Money Matters: 60 Seconds to Revolutionize Your Finances!
LearnVest CEO Alexa von Tobel shares her favorite, foolproof tip for taking control of your finances: the Money Minute.
Each morning, she logs on to her Money Center account to review her transactions. Find out what she’s looking for, how just one minute a day helps her to stay on track toward reaching her goals–and how it’s helped her to save hundreds of dollars each year.
Want to start taking a “Money Minute” yourself? Connect your accounts in the Money Center to start monitoring your own spending, and get your 2013 financial picture in check.
CLICK HERE for more!
It’s National Public Lands Day! Explore One of Wisconsin’s 668 Natural Areas!
Field trips and new video help people explore State Natural Areas; National Public Lands Day is Sept. 28
News Release Published: September 20, 2013 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Jim Woodford, DNR, (715) 365-8856
MADISON – National Public Lands Day is a great time to explore Wisconsin’s 668 State Natural Areas, whether through a personal adventure, a free guided field trip to select State Natural Areas in Dane, Door, Forest and Vernon counties, or by enjoying the properties through a new video.
The Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Conservation program is sponsoring field trips to four State Natural Areas on or about National Public Lands Day, Sept. 28. The guided field trips are to Battle Bluff Prairie in Vernon County; Giant White Pine Grove in Forest County; Mazomanie Oak Barrens in Dane County; and Cave Point-Clay Banks in Door County.
Each field trip will occur within one of the DNR’s land program’s districts and will emphasize unique ecological features found within that district. All four field trips will be led by a program ecologist with extensive knowledge of the property and its special features, according to Jim Woodford, a biologist in the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation who is helping coordinate the field trips.
Wisconsin has the nation’s largest and oldest natural areas protection program, which seeks to preserve the best of the natural communities remaining on the landscape. About one-third of State Natural Areas are owned by partner groups.
Ninety percent of Wisconsin’s endangered plant species and 75 percent of endangered animal species are found on these sites, which are wonderful places to explore, Woodford says. On state-owned State Natural Areas, hiking, fishing, cross country skiing, hunting and trapping are allowed, with a few exceptions, he says.
Field trip dates and details
Specific information for each field trip is provided below and by clicking on the State Natural Area name. Please RSVP to the field trip leader listed below. There is no cost to participate in these field trips.
Battle Bluff Prairie, Vernon County, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 27 – Learn about management of Wisconsin Bluff Prairies, the rare species that inhabit them, and why these sites are considered “globally rare.” Also see spectacular views of the Mississippi River, native grasses, and the last blooming prairie plants of the season. After a half-mile walk-in, the hike may get strenuous as participants climb around a steep hillside near cliffs and rock outcrops. Wear flexible clothing and good hiking shoes. Bring plenty of water, snacks or a sack lunch. The potential to see fall migrating raptors will be high so bring binoculars, if interested.
Please meet at 11 a.m. at the Pronto gas station parking lot in DeSoto, WI (only gas station in DeSoto). DeSoto is located at the intersection of State Highway 35 and Highway 82, 30 miles south of La Crosse and 30 miles north of Prairie du Chien. Please park just south of the station near the Forest Fire Danger sign; check the meeting location web map.
Please RSVP your intent to join Trip Leader: Armund Bartz, DNR District Ecologist, by Sept. 25 by phone: 608-785-9019 or email: armund.bartz@wisconsin.gov
Giant White Pine Grove State Natural Area – Forest County, 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 28 – See one of the finest examples in northeastern Wisconsin of old-growth hemlock-hardwoods with a super canopy of white pine. Learn about the distinguishing characteristics of old-growth forest, benefits to wildlife, and the status of old-growth forests in Wisconsin while hiking through the forest.
Meet at 10 a.m. at property parking area/trailhead. Directions: from the junction of Highways 45 and 32 in Three Lakes, Wisconsin, go south and east on State Highway 32 for 4.7 miles, then east on Julia Lake Road 0.6 miles, then south and east on Scott Lake Road (Forest Road # 2183) 3.1 miles, then north on Giant Pine Road (Forest Road # 2414) 1.6 miles to a parking area/trailhead on the west side of the road.
Please RSVP your intent to join Trip Leader: Ryan Magana, DNR District Ecologist, by Sept. 25 by phone: 715-635-4153 or email: Ryan.Magana@wisconsin.gov
Mazomanie Oak Barrens State Natural Area – Dane County, 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 28 – Join a biologist and an ecologist for a hike through the oak barrens and sand prairie that are protected on this State Natural Area. View the diverse remnant plants and discuss the animals and birds that call this piece of the “Wisconsin Desert” home. See late summer asters in bloom, a native Wisconsin cactus, and discuss habitat restoration including prescribed fire and invasive species control that are occurring on the property.
Meet at 10 a.m. at the northeast parking lot along County Hwy Y, rain or shine. Directions: from the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and State Highway 78 just east of Sauk City, go south on State Highway 78 1.2 miles, then west on County Highway Y about 1 mile to a parking area located on the south side of the road.
Please RSVP your intent to join Trip Leaders: Nate Fayram, DNR Biologist, and Sharon Fandel, DNR District Ecologist, by Sept. 25 by phone: 608-273-5943 or email: Nathan.Fayram@Wisconsin.gov
Cave Point-Clay Banks State Natural Area (Shivering Sands Unit) – Door County, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 26 – Explore large tracts of lowland coniferous forest that grade to upland stands of mixed northern hardwood/conifer forest that protect two undeveloped lakes. Explore the shoreline of Arbter Lake, which supports a lake-edge fen community harboring the state-threatened coast sedge and a breeding population of the Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly. A discussion of local geology will highlight the unique ridge and swale habitat type and the influence of the Niagara Escarpment on Door County’s many natural communities.
Meet at the Hitching Post (address: 4849 Glidden Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235), which is located at the corner of County Highway T and Glidden Drive at 9:45 a.m.
Please RSVP your intent to join Trip Leader: Joe Henry, DNR Northeast District Ecologist, by phone: 920-362-1908 or email: joseph.henry@wisconsin.gov
FAQ Edvest: Can I Transfer to Another Beneficiary?
Ability to Transfer to Another Beneficiary
in your account, you may name or transfer
proceeds to another eligible beneficiary.
The new beneficiary must be a member of the previous beneficiary’s family, as described in the Disclosure Booklet (PDF), in order to avoid having this change treated as a non-qualified withdrawal.
PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Get it here.
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: The Deal on DEBIT CARDS
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Women Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” Each week, we will share with you a savings tip courtesy of WWBIC.
- Use debit and credit cards prudently. To minimize interest charges, try to limit credit card purchases to those you can pay off in full at the end of the month. If you use a debit card, don’t rely on an overdraft feature to spend money you don’t have. With either approach, you’ll have more money available for emergency savings.
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Treasurer’s Top 5: Green County
This week, we travel to Green County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Green County
Kenneth E Hamilton
TL Farms
Shirtly A Bolton
Douglas L Knight
Janet Gochberg
Money Matters: How Much Do Babies REALLY Cost?
You may not be ready for a baby today, or even in the next five years. But, theoretically: Could your finances handle a little one? It’s hard to answer a basic question like, “How to budget my money?” And it’s even harder to set up a budget for a big expense like a baby. Our friends at www.Learnvest.com offer some help…
Take a deep breath: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a baby born today to a middle-class family will cost about $221,000 by the time she turns 18—not counting college! For more info, look at a detailed breakdown of child-rearing costs. Before you fall into a dead faint, remember that you won’t shell out that whole sum at once.
CLICK HERE to read more!
FAQ Edvest: What Are the State and Federal Tax Advantages?
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FAQ Unclaimed Property: How to Prepare Electronic Holder Reporting File
First, access the software links from our website www.statetreasury.wi.gov. Everything you need can be found under the “Holder Reporting” tab at the top.
Follow the instructions to transfer or import your data.
Print the Holder verifciation sheet, complete, and file.
It’s that easy!
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: Wait 24 BEFORE You Spend
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Women Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” Each week, we will share with you a savings tip courtesy of WWBIC.
- Before you snatch up that new chunky sweater in the the ever-so-popular blue or cranberry hue for Fall, put it and you impusle to spend on HOLD. Never purchase expensive items on impulse. Think over each expensive purchase for at least 24 hours. Acting on this principle will mean you have far fewer regrets about impulse purchases, and far more money for emergency savings.
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Treasurer’s Top 5: Grant County
This week, we travel to Grant County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Grant County
Phyllis Serkowich
Janet Schmidt
Harry Zieger
Vivian Huber
James Krog
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Money Matters: Steal or Just a Sale?
Love to shop? Join the club: In 2011, we spent about $4.7 trillion (yes, trillion!) in retail sales, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
And who hasn’t overspent at one time or another?With new merchandise refreshed every season, every month—or, at discount retailers like Target and T.J. Maxx, every week—department stores can be a minefield if you go in uninformed. Especially since stores are designed to make you drop as much cash as possible.
Floor layouts, salespeople’s strategies and even storewide sales tap into our most basic consumer impulses. But not this fall: Here’s how you can simply determine if you’re getting a steal or lured by just another sale.
“A SALE ISN’T WORTH IT IF IT’S LESS THAN 30%.” (PLUS, A GIVEAWAY!)
FAQ Edvest: Is There a Wisconsin Tax Benefit?
FAQ Unclaimed Property: Do I File a Holder Report in Every State Where I do Business?
In many cases, you do not. Wisconsin has reciprocal agreements with 20 states. That allows business to file a single report to the Wisconsin Unclaimed Property Unit for accounts due to those other 20 states. Wisconsin will indemnify the Holder and will forward property to the appropriate state on the business’ behalf. For more information, peruse
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Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: Emergency Savings Account
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Women Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” Each week, we will share with you a savings tip courtesy of WWBIC.
- Keep track of your spending. At least once a month, use credit card, checking, and other records to review what you’ve purchased. Then, ask yourself if it makes sense to reallocate some of this spending to an emergency savings account.
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Treasurer’s Top 5: Forest County
This week, we travel to Forest County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Forest County
Julia and Edwin Gudowicz
Paul Bukovic
Patricia Coats
Shirley Krueger
Guy Zingler
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Money Matters: Saving, How Easy It Can Be!
Savings can help you achieve any financial goal. Whether it’s a comfortable retirement, a down payment for a house, or a new car or stereo, you can get there by setting money aside. And best of all, you can have what you want without getting bogged down in debt.
Yet if you’re like most people, you don’t save as much as you’d like to. Or you don’t save at all. Americans spend more than we earn. Consider that the national personal savings rate has dipped to the lowest point since the Great Depression. Today’s high energy, home and food prices may make saving seem less possible than ever.
But the time is now. And with a little forethought and effort, saving money is not only possible, our friends at practicalmoneyskills.com show us just how easy it is!
Make Saving a Priority
You’ll be more likely to save money if you make it a priority. Sit down and figure out what you’d like to save money for – retirement, a house, car, college, dream vacation –and how much it will cost. Then make your plan:
- Set a timeline for when you’d like to reach your goal.
- Set a schedule by dividing the total goal amount by the number of weeks, months or pay periods between now and your goal date.
- Be vigilant by treating your savings contribution just like any other must-pay expense, such as rent or groceries.
Find Money to Save
While it may seem difficult sometimes just to make ends meet, chances are you have extra money you didn’t even know about. Here are some ways to find it:
- Keep track of everything you spend for a week. You might be surprised what you’re buying, and what you can do without.
- Make purchases with cash. This can help you stick to a budget and avoid impulse purchases. Simply decide ahead of time how much you want to spend and then set aside that amount in cash before you go shopping.
- Lower your bills. Many creditors will give borrowers a lower interest rate if they’re asked. Also, conserving electricity and gas can make a big difference.
- Rank your nonessential expenses. Keep the ones you like the best and cut the items on the bottom of the list.
- Pack a lunch. Or cook more dinners at home. Eating out at restaurants can eat up a lot of money that could be saved.
Pay Yourself First
You’re probably inclined to pay everyone else first – whether it’s your landlord or your grocer or the electric company. But it’s vital to start paying yourself first by saving money. Once you’ve made a contribution to your financial longevity and well-being, then you can divide up your money to cover everything else. Don’t worry. You’ll more than likely have plenty left over to cover everything you need.
In fact, most banks make this easier. You can have them automatically transfer funds from your checking account to your savings account, money market, mutual fund and other accounts. You might also check with your employer. Companies will often deduct savings from paychecks if asked.
FAQ Edvest: What Are My Investment Choices?
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Wisconsin Saves Tip: Tighter Grip on Loose Change!
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Women Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” Each week, we will share with you a savings tip courtesy of WWBIC.
Save your loose change. Putting aside fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund.
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Treasurer’s Top 5: Winnebago County
Winnebago County, UW-Oshkosh
Courtesy: Daiglebrothers.com
This week, we travel to Winnebago County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Winnebago County
Charles and Ivy McMillan Trust
Bonnie Paulus
Durwood Pugh
Elaine Oeflein
Reverting Agent
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Money Matters: The Upside to Downsizing
The Upside to Downsizing
Downsize often has a negative meaning in relation to the workplace; but when it comes to your home, car and lifestyle,
downsizing or simplifying can actually be positive, improving your peace of mind and your financial outlook. According to our friends at practicalmoneyskills.com a 2011 Federal Reserve report on consumer credit, total U.S. consumer debt has reached $2.43 trillion. In America, many of us are continuing to live beyond our means–buying more house, car and products than we can use or afford. In an effort to improve your finances and lifestyle, here are a few things you might consider downsizing:
- Home or living space. Most of us are familiar with the sentiment “bigger is better.” But is it? When it comes to homes, larger houses require more maintenance, more insurance and higher mortgages. Before buying or renting that home with a few extra bedrooms, ask yourself: do I need this excess space? Is the cost worth the benefit? You may find that a smaller home or apartment actually provides some freedom from the expenses and responsibilities of a larger one.
- Car or transportation needs. For many people, a large car symbolizes luxury. But in actuality, a smaller or more fuel-efficient car could be more comfortable, more environmentally friendly and more affordable. Likewise, relying on alternate means of transportation like carpooling, walking, biking or public transportation can not only offer significant savings in terms of gas and maintenance costs but can also be less stressful, more healthful and more sociable than driving.
- Debt load. Personal debt is a major cause of financial stress and strain for many of us. The first step to tackling debt is sitting down to figure out what you owe. Next, create a plan for paying it off, consolidating balances to lower-interest accounts if needed. Although it takes time and dedication, tackling debt and building your savings is key to financial wellbeing. The less debt you have, the easier it becomes to build savings and meet financial goals. Find out more about the best ways to tackle debt here.
- Paperwork. Online banking and bill management is a convenient way to keep track of your finances; make account payments on time and avoid the hassle of visits to the post office, buying stamps and writing checks. It often takes only a few minutes to set up online bill paying and put paper bills and statements behind you. Scheduling automatic payments also makes bills easier to manage–in some cases, you’ll even enjoy slight discounts for automating payments. Setting up automatic weekly or monthly deposits to your savings account is a wise, effortless way to boost your savings too.
- Impulse purchases. Most of us purchase items or services that we just don’t really want or need. It could be a daily latte, clothes you won’t wear or grocery items that go bad before you use them. One way to cut back on these impulse buys is to ask yourself how an item will change your life for the better before you buy it. Is the positive impact worth the cost? Another strategy to cut down unnecessary spending is to add up impulse purchases over a month to see how much you are really spending on those lunches out or new shoes.
- Financial goals. It can be overwhelming to try and juggle multiple money management goals at the same time: Start an emergency fund. Buy a house. Pay off debt. Save for a new car. To have a better shot at successfully meeting your goals, choose one or two to work towards. Just make sure they are realistic and specific, and that there is a definite timeframe in which you plan to meet them. The tips here can help.
Wisconsin State Treasury 
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