Now is the time to budget, plan and prepare for the future

As the new year approaches, many of us feel inspired to get organized, review our goals, and ensure our families are prepared for the future. This season of reflection is the perfect time to focus on one of life’s most valuable gifts — financial clarity and peace of mind.

Whether you are planning for retirement, working to get out of debt or simply wanting to understand your finances better, now is the time to budget and get your affairs in order. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Our team is committed to empowering individuals and families through education, support, and community connection. We are excited to announce that beginning in 2026, we will be offering financial literacy and estate planning classes at the Los Lunas Library.

These programs were created with the heart of our mission in mind, equipping Valencia County residents with practical strategies for budgeting, debt management, and estate planning. We understand that financial discussions can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, they become empowering. Our goal is to make financial and estate planning approachable, practical and relevant, no matter where you are starting.

As we look ahead to these new offers, we remain deeply grateful for the continued support and involvement of our community. Each program we offer, from nutrition and cooking classes to homesteading workshops, youth development, health initiatives and beyond, is rooted in our commitment to serve families across Valencia County.

The upcoming year will bring many opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

Whether you’re a parent trying to strengthen your family’s financial foundation, a young adult wanting to understand money management or a grandparent hoping to organize your estate, our extension programs are here to support you.

We invite you to join us at the Los Lunas Library in 2026 for these important classes and the state-wide Book Club: Finance and Friends, where we openly discuss hot topics in finance from saving, debt management, investing, and even personal growth, like time management. Mark your calendars and join us at the Los Lunas Library in 2026. Registration details will be announced soon.

From all of us at the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and your learning. We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward financial confidence and peace of mind.

Program announcements

To register for an upcoming program or to join our Valencia County Extension Newsletter, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

Join our Newsletter! Call the office and provide your email address to receive monthly updates and programming opportunities from the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service. Call 505-565-3002.

• Join the Valencia County 4-H Program. Enrollment for the upcoming Valencia County 4-H year is officially open. The enrollment window runs through Jan. 31, 2026. No late enrollments will be accepted. Contact Jamy Proctor at 505-565-3002 or jamyp@nmsu.edu.

• ICAN Nutrition Class Series: Online: Zoom every Thursday from 2-3 p.m. Call the office at 505-565-3002 for more details about the Zoom classes.

• Ask a Master Food Preserver: Second Monday of each month from 6-7 p.m. Join virtually to get expert tips on food preservation. The class is free; visit bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu/index.html to register.

• The Gift of Infusion: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, at the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office, at 404 Courthouse Road, Los Lunas. This Christmas, give the gift of flavor. In this hands-on infusion class, you will create gourmet treats like compote butter, black garlic salt, and herb oil, plus gain plenty of other delicious ideas perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. Call the office to RSVP at 505-565-3002. Class is $5. RSVPs and workshop fee due by Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.

• From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Rio Communities Makers’ Space, 360 Rio Communities Blvd, join us for a joyful Christmas Jam class where we will stir up sweet seasonal creations together. This hands-on workshop is perfect for all ages and makes for a delightful holiday activity, which you get to take home your own jar of delicious cheer. Call the office to RSVP at 505-565-3002. Class is $5. RSVPs and workshop fee due by Thursday, Dec. 11.

• Become a Valencia County Extension Master Gardener. Are you interested in serving your community as a Master Gardener with your gardening expertise? Applications are open and include trainings, completion of the master gardener certification course, volunteer hour completion, and monthly meeting attendance. Application deadline is Monday, Dec. 29. For more information, contact Sierra Cain at 505-565-3002 or sierragh@nmsu.edu.

• The Valencia County Seed Library: Looking for free seeds? The seed library is open. Check out seed packets for your garden. To obtain seeds, you can schedule an appointment with Sierra Cain at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002. Thank you to the Valencia County Master Gardeners for help in sorting and placement of seeds for the library.

• Agriculture School Enrichment Programs: School is back in action. Harvest and fall programs related to the science of agriculture are offered to elementary and middle school-aged students. Contact Sierra Cain for program offerings and scheduling at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002.

• Family and Consumer Science Community and School Enrichment Programs: School enrichment programs offer hands-on learning in areas such as food safety, nutrition, personal finance, and life skills. Educators can contact Crystal Garcia-Anaya at anayacry@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002.

If you are an individual with a disability who requires auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service Office at 505-565-3002 two weeks in advance of the event.