural burial. Written by Lynda Spence, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1478

The Art of Goodbye: Medicare Covers Advance Care Planning

Elderly person receiving assistance from a caregiver with everyday tasks. UF/IFAS Marisol Amador

This 4-page document is part of a series which addresses end-of-life concerns, entitled The Art of Goodbye. The publication discusses the Patient Self-Determination Act, advance care planning, and communication about advance care planning. Written by Lynda Spence, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2018.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1471

Effective Use of Genomics in Commercial Dairy Farms

Closeup of a bull.

Genomic selection refers to selection decisions based on genomic-estimated breeding values. These genomic breeding values are calculated using genetic markers across the entire genome. This technology has revolutionized dairy cattle breeding globally. This new 4-page fact sheet discusses the effects of genomics on dairy sire selection. Written by Francisco Peñagaricano, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an340

How Much Does Bad Hay Cost a Beef Cattle Producer?

Hay bales in a field.

Everyone likes a good bargain, but when it comes to hay, low price often equates to low nutritional value. Because hay is often sold on a large round-bale basis, savings from the good bargain can decrease substantially if there is a negative impact on the cow herd nutritional program. This 4-page fact sheet discusses intake limitations, energy limitations, protein limitations, examples of hay quality, and bad hay’s impact on cow body condition. Written by Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an339

The Art of Goodbye: Putting Your Legal and Financial Affairs in Order

Thinking, discussing, and acting ahead of time will help reduce the social discomfort associated with death and dying.

Making final legal and financial decisions can often be an uncomfortable and complex process. This 4-page document from The Art of Goodbye series is designed to help you consider your specific circumstances and gather the information you will need when talking with professionals who will work to carry out your wishes. Written by Brenda C. Williams, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1472

Next Stop: Job!

Two people during an interview. (UF/IFAS photo by Marisol Amador)Next Stop: Job is a multi-lesson program designed to teach youth, ages 14 and up, the skills necessary to obtain a job. Through videos and hands-on activities, youth learn essential job market skills, such as marketing, communication, writing skills, and financial literacy, to help them succeed in the workplace. This 28-page publication discusses cover letters, resumes, interviews, proper attire, and management of earnings. Written by Vanessa Spero-Swingle, Laura Cash, Laura Valencia, Gayle Whitworth, Karen Miliffe, and Shane Michael, and published by the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Department, June 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h377