Are you going into the holiday season frustrated with your finances and wanting to get in control of your money? Iowa State University Extension is offering a personal financial management series in December. The online class called “Budget Basics” will be offered one hour a week for three weeks.
“When we have sound information and strong skills for managing money and making financial decisions, then we can use our money effectively to live out our highest priorities,” says Erin Ludwig, ISU Extension Family Resource Management Program Specialist.
Week one will cover setting goals, managing unexpected and periodical expenses, and savings. Week two will talk about tracking spending, creating a budget, decreasing expenses and increasing income. The third week discusses types of credit, ways to manage credit, predatory lending and resources for the consumer.
“The most valuable thing for me was the tools (worksheets, spreadsheets, etc.) that we used. Now we can use the tools to start saving and to learn where all of our money is going each month. I am hoping that I can use that information to set up a budget for our family and maybe we will be able to save even more than we are right now,” commented Tina Dodge a recent participant.
Ed Poynor of Delaware County found the class to be easy to work with. “The course was relaxed, non-threatening and offered financial tips that we all could benefit from.”
Two class times are offered: noon to 1:00 on Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 or 5:30 – 6:30 on Wednesdays, Dec 2, 9, and 16. Upon registration, participants will receive class materials via email as well as the web address with instructions on how to log in. Participants will need a computer with internet access to take the class. If you miss one class, or would like to review a session, you will receive information as to how to view the recorded class.
For more information or registration forms, contact the ISU Extension office at 563-382-2949 or email eludwig@iastate.edu.
Download a brochure.