Many Iowans have experienced a sudden income drop, yet the bills keep coming. In these uncertain times, it is important to make decisions based on trustworthy information and to take action sooner rather than later.

Because ISU Extension and Outreach staff are currently working from home, Iowans are invited to reach out to our Human Sciences Extension financial educators by telephone or email. Confidential individual conversations can help walk through ideas and options to create or revise a budget, set priorities for bill payment, connect with community resources to stretch incomes and other personal financial issues–free of charge. Barb Wollan, ISU human sciences specialist in family finance, can share trusted web-based resources, tools and worksheets used or developed by ISU Extension and Outreach. Contact her at bwollan@iastate.edu or leave a message at 515-832-9597. Note: when Barb returns your call she will likely call from a blocked personal phone number. Or leave a phone message at Extension’s toll-free Iowa Concern hotline (800-447-1985) to have someone get back to you.

For more information visit the Human Sciences Extension’s Managing Personal Finances in Tough Times webpage (www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/disaster-recovery).