Spending Tips

 

            The holiday season is fast approaching and that means that the gift buying is in full swing.  More and more Americans are using debit cards, some daily, and bringing the plastic debt to new record levels.  Vulnerable consumers need more reminders and help in the fight against accumulating debt.  Credit/Debit card sleeves with spending reminders have been created and are on the market.  The smart plastic consumer could also create their own version by just adding a sticky note to the card.  Here are some tips from the Institute of Consumer Financial Education about controlling the use of credit, debit and charge cards so that no one regrets the holiday spending season in January.

 

$       Reduce the number of cards you carry and just use one or two.

$       Use credit cards for purchases where you may need consumer protection on a warranty or a return, or mail order.

$       Return all unwanted credit cards, cut up in to pieces, to the card issuer

$       Keep unused cards in a safe place.

$       Carry credit cards separately from your wallet or purse.

$       Keep you card in view whenever you hand it to a merchant.

$       Destroy carbon papers on receipts.

$       Never lend your cards to anyone.

$       Promptly report questionable charges.

$       Avoid signing blank charge vouchers.

$       Don’t give card numbers out over the phone on calls you didn’t originate.

$       Enter charge purchases in your checkbook register as though they were a check.

 

 

Keep the following in mind when using credit, getting a loan or using a bank card:

 

$       Home mortgage

$       Automobile

$       The purchase of an item that will long out last the period of debt incurred to but it, and anything that in addition lowers other costs.  Example: using a credit to install storm windows and insulation in your home, which in turns lowers heating and cooling costs.

$       When the purchase is a necessity and not a luxury.  Be sure and have your priorities in order.

$       When it costs no more money to charge.

$       When you may need protection on a repair or a purchase (auto, appliances, mail orders).

 

When Credit Cards Are Bad:

$       Constant temptation to OVERSPEND.

$       Nonessential items purchased.

$       Impulsive spending increases.

$       Payments are late or only partially made.

$       Facing bankruptcy.

 

When Credit Cards Are Good:

$       Good identification (required for cashing checks and most car rentals).

$       Safe substitute for cash.

$       Automatic record keeping.

$       Consolidates many purchases into one payment.

$       Saves money when you can take advantage of a good sale (set priorities).

$       Orders can be placed easily by mail or phone.

$       You have leverage against the merchant when a problem arises.  Your dispute/claims get prompt attention when the merchant knows your payment can be delayed or disputed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Guests Are Coming!

Getting Linens in Shape

 

            Getting together with friends and family is what the holidays are all about! Whether guests are coming for an overnight or extended stay. The Soap and Detergent Association offers these helpful tips to increase the pleasure of entertaining and reduce the stress and anxiety that can go along with it.

 

Bedding Down

            If guest-room bedding, including comforters, quilts, blankets and mattress pads, haven’t been washed in the last three months, now’s the time to do it.  Sunlight and dust can take their toll on these items. They may also be dusty and/or musty.  Launder following the manufacturers’ instructions. Be aware that some blankets and comforters can be laundered at home.  Other may require professional cleaning.

 

Clean Towels on Hand

            Prepare and organize the linen closet so that towels are guest-ready.  Wash towels that have been stored for several months.  If they have a musty sell, use a laundry product that’s designed to eliminate odors.  A detergent with a bleach alternative will help keep the whites from becoming dull.

            Once the towels are clean and dry, store them within easy reach of guests.  Hand towel and face cloths can be rolled and stored in wicker baskets or layered on a self.  Larger towels can be folded and stacked in the linen closet.  Just be sure there are plenty of hooks or towel racks in the bathroom so guests will have a place to hang their towel while visiting.  If hanging space is at a premium in the bathroom, consider installing towels bars on the back of the guest-room door.

 

Wrinkle-free Linens

            Those extra sheets and blankets that have been tucked into the recesses of the linen closet are, at minimum, crushed and crumpled.  Choose a laundry detergent that has built-in wrinkle releasing properties so that once sheets and pillowcases are washed, they’ll keep that freshly-laundered look.  Good drying practices will also help keep wrinkles from setting in. For example, avoid over-drying, and remove items from the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished. For easy storage, sort sheets and pillowcases into sets.  Then fold and store them so that the entire set is tucked inside one of its sheets. 

            Table linens that are folded and stacked flat have an affinity for wrinkles during storage.  For tablecloths that are frequently used, consider hanging them on towel racks mounted to the back of the linen closet door.  Tablecloths used only for special occasions can be folded lengthwise, hung on sturdy coat hangers and stored in an off-season closet or on a garment rack. They can either be stored in a garment bag or enclosed with an old sheet or similar cover to prevent dust accumulation.

            When it’s time to use your linens, a quick treatment with a wrinkle-releasing spray will help smooth the fabric and remove wrinkles –without an iron.   Just spray evenly until the item is slightly damp.  Then tug and smooth away the wrinkles. Let the cloth hang until thoroughly dry. These same techniques can be used to treat most cloth napkins and table runners, too.  Read and follow the product label directions.

 

Fabric Refreshers

            Fabric refreshers are another popular product for busy hosts. They can cover up and neutralize odors on hard-to-wash fabrics and soft surfaces, such as carpets (after vacuuming), upholstery and curtains.  Spray the product evenly on fabric until it’s slightly damp. As the fabric dries, the odors fade away. Read and follow the product label directions before using.

 

Source: Cleanliness Facts – November/December 2003

 

 

 

Turnkey Turkey News

Resources:

 

Just the fat facts:

3.5-oz portion:                                    Fat (g)

Roast Beef                                                15.0

Turkey wing with skin                                12.3

Turkey leg with skin                                   11.5

Roasted ham                                               9.0

Turkey breast with skin                                7.3

Turkey leg, no skin                                      7.1

Turkey breast, no skin                                 0.7

   Source: USDA database

 

 

 

 

Cooking times for whole turkey:    oven at 325° F

 

Weight                                                  Hours

8 to 12 lb                                    3 to 3-1/2 hrs

12 to 14 lb                                  3-1/2 to 4 hrs

14 to 18 lb                                  4 to 4-1/4 hrs

18 to 20 lb                            4-1/4 to 4-3/4 hrs

20 to 24 lb                            4-3/4 to 5-1/4 hrs

 

Food Safety Resources:

USDA Meat & Poultry

Hotline Contact Info:

v     www.fsis.usda.gov

v     By phone: 1-888-MPHotline or                800-256-7072 (TDD/TTY)

v     Mphotline.fsis@usda.gov

 

 

Savory Roast Turkey Breast

     A turkey breast takes less time to cook than a whole bird, and it is ideal for smaller families and people who like only the white meat.  This dish is moist and flavorful and easy to prepare. A bonus is the easy cleanup!

 

Ingredients:

1 (5- to 5-1/2 lb) turkey breast

1 medium white onion

2 stalks of celery, cut in half

vegetable cooking spray

1-1/2 Tbsp lemon-pepper seasoning

1-1/2 tsp onion powder

1-1/2 tsp poultry seasoning

½ tsp paprika

1 browning bag

 

Remove and discard the skin from the turkey breast. Rinse the breast and pat it dry. Place the onion and celery into the breast cavity.   Spray it all over with cooking spray.  Combine the lemon-pepper seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture over the breast. Place it in a browning bag that has been prepared according to package directions.  Place the bag in a shallow baking pan and bake at 325 degrees F for one hour.  Then cut a slit in the top of the bag and bake until a meat thermometer registers 170 degrees F, about one hour.

     Transfer the breast to a serving platter and let it stand for 15 minutes before carving it into thin slices. Using the pan drippings to make a low fat gravy.

HCE News

 

Leader Lesson

     The lesson for January 2004 is “Identify Theft”.  This is a mail out and will be available by December 15th.  If you are in the vicinity and can stop by the Extension Office to pick up the information, please do.   The lesson for February will be presented January 22, 2004, 10:00 a.m. at the Blaine County Fairgrounds by Joy Rhodes.  The title is “101 Things to Do With A Cake Mix”.  Refreshments will be served and bring a guest as a prospective new member.

 

 

 

Santa’s Village & Holiday Bazaar

     Set up for Santa’s Village will be December 4th  & 5th.  A sign-up sheet to work in various capacities at the Village is now available.  We will need lots of willing working hands on Friday December 5th to get everything in shape.  Any extra help (husbands, sons, daughters, in-laws, etc.) are welcome to come out and lend a hand.   Please make every effort to help.  There are still a few booths spaces available for the Bazaar.  Contact Anita Woodruff, if you would like to rent one of these.

 

 

Award and Report Forms

    Every local vice-president has received award and report forms.  Please take a few minutes and apply for some of these awards.  We all do some really good things for our organization and communities.  This is one way to be recognized for this hard work.

 

 

Upcoming Events

Blaine County Spring Association Meeting-TBA

NW District HCE meet at Guymon – March 27