by Pam Allen | Nov 18, 2017
Slow Cooking
Photo credit: Pamela Allen
With the weather changing and cooler temperatures on the way, get out the slow cooker for simmering soups and stews that will be waiting for you when you get home. Slow cookers are popular and allow us the convenience of prepping ahead of time and having a hot cooked dish when we get home from a long day of work. The advantage of slow cooking is to set it and then forget it. Stirring is not usually required and remember to keep the lid on as the food simmers. Today’s slow cookers are food safe and keep food at a safe temperature of 170˚F to 280˚F. The low heat allows use of less expensive and leaner cuts of meat as the slow cooking will tenderize and shrink less.
Cooking with a slow cooker means planning ahead but the payoff is a great meal. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before like chopping of vegetables, cutting up the meat and gathering the other items and have them handy for the next morning. Remember to refrigerate all items needing refrigerating until it is time to place in the slow cooker.
Here are some tips or using your slow cooker safely and economically.
- Start with a clean cooker and utensils. Always use a clean work area and make sure to wash your hands during the preparation.
- Keep perishables refrigerated until ready to use. Store meat and vegetables separately if preparing ahead of time.
- Always thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. If frozen pieces are used, they will not reach 140° quick enough and could possibly result in a foodborne illness.
- Keep in mind to not lift the lid unnecessarily during the cooking cycle. Each time the lid is raised, the internal temperature drops 10 to 15 degrees and the cooking process is slowed by 30 minutes.
- After enjoying your meal, do not leave cooked food to cool down in the cooker. Store leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate immediately.
- Do not overload the slow cooker. Fill to a minimum of 1/2 full and a maximum of 2/3 full.
Try some of these favorite recipes to get you started:
Hamburger Soup
2 pounds lean ground beef, browned and drained
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
5-6 cups tomato juice
1 cup stewed tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup sliced carrots
2 cups sliced green beans, fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
salt & pepper to taste
Place browned meat in slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for at least 5 hours. Makes 6 servings.
Old-Fashioned Chicken & Rice
2½ cups chicken broth
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast meat, cut into 1-inch pieces or strips
1½ cups long grain rice, uncooked
¼ cup fresh parsley, minced or
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 cup chopped onion
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 (6-ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, undrained
¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is no longer pink and rice is plumped tender.
Favorite Beef Stew
3 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, cut in 1-inch cubes
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut in 1-inch cubes
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in slow cooker in order listed. Stir just enough to mix seasonings throughout. Cover and cook on LOW for 10-12 hours, or on HIGH for 5-6 hours. Makes 6-8 servings.
by Judy Corbus | Oct 10, 2017
Photo credit: Judy Corbus
The recent security breach at Equifax from mid-May through July 2017 exposed the personal information of 143 million people; this included Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and driver license numbers. You may be wondering, “Am I affected?” and, if so, “What should I do now?”
First, find out if your information was exposed at https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact/. Make sure you are on a secure computer and an encrypted network connection. Even if your information was not exposed, U.S. consumers can get a year of free credit monitoring and other services. The site will give you a date when you can come back to enroll. Write down the date and return to the site and click “Enroll” on that date. You have until November 21, 2017 to enroll.
Order your free credit reports annually through the federally authorized web site www.annualcreditreport.com. You are allowed one free report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Your credit reports will provide a detailed history that may better alert you to credit fraud.
Consider a credit freeze. A credit security freeze prevents credit reporting agencies from releasing your credit report or information from it, with a few exceptions, unless you lift the freeze. A credit freeze prevents identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name but it won’t prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts. It also does not prevent non-credit related frauds, such as tax refund identity theft and health insurance fraud. For these, consumers are advised to “be vigilant.”
You must request a credit freeze with each agency. In Florida, the fee to place a freeze is $10 with each agency for persons under age 65. If you are 65 or older or have been a victim of identity theft, the fee is waived. Currently, Equifax is waiving fees. You will need to lift the freeze if you want to open a new account, change insurance policies, rent housing, or sign up for new utilities or phone service – any transaction requiring a credit check. The fee to lift the freeze, either temporarily or permanently, is $10 per agency and it may take up to three business days for the lift to take effect.
Credit freeze requests may be made online, by phone, or by certified U.S. mail. Be patient and persistent, as many consumers are filing requests; websites often get overloaded temporarily. Below is the contact information for each credit reporting agency for each contact method:
Online
Equifax: https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp
Experian: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze/place-credit-freeze
Telephone
Equifax: 800-685-1111
Experian: 888-397-3742
TransUnion: 888-909-8872
U.S. Mail
Equifax: Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348
Experian: Experian, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion: TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
For mailed security freeze requests, include the following information in a cover letter format:
- Full name (with middle initial) and former name, if applicable
- Current address and former addresses within the last five years
- Social Security number
- Full date of birth (month, day, year)
- Signature
- Photocopies of two forms of identification, such as a government-issued identity card and proof of residence such as phone bill or utility company bill.
For more information, visit: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Consumer-Resources/Scams-and-Fraud/Identity-Theft/Security-Freeze-Credit-Report
Federal Trade Commission – steps to take to protect your information:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-do
Adapted from:
The Equifax Data Breach: What to Do, Federal Trade Commission
Equifax Security Breach: Steps to Protect Yourself, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
To Freeze or Not to Freeze My Credit Report?, University of Illinois Extension
Credit Freeze Information in the Wake of the Equifax Hack, Rutgers University Extension
by Judy Corbus | Oct 10, 2017
Photo credit: Judy Corbus
If you have been affected by the recent Equifax data breach, you may be exploring your options as to what to do next. All three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, give you the option of placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your file. So, what is the difference between a fraud alert and a credit freeze?
Fraud Alert
When you activate an initial fraud alert on your report, a business must verify your identity before it issues credit, so it may try to contact you. This can make it more difficult for an identity thief to open new accounts in your name. The initial fraud alert stays on your report for 90 days and you can renew it at the end of the 90-day period. Fraud alerts are free and the credit reporting agency you call must tell the other agencies about your alert. It also allows you to order a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies. Be sure the credit reporting agencies have your current contact information so they can reach you.
You can place an extended fraud alert on your credit file if you have created an Identity Theft Report. With an extended alert, you can get two free credit reports within 12 months from each of the three credit reporting agencies, and the agencies must take your name off marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years, unless you request to be added back to the lists. The extended alert lasts for seven years.
Credit Freeze
A credit freeze generally stops all access to your credit report. If you wish to open a new account, apply for a job, rent an apartment, buy insurance, refinance your mortgage – any transaction requiring a credit check – you must contact the credit reporting agency to lift the freeze, either temporarily or permanently. You will get a PIN to use each time you wish to freeze or unfreeze your account. In most states, there is a fee to activate a freeze as well as to lift it – usually around $10 for each and per credit reporting agency. There also is a lead time before the freeze is lifted so you would need to arrange for it in advance or be prepared to wait a few days if you planned to apply for credit. Cost and freeze lift lead times may vary so you may wish to check your state’s law or contact the credit reporting agency in advance. In most states, a credit freeze lasts until you lift it; in a few states, it expires after seven years. Click here for the Florida Statute regarding consumer security freezes.
A credit freeze may not prevent misuse of your current accounts or other types of identity theft, such as tax refund identity theft and health insurance fraud. Also, companies with whom you do business still would have access to your credit report for some purposes.
So, fraud alert or credit freeze? It depends a lot on what you have coming up in the near future. If you’re planning to apply for a loan or mortgage, you will have to unfreeze and freeze with each application – consider the cost and time involved. If you are not planning to apply for new credit, then a credit freeze may be a good option for you.
For more information on credit fraud alerts and freezes, visit:
Place a Fraud Alert and Extended Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes
Sources:
Federal Trade Commission – Place a Fraud Alert
Federal Trade Commission – Extended Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes
Federal Trade Commission – Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze – Which is Right for You?
UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County – Equifax Security Breach: Steps to Protect Yourself
by jbreslawski | Feb 24, 2017
Nationally, America Saves Week is an annual opportunity to promote good personal savings behavior!
More locally, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is collaborating with America Saves in a campaign to help Floridians build wealth, not debt! The Florida Saves, (floridasaves.org) statewide initiative has been officially endorsed by Jeff Atwater chief financial officer for the state of Florida. Why? Because research shows that, too many households with an unexpected expense of just $400 could be thrown into a financial crisis! This means a clog in the sink or a broken freezer could easily send a family into debt.
During Florida Saves Week, February 27 to March 4, 2017 UF/IFAS is urging residents to pledge to set a goal and start saving! Like our Florida Saves Facebook page to keep up with the latest info.
Saving money for an emergency makes good sense. Families with money saved for an emergency are less likely to face financial stress, less likely to fall behind on their bills, and less likely to deal with subprime alternative money sources that have higher costs than conventional options.
Make a commitment to yourself and take the Florida Saves pledge to help you reach your savings and debt reduction goals. Additionally, Florida Saves will motivate you with periodic information, advice, tips and reminders sent by email or text message to help you reach your savings goal. Paying yourself first, saving your tax refund, and saving automatically are just a few ways that Florida Saves encourages you to build wealth and reduce debt.
Plus, this year Floridians who pledge to become a saver can enter to win $50 to be put toward reaching their financial goals by completing a short survey after setting a goal and signing the Florida Saves pledge.
Want to win more? Take a video or photo to share your savings story and follow the link to enter to win a national prize of $1,000 in theAmerica Saves http://www.americasavesweek.org/imsavingfor/ contest.
Take the pledge at floridasaves.org Set a goal and make a plan!
by Heidi Copeland | Jan 23, 2017
In the early 70’s Gary Iskowitz, was doing graduate work as well as teaching tax law while working for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agency. Mr. Iskowitz saw a growing problem with questionable tax preparers who were scamming low-income people in his area. He did not like what he saw! Consequently, he proposed that he train a minimal number (10) of likeminded student volunteers to go into the community to prepare free tax returns for underserved residents. People lined up around the block waiting for them.
The following year, almost 100 students were recruited and trained to prepare free tax returns for low-income residents. The rest, they say, is history!
This college-volunteer effort significantly strengthened the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Now, more than 40 years later, VITA is still going strong.
VITA is still designed to promote and support free tax preparation service for the underserved, in both urban and non-urban locations. Service is targeted to low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speaking.
Why? Just as in Gary Iskowitz’ time, this program is an effort to provide both a valuable community service and a powerful learning experience for the participants. Not only does a tax payer get their taxes done for free, the local community benefits from the monies spent by the tax payer. Plus, the IRS is pleased because citizens are in compliance with federal law.
Volunteers come from the local communities they serve.
If you plan to take advantage of any of the VITA programs this year, be sure to bring the proper documentation. A return cannot be prepared without the appropriate certification.
And know that in an effort to stop fraudulent tax return payments, beginning in 2017, if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) on your tax return, the IRS must hold your refund until at least February 15 — even the portion not associated with EITC or ACTC.
What to Bring to Your Local VITA Site:
- Proof of identification (photo ID)
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return or a Social Security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
- Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
- Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements
Start 2017 off right! Being well-organized and getting your information together can save you a lot of time and maybe even money!
by Melanie Taylor | Dec 5, 2016
As the holiday season quickly approaches many people become overwhelmed with all of the activities, decorating, and shopping that needs to be completed. Here are a few tips to save energy, time and your nerves.
Let’s begin with 5 Steps to Seasonal Savings:
- Recognize Your Seasonal Stressors: Know your personal stressors—such as family, friends, work, travel, social outings and traditions (both old and new)—then you can be less stressed this holiday season. Marketing ploys sneak into every stressor, and retailers want to ensure they get their piece of the holiday pie by using marketing gimmicks to lure you into shopping with them. Do you find yourself with the overwhelming desire to get everything on your child’s list? If so, consider going without a list or setting limits, and communicate with your child. Often, parents do not involve their children in the holiday spending process. Children need help recognizing when and how they have been targeted and persuaded to want the latest and greatest item. Children also need to understand that a budget is necessary and saying “no” to an overpriced item is okay.
- Develop a Holiday Spending Plan—Make a Budget: Ask yourself: How much have I saved? How much can I save before the holidays? Am I comfortable creating debt? Am I comfortable saying “no”?Start with knowing how much you can spend and create a spending plan, which is critical for successful money management for the holidays and all year long. A few dollars from your paycheck each week adds up quickly over a year. You can also take advantage of weekly automatic transfers into your bank account, or join a holiday savings club at a local credit union. If your holiday budget shows you are spending more money than you have, then you’ll likely take on debt. If this is the case, you should also create a plan for paying off purchases made with credit. Prioritize your purchases and consider omitting purchases that require taking on debt.
- Develop a Holiday Spending Plan—Create a List and Stick to It: Make sure you have a list of everyone you plan to buy for during the holidays and of other additional expenses. Decorations, cards, postage, gift wrap, food/entertainment, and travel are additional costs that can drastically impact the holiday budget. Don’t forget to use catalogs, internet surfing for comparison shopping, and barcode scanning apps. Shopping online also limits impulse purchases, and it allows you to avoid long lines, huge crowds, and the lure to eat out while shopping. Be sure to use coupons whenever possible, and be sure to take advantage of the year-end sales. Once you’ve researched and set your budget, you’re ready to start shopping.
- Alternatives to Pricey Presents: If you have a large family, start by thinking outside the box. Consider a gift exchange by drawing names from a hat, which can allow you to put more thought than money into selecting a single gift. You can also buy a single gift for an entire family—perhaps an entertainment basket filled with DVDs and microwave popcorn. Oftentimes, thoughtful and more creative gifts can come from shopping with local businesses. Locally grown fruits and vegetables, honey, or an item from a local artist are just a few suggestions of local products. If you are feeling crafty, then you could make and give holiday arrangements such as centerpieces and decorations. Another idea for the holidays is to donate to a charity in someone’s name instead of gift giving. You can even take the idea of giving to charity to your office. Pool money you would have spent on gifts with your participating colleagues, draw a colleague’s name, and donate the money to a charity of his or her choice. Another gift idea for close friends and/or family is the “gift of time.” Create a coupon book or certificate that gives a loved one the gift of your time (a specific chore, a trip to the park, babysitting, slumber party for the kids).
- Fine-Tuning Your Financials: Use cash and/or debit cards when at all possible. Money coming directly out of your pocket will likely make you think harder about your purchase. If you are going to use a credit card, make sure you have a plan in place to pay it off when the bill is due. You also need to understand the allure of paying with credit. When you’re not paying with “real” money, your buying can easily get out of control, and the shopping process may not seem as painful in that moment. It may be appropriate to tell your older children how much they each have in the budget for holiday spending. When the family is on the same page, it can alleviate some stress. Refocus your family’s thoughts from the material goods to the real meaning of giving and receiving. Knowing your specific situation, making informed decisions, and communicating with loved ones can reduce the effects of holiday stressors.
Let’s take a look at some affordable and DIY Christmas gifts that will be truly appreciated by the recipient.
For the gardener in your life:
Terrarium Kit
Materials:
- One – 3 1/2″ x 7″ canning jar with top
- Small stones (enough to fill 1 inch in jar) You can buy pretty river rocks at your local garden shop or just collect some stones outside.
- A few tablespoons of activated charcoal (found at any pet store’s aquarium section)
- 1 small Ziploc bag
- 3 1/2″ x 5 1/4″ printed terrarium instructions card on card stock (download from witandwhistle.com or create your own)Step 2: Slide an instruction card into the front of the jar. Secure the card amongst the rocks. Step 4: If you’re feeling crafty you could add a decoration or two (plastic or clay mini mushrooms, insects, gnomes, fairies, etc.) in your terrarium kit.
- Step 5: Tie some twine or ribbon around the jar, and you’re done. You don’t even need to wrap it!
- Step 3: Pour a few tablespoons of activated charcoal into a small Ziploc bag and add it to the jar.
- Step 1: Put about an inch of small stones in the bottom of a jar.
For the spa lover in your life:
Basic Silk Bath Bomb
Materials:
- 1 cup Citric Acid (found in canning section of grocery store)
- 3 cups Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Essential Oil (purchase at local health food store)
- Witch Hazel Spritz (purchase in pharmacy section)
- Dry Pigment Colorant – if using
- Round mold to shape the bath bomb (Molds are round plastic ornaments found at your local craft store.)
- Directions:
- Blend the citric acid and baking soda—add colorant and fragrance oil.
- Spritz, Witch Hazel onto your batch using a squirt bottle with one hand while stirring with the other until the bomb sticks together when squished. (it will have the consistency of wet sand)
- Form the bomb in the molds.
- Air-dry for 3 or 4 hours spritzing a few times – allow to set overnight (The Witch Hazel forms a crust on the outside that prevents them from cracking and falling apart; however, they’re still fragile)
- Wrap in tissue paper or cellophane. Tie a bow and you’re done.
Other DIY ideas…homemade soaps, herb infused oils, jams and jellies, baked goods, hot cocoa mix, etc.
When we think of the holidays, we often think about family, togetherness, giving, and celebrating. While the holiday season should be a time of enjoyment, there are many events associated with the season that can cause stress. Remember, in the long run the memories will be of time spent together, not the gifts they received. So, be sure to plan ahead, take a deep breath, and enjoy the special holiday moments.
If you have further questions, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office.
Resources:
“Five Steps to Seasonal Savings” – UF/IFAS EDIS Publication #FCS5267
“Managing Stress During the Holidays” – UF/IFAS EDIS Publication #FCS5266
witandwhistle.com
