A sudden reduction in family income can be a traumatic experience, both psychologically and financially. The hardship can be minimized with a proactive approach.

Homeowners have shared with Extension some of the common misconceptions about flood insurance that caused them to suffer financial losses greater than they expected.

The devastation and destruction of Hurricane Katrina prompted financial institutions to develop emergency preparedness plans to provide cash and other basic financial services to their customers quickly and safely.

Some unscrupulous lenders are using misinformation and high-pressure tactics to prey on vulnerable homeowners. There is no clear-cut definition of a predatory loan, but LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker says that it is the result of a lender misleading, tricking and sometimes coercing someone into taking out a home loan at excessive costs and without regard to the homeowner’s ability to repay.

Rent-to-own purchase contracts are popular. Their appeal is great, but if your goal is to own the item, those low weekly payments can add up to a high total cost.

The devastation following a natural disaster provides increased opportunities for identity thieves. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years – and thousands of dollars – cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of their good names.

It is important to keep a variety of factors in mind as you attempt to cope with job loss. This document provides tips and strategies for coping.

The following steps should be taken to file an insurance claim for disaster damage to your home.

If you rent or lease an apartment, house or business building and the structure is damaged in a natural disaster, read your lease carefully to determine what you need to do regarding damages, terminating the lease, securing temporary housing and other matters.

Although your policy may not cover flood damage to your home, it does offer some protection from loss caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

Natural disasters often bring an influx of con artists looking for ways to take advantage of the suffering and confusion. Consider these tips to protect yourself and your money.

These tips will help you benefit from your good credit and to ensure that your credit record is not harmed in the wake of disaster.

After a disaster strikes, whether it is a hurricane, flood, or tornado, you could find yourself without a job and needing a source of income. The Louisiana Department of Labor responds to disasters with unemployment insurance benefits and disaster unemployment assistance.

The Disaster Recovery Centers have representatives from federal, state, local, and volunteer agencies on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.

Con artists unfortunately will be looking for ways to take advantage of the suffering and confusion in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Louisiana families impacted by disaster often experience a sudden reduction in income that can be financially and emotionally traumatic. Reduce this hardship by taking positive action.

Loss of belongings could be the least of the worries for some refugees of Hurricane Katrina – many of whom have lost their jobs or had to take temporary unpaid leave, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

Explanation of flood insurance for disaster victims. Includes tips and help on filing insurance claims.

In the aftermath of the devastation and destruction of Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions is urging financial institutions to "work with" their customers affected by the storm.

Hurricane season is over, but the hardships from it are lingering into the holidays. Many Louisiana residents endured financial hardships this year, and LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says holiday budgets may be tight for many.

Individuals who lost work due to recent hurricanes may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

Recent hurricanes may have obliterated your house, your job and likely even the property values in your area – leaving you with the feeling that the only things still intact are your mortgage and other debts.

Many people are surprised about the extent of protection their homeowner's insurance policy offers. Although your policy may not cover flood damage to your home, it does offer some protection from loss due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry.

If you rent or lease an apartment, house or business building and the structure is damaged in a natural disaster, read your lease carefully to determine what you need to do regarding damages, terminating the lease, securing temporary housing and other matters, advises LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry.

After a disaster strikes, whether it is a hurricane, flood or tornado, you could find yourself without a job and needing a source of income. The Louisiana Department of Labor responds to disasters with unemployment insurance benefits and disaster unemployment assistance.

As hurricane evacuees are allowed to return to their homes, LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry makes several recommendations for filing insurance claims.