Home > Money & Business > Personal Finance > Money Management > You will survive financially hard times [Image: finacial crisis] You’re not alone if you’re experiencing financial pain during these tough times. The number of people claiming unemployment benefits has reached a record number, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Dozens of big businesses have announced massive layoffs. Some workers are keeping their jobs but finding their salaries cut. Retirees watch while their nest eggs dwindle in value. Lost Your Job? Financial Survival Tips for the Recession Financial Survival Tips for the Recession Pet Ownership Costs Pet care costs become even more of an issue during a recession. Before adding a new pet to your family, assess what you can afford based on annual cost estimates for various types of pets. Holiday Spending: Keep Control, Have a Plan [Image: Paying shopping bills] The nation’s financial crisis is casting a shadow on Christmas. Unemployment rates are high, and budgets are tight. The financial uncertainty has many people cutting back this holiday season. LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker recommends approaching spending this season the way one should every year – with a plan and a budget, even if that budget is smaller this year.  more articles... Considering a Pet? Pet care costs: Cost-to-own is a relevant consideration for pet ownership. Even a free and healthy pet can cost more than $1,000 a year to maintain. Be sure you can afford the ownership costs for the projected life time of the animal you are considering for a pet. Stretching Your Food Dollar There are lots of ways you can stretch your food dollar. You can save by packing your own lunch, eating out less, and by bringing snacks, coffee or soft drinks from home. There are ways to save on groceries too. The Effect of Federal Rate Cuts on Consumers We hear and read about Federal Reserve rate changes, but we don't always understand how they affect us as consumers. The Fed's rate changes take time to filter down through the economy to consumers. Rate changes can be good news / bad news scenarios. What's the bottom line for you as a consumer? 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. Bill-paying Responsibility Looms For Teens Leaving The Nest Independent spending decisions quickly become an everyday routine for college students, but that independence assumes a financial freedom that most young adults are not prepared to handle, according to LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. What Color Is Your Money? [Image: What color is your money?] Money values can cause conflict in relationships. Financial issues are among the leading causes of divorce. Stress and health problems can be cause by worry over money. We learn our money values from many sources. What does money mean to you? Test yourself now. How to Handle Checking Account Problems Account verification companies keep track of overdrafts and account closures for banks and credit unions. If you believe there are errors on your record, disputes can be filed with the companies. Family Economist Offers Tips to Teens Leaving the Nest (Distributed 7/11/03) Moving away from home for the first time is a pivotal moment in life. It is one of the rights of passage from youth to adulthood, according to LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Family Economist Outlines Budgeting for College (Distributed 7/11/03) Financing a college education is often a partnership involving the student, family, school and lending agency. LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker encourages college students to find out each partner’s responsibility. Click for more information...