Home Science Form 3 Notes
Form 3 Home Science
In form three, you will cover the following topics:
Meal planning and management refers to the process of determining the foods to be prepared, cooked and presented to the family in order to meet its nutritional needs using the available resources.
In form one, you learnt the different methods of cooking food.
In form two you learnt about the various food nutrients and their functions in the human body.
In this chapter you will be expected to apply this knowledge in planning, preparing and cooking meals for different groups of people.
Importance of Meal Planning
It ensures that:
1. Meals are served and presented attractively.
2. Meals are balanced to meet the nutritional needs of the family members.
3. Meals are enough in quantity to satisfy the individual.
4. Meal times are enjoyable.
Objective
– By the end of the lesson you should be able to
1.state the importance of meal planning.
2. Meals are balanced to meet the nutritional needs of the family members.
3. Meals are enough in quantity to satisfy the individual
4. Meal times are enjoyable
Meal planning and presentation
After preparation and cooking, food needs to be served and presented at the dinning table.
The art of food presentation is an important skill to a meal planner.
Objective
– By the end of the lesson you should be able to:
1. Plan suitable meals for special groups of people.
2. Practise meal preparation for special groups of people.
3. Present meals attractively.
Special groups of people
When planning meals for special groups of people, it is important to know their, nutritional needs in order to meet them.
Some special groups of people include:
Children, adolescents, the elderly, expectant and lactating mothers, invalids and vegetarians.
Planning Meals for Children
When planning meals for children, ensure that: The food is rich in proteins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carbohydrates and vitamins. The food is crunchy. The food is served on attractive dishes. The food should have vegetables. Plenty of fluids should be included for example fresh fruit juice.
Planning Meals for Adolescents
Adolescents are young adults undergoing rapid growth, with huge appetite;
hence consume large quantities of food. They are also very active.
Ensure their meals: Are rich in energy-giving foods, that is carbohydrates and fats. Are served in large quantities. Have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables Provide plenty of fluids
Planning Meals for Elderly
Due to advance in age, the metabolic processes have slowed down. They are less active with low appetite and some may have lost their teeth. Ensure the meals are: Rich in minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus. Rich in vitamins for protection. Served in small quantities. Easy to chew. Well seasoned. Have roughage to prevent constipation and cardiovascular diseases.
Planning Meals for Expectant and Lactating Mothers
– An expectant mother is a woman who is pregnant, while a lactating mother is a woman who is breastfeeding.
The nutritional needs of expectant and – lactating mothers are the same.
However, a lactating mother requires more fluids and larger quantities of food.
Planning Meals for Invalids and Convalescents
An invalid is a person who is suffering from an illness.
A convalescent is a person recovering from illness.
When planning their meals, ensure: The meal has plenty of protective foods and body building foods. The food is soft and easy to digest. The meal is prepared, cooked and served in a hygienic manner. Food is served in small amounts at regular intervals. Food is served attractively. Planning Meals for Vegetarians
A vegetarian is a person who does not eat animal flesh or their products such as milk, eggs, ghee etc.
There are two types of vegetarians, Lacto vegetarians and Strict vegetarians.
Click on each for more details.
Points to consider when planning meals for vegetarians: Mix different types of plant proteins to provide all the essential amino acids. Provide a variety of proteins to avoid monotony. Provide adequate amount of vegetables, fats and oils. Foods should be well seasoned. Packed Meals
These are meals that are prepared, cooked, served and are eaten away from home.
They can be used during picnics, while travelling, school visiting, tours and hospitals visits. Packing Materials and Equipment
Table setting
Table setting is the correct placement of table appointments required during meals.
This can either be formal or informal.
A formal table setting has more utensils and cutlery than the informal one in order to cater for the many courses served during a formal occasion.
Styles of Meal Service
There are many styles of meal service.
In this topic four styles are discussed: Blue plate Family service Buffet Tray service
Blue Plate Service
The food is served on individual plates and given to the diners who may eat from table or anywhere they choose.
Family service
In this service, the diners sit at a well set table and they serve themselves or are served from the serving dishes.
Buffet service
a) In this service, the buffet table is well laid out with stacks of plates, cutlery and assortment of food systematically arranged.
b) The diners queue and serve themselves or are assisted by hosts/ waiters.
Tray service
A tray is used and is well set with appropriate crockery and cutlery and the food is set for one person.
It is suitable for invalids.
Maternal Child Health Care As you learnt in Form 1, this is a discipline that deals with child development from conception to childhood with special attention to the physical, emotional and social development of the child.
Safe Parenthood One needs to be adequately prepared for the role of parenthood since it is an enormous responsibility.
Objective
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to explain the importance of safe parenthood.
Importance of Safe Parenthood
Safe parenthood ensures a:
1. Trouble free full term pregnancy
2. Safe delivery
3. Mother’s and baby’s health are safe guarded
4. Pregnant mother is free from stress related complications
Preparation for Safe Parenthood
In this lesson we shall look at the various factors that need to be considered in preparation for safe parenthood.
These include: Proper Nutrition Proper Social and Psychological Preparation Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Age of parent
Objective
By the end of the lesson you should be able to discuss the needs of a pregnant mother.
Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition is important for both the mother and foetus.
Lack of enough nutrients in the diet may lead to improper development of the foetus and endanger the life of the mother.
Proper Social and Psychological Preparation Emotional and social support from the family members and society are important for a healthy pregnancy.
The mother must be prepared emotionally in order to adjust to the changes that will take place in her body.
Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) It is important for the parents-to-be, to know their HIV status by visiting a VCT clinic.
If they test positive to the virus:
1. They will be counselled
2. The mother is given medical care to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
If negative, they are counselled and advised on how to mantain their negative status.
Age of parent The recommended age for parenthood is between 18-35 years.A girl below 18 years is not physically mature to carry the pregnancy and safely deliver the baby. A girl or boy below 18 years is not psychologically, socially and financially prepared for the responsibility of parenthood.
On the other hand, an average mother-to-be may experience the following: Difficult in conception. Birth of deformed babies. Child has a high chance of getting genetic diseases. Mother may experience difficulty during labour.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the period between conception and the delivery of a baby.
During this period mothers may suffer from some complications, these include:
Objective
By the end of the lesson you should be able to explain common problems in pregnancy.
Oedema This is the swelling of the face and limbs due to retention of body fluids.
Varicose veins
These are veins that have become stretched, damaged and bulge on the surface of the skin.
Piles/haemorrhoids
These are enlarged blood vessels that protrude at the anal region. Stretch marks
These are stripe-like appearance on the skin, especially on the legs, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.
Backaches
The expectant mother may experience pain at the lower back as a result of pressure exerted by the growing foetus on the spine.
Anaemia
This occurs when there is lack of enough iron in the body due to iron deficiency in the diet.
Antenatal Care
Antenatal care is the care given to an expectant mother from the time of conception to the time she delivers.
Antenatal care is also referred to as pre-natal care.
Objectives
By the end of the lesson you shpuld be able to:
i) Explain the impotance of antenatal care
ii) Explain the activities that take place in the antenatal clinic
iii) State the factors that affect normal foetal development.
Importance of Antenatal Care
Antenatal care ensures:
1. The safety of the mother and the foetus.
2. Early detection of any pregnancy related problems so as to be managed in good time.
3. Provides education on health and nutrition to the mother.
4. Reduction of maternal-child mortality.
Activities at the Antenatal clinic
As soon as a mother suspects that she is pregnant, she should report to the antenatal clinic for confirmation.
In the antenatal clinic, the following activities will be carried out: Checking family history Checking of the mother’s blood pressure Urine analysis Weight of the mother Foetal heartbeat Blood test Scanning
Family History
It is important to find out more about the parents’ family history in case of any hereditary disease/ condition.
Mother’s Blood Pressure
It is important to monitor the mother’s blood pressure especially during the third trimester so as to avoid related complications.
Click on the PLAY button to view video clip
Urine Analysis
Urine analysis is carried out to check: Presence of proteins Presence of sugar Some STIs, such as gonorrhea Confirmation of pregnancy
Weight of Mother
It is important to monitor the weight of the mother so as to prevent serious complications such as high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, which is a life threatening condition for both mother and baby.
Foetal Heartbeat
The baby’s heartbeat is monitored whenever the mother goes to the antenatal clinic.
Click on the PLAY button to view video clip
Blood test The mother’s blood is tested for: Determining the mother’s blood group STI’s diagnosis, such as syphilis Haemoglobin levels H.I.V
Scanning
Ultrasound scans are done to confirm that the foetus is growing well, that it is the right size for the dates or to check on the dates if the mother is unsure about them.
Scanning is also done to check on any possible abnormalities that the unborn baby may have, so as to deal with them as early as possible.
Factors Affecting Normal Foetal Development
The normal foetal development can be affected by: HIV and AIDS Alcohol abuse and smoking Drug misuse and abuse Poor nutrition Trauma/Stress Click on each factor to view it.
HIV and AIDS
This may cause infection to the baby.
Alcohol Abuse and Smoking
This leads to underweight babies, mental retardation and miscarriages.
Drug misuse and Abuse
This may lead to poor development of the foetus and also miscarriages.
Poor Nutrition
This may lead to poor physical and mental development of the foetus.
A pregnant woman eating chocolates from a box
Trauma/Stress
This may lead to miscarriages.
A stressed pregnant woman in an office
Postnatal Care
Postnatal care is the care given to the mother and baby for up to about five years after a baby is born.
Both mother and child are given intense care in the first six weeks after delivery.
Mothers at a postnatal clinic
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
i) Define post natal care.
ii) Explain the importance of post natal care.
iii) Describe the activities that take place at the post natal clinic.
Importance of Postnatal Care
Postnatal care is given at home and in hospitals. Postnatal care safeguards the general health of the mother and the baby.
The following are the activities that take place at the postnatal clinic: The mother’s uterus is thoroughly examined to ensure that the uterus and other organs are back to normal. The breasts are examined to ensure that the mother is able to breastfeed properly and advice is given accordingly. The mother is advised on good nutrition, general hygiene and methods of family planning. The mother’s health, emotional, psychological and social concerns are addressed at the clinic. Pregnancy related complications, if any, are addressed. The growth of the baby is monitored. The general health of the baby is assessed and treatment given if necessary. The baby is immunized against common childhood diseases.
Child Immunization Immunization is the introduction of a vaccine into the body to protect it against a particular disease or infection.
It prepares the body to defend itself against specific diseases by stimulating the immune system to produce appropriate antibodies.
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to define the term immunization.
Importance of Immunization
It is important for children to be immunized so as to: Prevent harm caused by some diseases. Reduce child mortality. Prevent permanent injury or disfigurement.
Save on money that could have been used on treatment.
Objective
By the end of the lesson you should be able to explain the importance of immunization
Immunization Schedule
Immunization schedule is a programme of immunization for a country.
Objective
By the end of the lesson you should be able to explain the immunization schedule.
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding is the nourishment of a baby on milk through the breast.
Importance of Breastfeeding
Objective
By the end of the lesson you should be able to explain the importance of breastfeeding.
Problems Related to Breastfeeding
Many mothers are able to breastfeed successfully. However, some mothers may experience problems which may require help from health professionals, counselors and experienced breastfeeding mothers.
The following are some of the problems related to breastfeeding: Breast engorgement Sore nipples Breast abscess Inability of the mother to breastfeed Mother’s refusal to breastfeed Baby’s refusal to breastfeed Baby’s inability to breastfeed
Objective
By the end of the lesson you should be able to state the problems related to breastfeeding.
Breast engorgement
This is the condition experienced by breastfeeding mothers when breasts become too full of milk as a result of infrequent breastfeeding.
Sore nipples
This condition is as a result of cracking of the nipple.
This makes breastfeeding painfull.
Breast abscess
This is a complication that occurs when a cracked nipple is neglected.
The mother needs to seek immediate medical attention.
Inability of the mother to breastfeed
This may be caused by:
1. Inverted nipples
2. Severe malnutrition
3. Severe illness
Mother’s refusal to breastfeed
This can be as a result of ignorance and misconception.
Baby’s refusal to breastfeed
This can be as a result of:
1. Introducing bottle feeding too early
2. Early weaning
3. Nipple confusion-a problem that arises when a breast fed baby is given a rubber tit.
Baby’s inability to breastfeed This can be due to:
1. Cleft lip/ palate
2. Oral thrush
3. Illness
Feeding Equipment and Materials
These are items used during food preparation, cooking and feeding the baby. These equipment and materials include:
Objective
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to practice proper care of feeding equipment.
Points to Obseve when Caring for Baby’s Feeding Equipment
1. Clean hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before handling the equipment
2. Clean the equipment immediately after use
3. Sterilize the equipment after cleaning
4. Avoid handling the equipment when suffering from infectious diseases.
5. Do not share baby’s equipment with other members of the family
6. Avoid touching the surface of the equipment which goes into the baby’s mouth
7. Avoid handling the equipment when suffering from infectious diseases.
Cleaning feeding equipment
Feeding equipment should be washed thoroughly, sterilized and stored appropriately.
Clean the feeding bottle using the following procedure:
– Sterilizing Feeding Equipment in Sterilizing Solution
– Sterilizing Feeding Equipment by Boiling
– Sterilizing Feeding Equipment in a Sterilizing Kit
– Flour Mixtures and Raising Agents
Flour mixtures are made by using flour as the main ingredient.
Other ingredients may be added with liquids determining the consistency as either stiff or dropping.
Types and Functions of Raising Agents
A raising agent is air or substance which is used to make flour mixtures light.
The agents include air, steam,and carbon IV oxide.
Raising agents all work in the same way by raising the flour mixtures.
When the agents are added into moist flour mixtures and subjected to heat, the agents become lighter and rise, stretching the gluten strands in the flour.
On further heating, the flour mixture sets in an expanded form.
A cake rising in the oven as it bakes
Objective
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to explain how raising agents work.
Methods of Introducing Raising Agents into Flour Mixtures
Different raising agents are introduced into flour mixtures using different methods.
These are:
1. Mechanical
2. Physical
3. Biological
4. Chemical
Objective
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to explain how raising agents work.
Quizzes Mechanical
Mechanical Methods of introducing raising agents into flour mixtures include:
1. Sieving
2. Rubbing-in
3. Creaming
4. Beating
5. Whisking
Sieving
Air as a raising agent is introduced into flour mixtures mechanically by sieving it.
Click on the PLAY button to view video clip
Rubbing in
Fat is rubbed into the sieved flour using the finger tips.
It should be raised above the bowl to incorporate air.
Creaming
Fat and sugar are creamed together in a bowl using a wooden spoon.
A damp cloth is placed under the bowl so as to keep it steady on the work surface.
Beating
Air is introduced into flour mixtures by beating using a wooden spoon.
Whisking
This is introducing air into a flour mixture by whipping eggs using a rotary whisk, balloon whisk or an electric mixer.
Physical
Steam raises mixtures by a physical action.
Steam is produced when water in a mixture reaches boiling point.
As steam forces its way up through the mixture, the gluten strands stretch and set, holding the mixture in that raised form.
For steam to be effective as a raising agent, high temperature and a high proportion of liquid are necessary.
Biological
In this method, yeast cells are used to produce carbon IV oxide.
When yeast cells are exposed to sugar, warmth and moisture, fermentation occurs.
As a result, carbon IV oxide and alcohol is produced.
During cooking, the carbon IV oxide raises the flour mixture while the alcohol escapes.
Loaf of bread made using yeast
Chemical
When sodium bicarbonate or baking powder are incoporated into a moist flour mixture and subjected to heat, a chemical reaction occurs producing carbon IV oxide.
Food Items Made from Different Flour Mixtures
Flour mixtures can be used to make a variety of food items.
These include:
pancakes, drop scones, banana fritters, cakes, pastries, chapatis, bread and bread rolls, doughnuts, mandazi, biscuits and cookies.
Objective
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to explain how flour mixtures can be used to make a variety of food items.
Pancakes
Pancakes are made from thin batters.
They can be used as tea accompaniment.
Ingredients 120g Plain Flour Pinch of salt 1 egg 1/4 Litre (250g) milk/ water 1 table spoon melted fat (Optional) Fat/ oil for frying
Method
Preparation Tips
Pan cakes can be both sweet and savoury.
Sweet pancakes can be sprinkled with sugar, honey, syrup, treacle sprinkled with a few drops of lemon juice, then served with tea or any other hot beverage.
Savoury pan cakes can be filled with cooked minced meat, fried eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, grated cheese and served as a snack.
Drop Scones
Dropscones are made from their thick batter.
They can be used as a tea accompaniment and as a snack.
Ingredients 200g baking flour 2 tea spoons baking powder 2 dessert spoons suga 2 eggs 250ml milk/ water Pinch of salt 30g margarine/ butter Method
Cakes Mixtures
Cakes are used as desserts, for special occasions such as birthdays and accompaniments to beverages.
Rubbed-in
Ingredients 200g Plain Flour 2-2 1/2 level teaspoon baking flourOR 200g self raising flour 100g granulated sugar 100g margarine / butter 1/4 level teaspoon salt 2 eggs About 5 tablespoons milk/ water A few drops of vanilla essence
Method of Baking Rubbed-in Cakes
Creamed Cakes
Ingredients 200g Plain flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 100g butter/ margarine 100g sugar 2 level teaspoons baking powder 2-4 tablespoons milk/ water
Method of Baking Creamed Cakes
Meat Pies
Meat pies can be made using the short crust pastry.
Ingredients 200g plain baking flour 100g (/2 cooking fat/ 1/2 margarine/lard) 1/2 level tsp salt 8 tbsp water
Filling 100g minced meat 1 onion pinch of salt 1 bunch dhania Seasoning
Oven temperature 200?C (400?F) or Gas no. 6
Time 25minutes-30minutes
Method
Preparation of the filling
As the pastry relaxes, prepare the filling as follows:
Doughnuts
Doughnuts are made from yeast mixtures.
Ingredients 200g plain wheat flour 2 tsp fine sugar 2 tbsp margarine 2 tsp yeast 1 egg 1 tbsp milk/water Deep frying oil
Method Clothing Construction Processes
In form 1 you learnt about textile fibres and their properties.
You also learnt about sewing tools and equipment and stitches.
This topic also builds on the following concepts learnt in form two:
1. Seams
2. Patterns and garment construction (apron) Disposal of Fullness
Disposal of fullness is also refered to as ‘management of fullness’ or ‘control of fullness’.
It is defined as the process of arranging extra allowance of fabric in garment construction.
It is done to:
Give shape to the garment
Introduce style features
Give a good fit to the garment
Decorate the garment
Allow for growth
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
* State the reasons for disposal of fullness.
* Describe the processes of disposal of fullness.
Methods of Disposing Fullness
In garment construction the methods of disposing fullness include:
Darts
A dart can either be single or double pointed.
They are usually worked on the wrong side.
They are commonly used at the waist, bust and shoulders.
Gathers
Gathers are made by forming ruffles on fabrics and are best worked on fine fabrics.
They are worked on waists of skirts, shorts and trousers, yokes, crowns and wrists of sleeves.
Gathers can be worked by hand or machine.
Pleats
A pleat is formed by folding the fabric to form three layers.
These layers are: Surface (1), under fold (2), base (3).
The pleats are held into position by a band or seam.
There are three main types of pleats.
These include: Knife pleat Box pleat Inverted pleat
Knife pleat
A knife pleat is any single pleat with the fold facing any direction.
Inverted pleats
These are made by working two pleats with the folds meeting on the right side (RS).
Box Pleat
This is made by working two pleats with the folds meeting on the Wrong Side (WS) Tucks
A tuck is a fold of fabric stitched through the double fabric on the right side.
There are three main types of tucks: Pin tucks Wider tucks Shell tucks
Elasticating (Use of Elastic) Elastic is a type of rubber material that can stretch.
It is used on waists of skirts, shorts, dresses, pants and slips.
Elastic can be stitched directly onto the edge of an article or inserted in a casing.
Pockets
A pocket is a bag like feature on a garment used for holding small items among others handkerchief, money, pen.
Pockets vary in size and shape depending on their purpose and position on the garment.
The different pockets are patch, in-seam, welt, bound and pocket cut as part of the garment.
Objectives
By the end of the of the lesson you should be able to discuss the process of making in-seam and patch pockets.
Patch Pockets
A patch pocket is a shaped piece of fabric that is stitched flat onto the right side of a garment with an opening at the top.
The shapes include round, square and V-shape.
Procedure of Making a Round Patch Pocket
In-Seam Pockets
In this pocket, two pocket pieces are joined to the seam turnings on the inside of the pocket mouth.
They are stitched together to form a bag which is pressed towards the front and reinfoced at the top and bottom of the pocket mouth.
Procedure of Working the In-seam PocketInterfaced Waistband
A waistband is a firm band used to finish and hold waists of skirts, trousers and shorts firmly.
It is usually stiffened with interfacing to keep it flat, strong and prevent stretching.
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to prepare and attach an interfaced waistband correctly.
Procedure of Making an Interfaced WaistbandAttaching the Waistband
A waistband is attached to waistline by a plain seam. Procedure of Attaching a Waistband
Openings
An opening is a gap created in a garment for easy wearing and removal.
The choice of an opening will be determined by; type of garment; type of fabric; position of the opening on the garment and the type of fastening required.
Types of Openings
There are many types of openings.
They include: Faced slit opening Bound opening Continuous wrap opening Front opening Zipped opening Fly opening
In this lesson only two of these openings are covered: Faced slit opening Continuous wrap opening
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. State the factors that determine the choice of opening
2. Describe and make a:Continous wrap opening Faced slit opening
Continuous Wrap Opening
This opening can be inserted in a slit or in a seam.
Procedure of Making a Continous Wrap Opening
Faced slit opening
This opening is made by making a slit/slash into garment and is neatened using a facing.
Procedure of Making a Faced slit opening
Fastenings
Fastenings are devices used to close openings on garments and articles.
Fasteners are of various types.
They include:
* Buttons and buttonholes/ loops
* Hooks and eyes/bars/loops
* Zips
* Press studs
* Velcro tapes
The fastenings covered in this lesson are: Button and hand worked loop Concealed zip
Objectives
By the end of the of the lesson you should be able to: Attach a button Work a concealed zip and a loop
Procedure for Attaching a Button
Loops
Loops are worked at the edge of an opening to be fastened with a button.
The types of loops include: Worked loops Rouleau loops
Roll over each to view the photos
In this lesson, you will cover the worked loop.
Procedure of Making a Worked Loop Zip Fastening
Some methods of attaching a zip are; concealed, semi-concealed, invisible and conspicuous.
In this lesson you will cover the concealed.
Concealed Method
Concealed method is where the zip is not seen at all on the Right Side but one row is stitching shows down one side and across the bottom.
Procedure of Attaching a Concealed Zip
Making a Skirt and a pair of Shorts
In this lesson, you are expected to apply knowledge and skills acquired so far in Form 1, 2 and 3 to make a skirt, a pair of shorts or a pair of trousers for your course work.
You will need the following: Pattern pieces for a skirt/ a pair of shorts Fabric Matching thread Fasteners Needlework tools and equipment
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to apply the clothing construction processes to make a skirt or a pair of shorts.
Order of Making a Skirt or Short Prepare pattern pieces and fabric Lay the pattern pieces onto fabric along the straight grain of fabric Cut out pattern pieces Transfer pattern markings onto fabric and remove pattern pieces from fabric Dispose fullness Make the pockets Make the seam where the zip will be attached Attach the zip Make the rest of the seams Prepare and fix the waistband Fix the fasteners Manage the hems Press the completed work
Principles of Wise Buying Buying is when a consumer exchanges money for goods and services.
Wise buying is getting value for the money spent on goods and services.
Common Methods of Buying Goods and Services
The methods used for buying goods and services include: Cash buying Credit buying Others may include electronic money transfer.
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of common methods of buying.
Cash Buying
This is when a consumer exchanges goods or services for money.
Advantages Consumers may get a discount on the buying price of goods or services It prevents consumers from overspending Discourages impulse buying Enables one to follow their budget
Disadvantages Consumers can only obtain the goods and services when they have the money Not suitable for expensive items such as cars due to the risk of carrying the money
Credit Buying
This is where goods and services are obtained with the promise to pay at a later date.
Under credit buying, we have: Hire purchase Non-instalment credit Credit cards
Hire Purchase
Hire purchase is also referred to as installment credit.
In hire purchase, the consumer obtains a good, pays the agreed installment and may pay a deposit for it.
Advantages The consumer enjoys the use of the good before completing payment. The consumer is given a guarantee and therefore receives other services like repair and maintenance before completion of payment. The consumer obtains items that would otherwise take too long to save for. The consumer does not strain financially as they pay in manageable amounts according to their income. It encourages the consumer to plan income expenditure.
Disadvantages It is more costly than cash due to the interest charged. Families may overspend due to buying many items. One does not get any discount on items. Incase of default in payment no refund given. Credit Cards
This is a method where a consumer uses a prescribed card from a financial institution to buy goods and services and payment is made from consumer’s account.
Advantages The consumer accesses goods or services during emergency They are not bulky hence easy to carry They are fairly safe Can be used at all times Some credit cards may give cash
Disadvantages
They may lead to overspending
They may lead to impulse buying
There is high interest rates charged hence expensive
The card may not be used to obtain some goods and services such as vegetables from an open air market
Non-installment credit
This is where a consumer obtains goods and services with a promise to pay later with no interest charged.
Advantages One does not have to pay for goods and services immediately. It eases financial pressure as it gives the consumer time to organize him/herself. Does not attract any interest
Disadvantages Failure to pay may lead to denial of services It does not allow for bargain in payments One may over commit their income
Making a Budget
A budget is a plan for spending the available income to an individual or family.
This is done by listing expenses which vary from individual to individual and family to family.
There are two types of expenses:
Roll over each for more information
Fixed expenses
Fixed expenses refer to expenditure on goods and services that must be paid for on regular basis.
They include: House rent Electricity School fees Savings Hire purchase Water
Flexible expenses
Flexible expenses refer to expenditure on goods and services that must be bought on regular basis but the time and money spent can be varied.
They include:Food Clothing Medical care Transport Emergency