University of Minnesota Extension

Extension > Family > Families in Tough Times

We are here to help. Which best describes your family's situation?
My family is needing resources for...


  • Experiencing Tough Times Now

    It is hard to focus on getting future needs met when all of your energy is going towards keeping your family safe and fed.

  • Avoiding Future Tough Times

    If you have had a recent job change or are just trying to proactively plan for the future, chances are you will need to make some difficult decisions related to your family’s finances.

  • Dealing with Stress

    Stress can be overwhelming in tough times. Learn strategies that can help you cope and overcome it.

  • Farm Families

    These tough times have been especially hard on farm families.

  • Disaster Recovery

    Even if resources were “stable” before, families often need new or additional resources following a disaster.

Featured Resources

puzzle pieces

Recovery After Disaster

Family Financial Toolkit can help you put the pieces together.


farmer with son in field

Dealing with Stress

Online workshops help you identify and battle stress. For those in agriculture or anyone experiencing stress.

Supporting Agriculture Workers from Mexico

Short videos, activities, and discussion guide for agriculture-sector employers.

Family with financial problems Older couple Military goodbye Couple fighting Mother and child in distress Mother with fighting children


You are not alone. The bad economy has taken a toll on many Minnesota families. The resources found on this page are designed to help families tackle tough times today and tomorrow. Whether facing unemployment, foreclosure, increasing expenses, accumulating debt, disaster recovery, or another difficult financial situation, your family most likely needs resources and they need them fast.