Solutions for better living

Every county office has received copies of "Solutions for Better Living in These Tough Economic Times." This publication is written for Missourians who may be going through a difficult time - loss of income, rising food costs, mortgage payments - and need help managing with limited means. Throughout the magazine, readers will find organizations to contact for assistance. The publication gives information and tips on saving money around your home, choosing credit, protecting yourself against identity theft, Missouri landlord-tenant law, food prices, health care and relationship issues. The $4 mailing cost may be prohibitive but every county Web site can provide a link to the Web version at http://missourifamilies.org/toughtimes. At the bottom of the page, there is a link to a way cool Flash version of the magazine that is easy to read and fun to use.

Another opportunity to promote the timely publication is to add a blurb to your e-mail signature. Everyone should be using a signature on all outgoing mail, ie name, title, University of Missouri Extension, address, phone and e-mail address. If you are not using a signature on all outgoing mail, check out the Microsoft Outlook Help tutorial for "Create and include a signature in outgoing messages." When responding to an e-mail, you can manually toggle the signature to be included also. Be creative with your promos at the end of the signature and change them every few months. For example, you can add this sentence at the end of your e-mail signature:

Solutions for Better Living in These Tough Economic Times, a collection of tips for saving money and strengthening the family, is available online at http://missourifamilies.org/toughtimes.

Other ideas:

Extension InfoNet is your source for relevant, practical answers to real life questions, available 24-7 online at http://extension.missouri.edu/EXTENSIONINFONET.

For a day of good fishing and family fun, consider visiting the Mary A. McGennis Agricultural Park and Youth Center. The 160-acre recreational facility, open to the public, is located in Rich Hill, Mo. More info is available online at http://www.mcgennisyouthcenter.org/index.htm.