Money Talk: Women's Financial Education Program
 
Problem:
A woman's opportunity to make financial decisions is often delayed until later in life when family changes put her in charge of her own and other family members' finances.  A shorter history of employment and lower earnings on average make it more challenging to secure financial independence and retirement security.
 
Response:
Money Talk is a financial education program developed to address the unique financial needs of women.  The five units cover financial management, insurance basics, investments, asset allocation, and dealing with live events.  A self-study workbook provides basic knowledge.  The financial education series was held in Wayne County, Iowa in April and May of 2005.  Community professionals representing insurance, financial planning and the legal field partnered with Iowa State University Extension to share knowledge and answer questions.  Attendance averaged 9 participants.  Individuals could attend the entire series or select specific topic areas.
 
Impact:
The participants made the following statements as a result of attendance:
In the future I plan to:

• Keep my will and other legal documents up to date.
• Watch out for more ways of investing and be more cautious about real estate investments.
• Add to my current investments.
• Change my investments and complete a Power of Attorney,
• Organize our important family papers and develop a better budget.

As a result of this program I have:

• Asked about our liability insurance coverage.
• Made an appointment with my financial planner.
• More knowledge about insurance and investments.
• Thought more about future investing, insurance and estate planning.
• Learned the difference between stocks and bonds.

Contact:
Joyce Lash
Field Specialist, Family Resource Management
Iowa State University Extension
101 North Polk, Mount Ayr, Iowa 50854 
Phone 641-464-3333;  Fax: 641-464-3333
Email lash@iastate.edu