October 2021 FCS News

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​​​October – A Good Month to Practice Gratitude

Think about October from the first day of the month to the last. What are five things

Pumpkin on Green Grass

about these four weeks that you’re thankful for? Start a list called “Good Things in October” and stick it to your refrigerator with a magnet. Encourage other people in your family or household to add to the list!


COVID-19 Hardship Forbearance

If the coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for you or those you work with to make mortgage payments, it’s not too late to request COVID-19 hardship forbearance. Forbearance is when a mortgage servicer or lender allows homeowners to pause or reduce mortgage payments for a limited time while they build back their finances.

If the home loan is backed by HUD/FHA, USDA, or VA, the mortgage servicer is authorized to approve initial COVID hardship forbearance requests until the COVID-19 National Emergency is officially over. Previously the deadline was set for September 30, 2021.

If the loan is backed by the government-sponsored agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there is not currently a deadline for requesting an initial forbearance. Learn more about COVID-19 related mortgage forbearance >>


October-Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed a light and raise awareness on one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States.

Breast Ca cer Awareness Month calendar and pink ribbon

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women. Each year in the United States, nearly 255,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women, and around 2,300 in men.

Know the Symptoms of Breast Cancer

New lump in breast or underarm (armpit)

– Changes in size or shape of the breast

– Thickening or swelling of breasts

– Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area

– Pain in any area of the breast

– Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood

– Irritation or dimpling of breast skin

– Redness or flakiness in nipple or area of breast

Know the Key Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

– Aging: risk increases with age

– Changes to certain genes (mutations): Women who have inherited changes in their BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes are at an increased risk of getting breast cancer.

– Personal history & family history with breast cancer

– Non-cancerous breast diseases

– Obesity

– Not being physically active

– Alcohol consumption

– Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

– Exercise regularly and keep a healthy weight

– Talk to your doctor openly about breast cancer & family history

– Limit alcohol and drug intake Screening & Mammograms

– U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends screening mammography every two years for women aged 50-74 years.

– American Cancer Society says women should have the option to start screening every year between the ages of 40 & 44, and women between the ages of 45-49 should be screened annually. Women 55+ should be screened every 2 years and should continue as long as they’re in good health.


Time to File 2022-2023 FAFSA

If you’re a high schooler applying to college, a college student, or their parent, it’s time to fill out the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Unfortunately, scammers know it’s that time of year again, too and they’re gearing up to try to take advantage of financial aid seekers. Many states and schools give out funds on a first-come, first-served basis. So, if you’re looking for financial aid for college or career school, fill out your FAFSA form as soon as you can. Some states have different filing deadlines for certain kinds of aid. Even if you haven’t filed your income taxes or don’t have all of your paperwork completed yet you don’t need to wait. You can submit the FAFSA form using estimates and then update it later. No matter when you fill it out, the form is totally free, and it will help you find out if you’re eligible for different types of financial aid — like grants, work-study, and loans.


Halloween Safety

Halloween During COVID-19 Fact SheetHalloween During Covid Fact Sheet >>


Getting Ahead of Holiday Meal Cost

The holiday season is approaching! You may be planning an in-person or virtual celebration for friends and family in one big group or in smaller gatherings. Regardless of the venue, it’s never too early to start holiday meal preparation.

half-full grocery shopping cart in the aisle

If left to the last minute, meal planning can be a challenge no matter if you’re having a dinner for one or ten. Planning your menu in advance allows you the opportunity to be sure all the favorite dishes are included and spend smarter. You will shop more efficiently, use less of your SNAP dollars, and decrease costs by avoiding unnecessary purchases.

Sticking to your menu items and buying in advance over the course of several grocery trips will spread out the expense and lower the impact on your monthly food budget.

More information on Finding Your Recipes and Preparing Your Kitchen >>


October Bakers

October 18- National Chocolate Cupcake Day

● Cupcakes are first noted in 1796 when “A Cake to be Baked in Small Cups” was written in American Cookery, by Amelia Simmons.

chocolate cupcake

● So many chocolate cupcakes, so little time! Go for the classic— Chocolate Surprise Cupcakes at Eat Wheat website

● Baking in a tiny kitchen? Here are 3 “small batch” cupcakes designed for a toaster oven.

Cookie Dough Recipe >>

Red Velvet Recipe >>

S’More Recipe >>

Baking Hack: Bakers always have “made-do” with what they had. Early on cupcakes were baked in heavy pottery cups. You can still use ramekins, custard cups, coffee mugs, large teacups, or other small ovenproof pottery-type dishes!


October 26 – National Pumpkin Day

slice of pumpkin pie on white saucer

Three things everyone should know:

● 1. How to roast a Pumpkin Pocket Guide to Preparing Vegetables

● 2. How to bake Pumpkin Party Muffins

● 3. How to bake The Best Pumpkin Pie Ever

Well…maybe four things …add how to make Pumpkin Mini-Cheesecakes

Baking Hack: Pumpkin can be added to many baked goods. It adds nutrients like Vitamin A by the boatload. Sub it into your pancakes, muffins or waffles– about ½ cup pumpkin puree for 1/3 cup milk.