It was March 12 when we found out that offices were closed, and the following day that schools would be closed in our state. At that time, it was supposed to be for a two-week period, but now we have moved beyond that. While many are still working, others are laid off or furloughed. Even if you are still working, you may experience fluctuations in your income or even unexpected bills. Since the beginning, I have been keeping a list of resources shared by my friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
Now is the time to share them with you.
Several government agencies have pulled together resources for consumers. The list is not comprehensive and focuses primarily on finance related topics. An important note is that the federal tax filing deadline is extended from April 15 until July 15. Now if you are expecting a refund, you probably should not wait to file your taxes. You should also check the filing requirements for your state. Maryland residents have a filing date of July 15. Click on the links below for government resources in response to COVID-19.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Payment Deadline Extended
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Cooperative Extension has responded with resources available for food preservation, nutrition, mindfulness, and finance. Most of the links provided will focus on finances, as that is the role I serve with Extension. The most important item to remember is that you need a plan. Figure out your current situation and develop a plan in case your situation changes. Always seek credible resources for information. There are people out there that are trying to take advantage of you in this challenging environment. The Cooperative Extension resources listed below are credible. You should also check the Extension resources available in your state.
- University of Maryland Extension
- Preparing Your Farm for the Impacts of COVID-19
- Health and Food Safety
- Stress and Financial Resources
- North Dakota State University
- When Prices Rise: Living on Your Income
- What To Do When Your Income Drops
- University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Living Resourcefully
- Making the Most of Your Stimulus Benefit
- Money Tips
- University of Florida
- Preventative Measures
- Staying Healthy at Home
- Work & Finances
- Managing Stress & Anxiety
- Agricultural & Food Service Industries
- University of Georgia
- When Your Income Drops
- University of Tennessee Extension
- Steps to Stabilize Your Financial Situation
- Identifying Your Resources
- Triaging Your Debt During a Money Crunch
- Other Publications on Health, Wellness, and Finance
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension
- Financial Resources to Help get Through COVID-19
I am a member of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS). The organization has pulled together a list of resources around emergency preparedness, cleaning, hand washing, and food safety, family resources, and financial wellness resources. Click here for its COVID-19 resources.
Some parents are looking for free resources to teach your children at home.
- University of Tennessee (Personal Finance from a Distance: Free Online Resources for High School Teachers
- Learning While Away From School: Resources for Teaching Children About Money)
- University of Minnesota Extension (Youth and Money Resources)
Colleagues have sent me other resources as pdf files. If you are interested in them, please email me at jketterm@umd.edu.
It is important to keep in mind that this situation is temporary. Stay positive as this will pass. During difficult times, you need to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Take time to unplug and stop reading all of the negative coverage.
Stay healthy.