UF Financial Expert: Be ‘SMART’ About Your New Year’s Resolutions
January 3, 2018
If you dread looking at your bank account balance, you might consider adding fiscal responsibility to your list of New Year’s resolutions.
And when it comes to setting goals, especially financial ones, it’s important to be specific, according to a University of Florida expert.
“If you want to make a change, it helps to have a SMART goal. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound,” said Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, assistant professor of family, youth and community sciences in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“So instead of saying, I want to start saving money this year, make your objective more concrete. A better resolution would be something like, I will set up an automatic transfer of $25 into my savings account each month so that I have $300 saved by the end of the year,” he explained.
Ruiz-Menjivar has these tips for making better financial resolutions in the New Year:
Identify your unhealthy money habits.
Do you go shopping without a shopping list? Do you hate budgets? Do you use a credit card for any and all purchases? If so, you may have some unhealthy money habits. Targeting a specific habit you want to change is the first step toward changing your behavior for the better, Ruiz-Menjivar said.
Think about positive habits that you can start now to help you toward long-term goals.
“Something you can change in the short term is how you save money and for what purpose. For example, it’s a good idea to have a rainy day fund equal to three to six months of your regular income. You can start doing small things now to reach that goal, such as setting up automatic payments into a savings account—the Florida Saves program is a great way to set these small, short-term goals,” Ruiz-Menjivar said.
Know your weak spots.
“There are a few common barriers people encounter when they are trying to change their financial habits,” Ruiz-Menjivar said. “Being disorganized with your recordkeeping is a common one. Keeping your information—especially about your income and spending—in order will help you stay on track for reaching many financial goals.”
Often times, people don’t think “big” enough when it comes to their money, Ruiz-Menjivar explained. “If you are only planning month-to-month, you won’t get to where you want to be in 10 years,” he said. “Time perspective does matter; consumers with a longer time horizon tend to think and plan potential purchases in the near and far future.”
Create an environment that enforces healthier habits.
There are several things you can do to create the conditions for financial success.
- Track income and expenses with a tool that works for you. Some people like to write everything in a calendar, others save receipts, some prefer a spreadsheet. There are a lot of apps out there that let you keep tabs on everything from your phone.
- Become a “convenience user” of credit cards: you use the card to enjoy the perks, such as miles or cash back, but you don’t carry a balance over months
- Set up your bank account to transfer money automatically to a savings or retirement account.
by UF/IFAS Extension.
Jamison “Jamie” Eugene Janes
January 3, 2018
Jamison “Jamie” Eugene Janes, age 42, of Pensacola, went to be with the Lord after a long courageous battle with Acute Leukemia, on Friday December 29, 2017.
He was surrounded by friends and family.
Jamie served and protected the Pensacola community for two decades with the Pensacola Police Department and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He was a brave and decorated Sergeant upon his death. Jamie was a loving, caring and dedicated husband and father. He made eternal impacts on many lives. His spirit will live on and continue to make lasting impressions within the community and his family. A quote found among Jamie’s things: “Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.” By John Dryden.
Jamie was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Frank Cotton; and grandparents Eugene and Frankie Lou Cotton and Bernice Mancil.
Those left to cherish his memory are his cherished wife Dawn; his son Grayson; father James (Mary) Janes of Tennessee; sisters Carey (Tony) Gribble, Cassey (Rick) Mills of Oregon and Carla Janes of Michigan; niece Gabriella Gribble; and a host of extended family, work family and friends.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 04, 2018, until the service begins at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Bro. Craig Hindsman will officiate. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pensacola.
Pallbearers will be the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Pensacola Police Honor Guards. Honorary Pallbearers are Tony Gribble, Ray Scruggs, Josh Goodwin, Tom Greer, Scott Allday and Vince Odenbrett.
Frozen Fountain Photo
January 3, 2018
Pictured: Ice was building up Tuesday morning on the Nona Hightower Fountain at Century Health and Rehabilitation Center. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to elarge.
Deputies Seek Homicide Suspect
January 2, 2018
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a homicide suspect that is considered armed and dangerous.
Emanuel Dinell Adams, 20, is wanted for a homicide that happened on December 15 about 4 p.m. near the 4600 block of West Jackson Street.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Moreno Completes Military Basic Training
January 2, 2018
U.S. Air Force Airman Joshua S. Moreno graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Moreno is the son of Christina A. Moreno of Cantonment and Frank N. Moreno of Chicago.
He is a 2017 graduate of West Florida High School, Pensacola.
Editor’s Note: No photo was submitted with this article.
‘Horrific’ Scene As Outside Fire Kills Dog, Three Puppies; Owner Cited For Violations
January 2, 2018
Editor’s note: Some readers may find the details in this story and the photographs below to be disturbing.
A dog and three puppies died in a “horrific” accidental outside fire Monday night in Cantonment, as additional puppies were left behind to suffer through a frigid night, according to a local woman. But Escambia County Animal Control says the incident was handled by their office.
The fire was reported shortly before 6 p.m. behind a home in the 600 block of County Road 97 and burned the animals in what neighbor Laura Catterton described as a “cage on stilts”. The fire was reportedly started by an electric space heater that was being used to keep the dogs warm.
“I heard the dog screaming,” Catterton said. “I climbed over fence but couldn’t save them.”
Catterton said Escambia County Animal Control responded but did not seize three litters of puppies remaining in the cold in chain link kennels. She said the homeowner was not at home.
“Animal control does not think puppies outside in 20 degree temperatures is neglect,” she said. “What the hell? I’m furious with animal control not investigating.”
“This has been one of the worst nights of my life,” Catterton said.
“The officer who responded last night wrote multiple violations to homeowner. The citations were written as a mandatory court appearance and we will ask the judge for injunctive relief to prevent him from owning animals for whatever time the judge determines,” Escambia County Public Information Office Joy Tsubooka said Tuesday morning. “The officer made sure that all of the dogs on the property were inside or in proper shelter before she left the scene last night..”
Tsubooka said property owner Carlos Moorer was home at the time Escambia Animal Control responded to investigate.
An activity report from Escambia County Animal Control states that Moorer said an 8-year old adult female and three 4-week old puppies died in the fire. One 19-month old adult female and six puppies remained in the backyard kennel after the fire. None of the dogs were vaccinated for rabies.
The dogs were housed in three fenced pens, each of which contained a barrel for shelter.
Moorer was cited for three counts of animal cruelty, one per pen, for inadequate shelter, two counts of non-potable water and issued two citations for unlicensed and unvaccinated animals.
According to Escambia County records, Moorer holds a business tax receipt (business license) for “Carlos Moorer Pet Supply” at the home.
Pictured top: Fire claimed the life of a dog and three puppies in Cantonment Monday night. Pictured below: Photos show the cage were a dog and three puppies died Monday night in Cantonment. Pictured bottom: Firefighters provide water to several remaining puppies. Reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Temps Struggle Through The 30’s Today, Hard Freeze At 18 Tonight
January 2, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
There is a Hard Freeze Warning and a Wind Chill Advisory in effect.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 19. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 19. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 45. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 25. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 50.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Escambia Firefighters Charity To Open House For Families Displaced By Fire
January 2, 2018
The Escambia County Professional Firefighters Charity is planning to open a house to provide temporary refuge for families displaced by residential fires in Escambia County.
The charity plans to provide a comfortable, safe, and supportive place of temporary refuge for families that lose their home to fire.
“We are proud and excited to be the first to provide this level of assistance to displaced families in our area,” Ian Sumner, Escambia County Professional Firefighters Charity coordinator said. “Being displaced from your home due to a fire and sometimes losing everything is a very devastating event. While there are many charities in the area that step up and help these families, we hope to bring it all together and make the devastation sting a little less. We plan to do this by offering a temporary home along with assistance with walking through the process of connecting with all available resources and getting their life back together. Families will hopefully feel a little more relaxed and be able to mentally heal a little quicker.”
The firefighters charity plans to release more details Friday on the house and how the community can help.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Byrneville Ice Show
January 2, 2018
Lon and Alice Malone decided to create a little ice show in their yard on Highway 168 in Byrneville. This is how it looked Monday morning. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Charles Eric “Goat” Gohagan
January 2, 2018
Mr. Charles Eric “Goat” Gohagan, 44, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017 in Valley Grove, West Virginia.
Mr. Gohagan was born in Mobile, Alabama, resident of Atmore, AL most of his life and resided in Flomaton, AL. Eric was a devoted and loving husband to Teresa and father to Haley and Codey. He held great admiration and love for his mother Regina and had a heart full of love for all of his siblings, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, mother in law and father in law. He was a welder by trade working mainly in the offshore oilfields, gas and pipeline industry where he formed and maintained some lifelong friendships. He was a hard worker devoted to providing for his family. He enjoyed the simple things in life like bass fishing, good food, particularly a good steak and a day of rest. He had an infectious smile with eyes that twinkled, which you couldn’t miss. He was good man and he was so loved. He was raised in the Bethel Methodist Church of Atmore and was a member of the Poplar Dell Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Alfred “Buck” Gohagan, Sr. and brother, Michael Gohagan.
He is survived by his mother, Regina Gohagan of Robinsonville, AL; wife, Teresa Gohagan of Flomaton, AL; one son, Robert Codey Hadley of Flomaton, AL; one daughter, Haley Danielle Hadley of Flomaton, AL; one brother, Lawrence Alfred “Larry” (Kambi) Gohagan, Jr. of Atmore, AL; three sisters, Kay Gohagan (Joe Frank) Wooten of Century, FL, Emily Gohagan (Jeff) DeRidder of Brewton, AL and Kristen Gohagan Branch of Atmore, AL; mother & father-in-law, Judson & Delores Carden of Flomaton, AL and numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends, including an extended pipe line family.
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Mitch Herring and Rev. Waylan Stuckey officiating.
Burial will follow at the Poplar Dell Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 4, 2018 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Bryan “Bones” Andrella, Josh “Cave Man” Bailey, Jerry Silguero, Jaime Aguilar, Michael “The Pipeliner” Liner and Jason Tingstrom.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Gohagan, Judson Carden, Jeff DeRidder, Bailey Bass, Rodney Hightower, Joe Frank Wooten, Rex McKinley and Judson Carden, Jr.