This new publication discusses the costs and long-term benefits associated with the implementation of food safety programs. This 5-page fact sheet covers the history of HACCP, costs associated with the application of food safety programs, reasons to improve food safety, and the financial impact of foodborne illnesses. Written by Annelys Hessing, Renée Goodrich Schneider, Alan Gutierrez, Rachael Silverberg, Michael S. Gutter, and Keith R. Schneider, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, October 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs270
Tag: Michael S. Gutter
Building Impactful Extension Programs by Understanding How People Change
Extension is reported to be one of the world’s most successful change agencies, and the ability to encourage behavior change remains critical to its success. This 7-page fact sheet describes an approach to understanding how Extension audiences move through the process of change as a means of delivering meaningful programming at the most appropriate level. Written by Laura A. Warner, Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez, and Michael S. Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, December 2014. (Photo:iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc189
An Introduction to Annuities
An annuity contract is purchased from a life insurance company. The individual gives the insurance company a lump-sum payment or a series of payments. In return, the company will provide a stream of payments to the individual. Although an annuity is purchased from a life insurance company, it serves a different purpose than life insurance. Below is a chart comparing life insurance to annuities.
This 4-page fact sheet was written by Michael S. Gutter and Lisa Leslie, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1406
Five Steps to Seasonal Savings
When the holiday season is over you may find yourself saying: “Why did I spend all of that money? Why did I wait until the last minute to shop? I don’t even want to think about how long it will take to pay off the credit cards. I hope I didn’t take too much money out of the ATM. Did I buy my mom the same gift twice? I should have had a plan.” By following a few simple steps, you can end this post-holiday hangover. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Ricki McWilliams, Julie Pigott-Dillard, and Michael Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, January 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1405
Mutual Funds (FCS5266/FY1351)
Mutual funds are open-end investment companies that use a pool of many investors’ money to buy shares of different investments. They can be an effective way for the average investor to build a diverse portfolio. Although these funds come with fees, taxes, and, in the case of load funds, commissions, an investor still has the potential to achieve positive returns and beat inflation. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Lisa Leslie and Michael S. Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1351
Cutting Costs to Live Within Your Income (FCS7009/HE153)
Developing self-control of your spending is a basic step in cutting the cost of living. Some families are able to afford what they want, even on a limited income. This may result from having more experience or greater skills. You probably know specific things you could do to reduce spending. These suggestions may work for you. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Josephine Turner, Michael S. Gutter, and Nayda I. Torres, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he153
Coping with a Money Crunch: Values, Goals, and Standards (FCS7006/FY228)
As a consumer, having an array of choices is usually a good thing. But having to make choices can also be a problem. New products, services, and ways of doing things are being developed all the time. It’s even more difficult to make decisions when you’re experiencing a money crunch. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Michael S. Gutter, Josephine Turner, and Katey Walker, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy228
Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plans (FCS5258b/FY1286)
A financially secure retirement is a goal for many workers, and the ability to achieve that plan can be helped by employer-sponsored retirement plans. Learn more in this 3-page fact sheet written by Rachel Dorman, Lisa M. Leslie, Michael S. Gutter, Martie Gillen, and Josephine Turner, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1286
Individual Retirement Accounts (FCS5258/FY642)
An individual retirement account (IRA) is a good tool to build retirement funds. This type of account has been offered since 1974 and comes with special tax advantages. An IRA can be opened through a financial institution such as a bank, credit union, mutual fund company, or brokerage firm. Learn more in this 4-page fact sheet written by Rachel Dorman, Lisa M. Leslie, Michael S. Gutter, Martie Gillen, and Josephine Turner, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy642
Be Prepared: Tips for Assembling a Low-Cost Disaster Kit (FCS9313/FY1284)
Being prepared can increase your speed of recovery from severe events such as flooding, drought, tornado, hurricane, winter storms, or even being stranded because of a car problem. According to the Red Cross and FEMA three steps of preparation are: Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed. While pre-assembled kits are available for purchase, assembling your own can cost less and ensures that the kit includes items that are appropriate to your family’s needs. Remember when planning to include all members of your family including pets. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Elizabeth D. Kiss and Michael S. Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1284
Consumer Debt Management Options (FCS7245/FY1278)
When a consumer has unwanted debt or high amounts of debt, there are different options that can help eliminate or decrease their debt level. However, it is important to choose the right option. This 5-page fact sheet describes some of the debt-management options that are available to consumers. Written by Lisa M. Leslie, Elaine Courtney, Julie England, and Michael S. Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1278
Family Money Problems (FCS7011/HE155)
More money will not necessarily give you more happiness and contentment in life; but it can, provided you learn to manage it. This 6-page fact sheet is published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he155
Impacts of Technological Disasters (FCS9265/FY1230)
Technological disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill can be stressful. This publication reports on the impacts of technological disasters and offers some guidelines for families that are dealing with stress related to the oil spill. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Megan Donovan, Suzanna Smith, Heidi Radunovich, and Michael Gutter , and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1230
Money and Marriage: Saving for Future Use (FCS7014/HE158)
There are a lot of good reasons why you should save money. This 5-page fact sheet explains some of the benefits of saving and investing. Written by Nayda I. Torres, Vervil Mitchell, Josephine Turner, Lisa Leslie, and Michael S. Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he158
FCS3305/FY1105 Reverse Mortgages: Understanding the Basics
FCS3305, a 7-page fact sheet by Michael S. Gutter, Selena Garrison, Brent Litchfield, and Lisa Leslie, describes this type of tax-free loan that can be used to help fund retirement – requirements, cost considerations, alternatives, types of reverse mortgages, fees and interest, limitations, distribution types, and types of unscrupulous practices. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1105
FCS7240/FY1109 Managing in Tough Times: Downsized — Job Loss and Retirement Plans
FCS7240, a 5-page fact sheet by Brandon Butcher, Michael S. Gutter, and Brent Litchfield, answers some common questions individuals may have about what happens to retirement plans when the employee leaves a job. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1109
FCS5205/FY374 Financial Recordkeeping: Organizing Your Financial Life
Revised! FCS5205, a 4-page fact sheet by Selena Garrison, Michael S. Gutter, Julie England, Josephine Turner, and Nayda Torres, addresses what financial and personal documents individuals should keep and why, how long they should be kept, and where they should be stored. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY374
FCS7238/FY1106 Managing in Tough Times: Downsized – Maintaining Your Access to Health Care
FCS7238, a 3-page fact sheet by Michael S. Gutter and Selena Garrison, describes the rights that people have for insurance continuation and portability under COBRA and HIPPA, and strategies people might use for paying for unplanned health care coverage expenses. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1106
FCS7239/FY1107 Managing in Tough Times: Building Your Assets by Volunteering and Networking
FCS7239, a 5-page fact sheet by Selena Garrison, Michael S. Gutter, and Lynda Spence, describes strategies job seekers can use to market themselves to their communities and potential employers by volunteering and using online networking resources. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1107
FCS3306/FY1108 Florida Renter’s Guide to Foreclosure
FCS3306, a 2-page fact sheet by Michael S. Gutter and Brent Litchfield, describes for renters the protections provided in the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009, and how to interact with the previous landlord so as to minimize the potential hazards of this disruptive process. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1108