Spencer, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host “Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Managing Debt & Improving Credit,” a three-session money management program, beginning Nov. 4 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer.
The program seeks to help individuals sharpen their money management skills, learn key financial concepts and practice building real-life financial strategies.
Brenda Schmitt, human sciences specialist in family wellbeing with ISU Extension and Outreach says it can be tough to decide which bills and monthly expenses to pay first, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Although it’s important to try to make all of your monthly payments, it may not always be possible. When you have sound information and strong skills, you can make your money work for you and for your future even when money is short.
According to Schmitt, “Money Smart” tools and ideas help individuals take control of their financial situation. The program provides participants with money management resources to help them manage their money more effectively, make better financial decisions, and live according to their priorities.
Schmitt says the Money Smart workshop series can help you grow your financial knowledge with unbiased research-based information and explore strategies for making wise choices when money is short, income has dropped, or unexpected expenses happen.
Participants will explore ways to improve their financial wellbeing by developing an emergency spending plan, creating a prioritized bill-paying strategy, finding ways to manage debt, learning about the importance of credit reports, and exploring ways to improve a person’s credit score.
The workshop series is presented in three one-hour sessions, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, Nov. 9, and Nov. 11. The three sessions are free, but pre-registration is required. To preregister, visit https://bit.ly/smart18672 or call 712-262-2264.
For class questions, contact Brenda Schmitt at schmitt@iastate.edu or for help registering, contact Sarah Dirks at 712-262-2264 or sdirks@iastate.edu.
