Home > Money & Business > Personal Finance > Parish Credit Scores [Image: Parish credit scores] LSU AgCenter personnel surveyed parish-specific credit scores using Experian National Score Index of Feb. 2008. Louisiana consumers have an average credit score of 672. At 20 points below the national average of 692, Louisiana ranks near the bottom nationally, with 48 states having higher average credit scores. Spouse’s poor credit score could lower yours (Distributed 01/15/08) You’ve taken good care all your adult life to pay bills on time and maintain a high credit score. You expect your high rating to continue after marriage, but it could drop if your new spouse has a low credit score. Financial tips offered for marital harmony (Distributed 01/15/08) The church and reception hall are reserved, the dress is selected, the invitations are addressed, the photographer and caterer are ready. You might even have your new residence “ready-to-go.” Financial Security in Later Life [Image: USDA logo] Preparing for retirement and potential long-term care costs takes planning, saving and debt control.  more articles... Prepare For Holiday Purchase Problems Problems occasionally occur with items purchased as holiday gifts, but being prepared to handle those problems can go a long way in making the season more festive for you, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. New Year’s Resolutions Can Affect Family Finances Many New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten by the first of February. However, resolving to take control of your family finances can have a positive effect on your financial position in the coming months and on your long-term goals, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Plan Ahead To Keep Santa Out Of Debt [Image: Man with Laptop and credit card] Every year thousands of Americans go into debt over the holidays because Santa and his elves went a little over budget. With holiday shopping, rising gas prices and hosting holiday parties, it is no wonder we have trouble staying out of debt. Protect Identity Theft During The Holidays Consumers must be cautious of identity thieves when shopping during the holiday season, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Plan Holiday Spending To Avoid Seasonal Stress It's that time of year when stores are luring holiday shoppers. But before you get caught up in the frenzy, you should take stock of how much money you have available for holiday spending. Understand Ground Rules For Purchasing And Using Gift Cards Sixty-six percent of shoppers are planning to purchase a gift card this year, with sales expected to top $55.5 billion. Gift cards are great for holiday giving – recipients love the option to pick out the exact item, color and size that they want, and givers enjoy their one-size-fits-all convenience and easy availability. Be On Guard When Shopping For Holiday Gifts Online Online shopping in the United States rises approximately 30 percent each holiday season, because it can save time, money and effort. But sizing up your finds on the Internet is a little different from checking out items at a mall or shop, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Exercise Caution with Credit; Don't Overextend During Holidays The excitement and rush of the holiday season often lead people to overextend themselves financially. That means this is the season to exercise caution so you avoid getting caught in the "credit trap". Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Less This Year (Distributed 11/09/07) When Louisiana cooks shop for their Thanksgiving meal, they’ll find the cost of the basic dinner items will average $36.31 for 10 people, according to an LSU AgCenter survey of Baton Rouge-area prices. That’s down by $3.50 from last year’s average of $39.81 – a 9 percent drop. Federal Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements in 2006-2008 [Image: federal tax credits] Uncle Sam is encouraging taxpayers to invest in energy-efficient home improvements and systems that use renewable sources of energy (like the sun). For tax years 2006 through 2008, the federal Energy Act is allowing tax credits (dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount owed) of up to $500 to reward certain energy-efficient improvements made over those three years. More...