Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Many people with financial problems are hesitant to attend a financial education course and even more hesitant to share personal information. Clients frequently approach local instructors after classes have ended with more detailed questions on various financial issues.

Response:
Since 2004, ISU Extension has been involved in teaching & coordinating the CASH (Creating Assets for Success and Happiness) Class in cooperation with various other local organizations who make up the Cedar Valley Financial Education Committee. The CASH course has enjoyed success and regularly holds classes to educate Black Hawk County citizens on financial issues.

In January 2008, ISU Extension families field specialist introduced the Turning Point clicker technology to the CASH participants. Clickers are small devices that allow participants to anonymously enter answers to various questions and see the results for the entire class on a projected screen. In this session of the CASH class, participants were discussing CHEX Systems, the system in place to notify businesses of individuals with insufficient funds checks. This is normally a sensitive subject and class participants are not asked to reveal any information they may be uncomfortable sharing. Using the clicker system, participants were asked if they had ever had a check in CHEX systems. Once the results appeared on the screen showing that over half the class had similar experiences, a lively discussion followed. Participants all shared their experiences freely and asked questions of the families field specialist on how to clear the checks out of the system and apply for bank accounts. Several participants left the class exciting saying that they planned to apply for checking accounts soon.

Impact:
Of the 8 participants who participated in the January 2008 session of the CASH class, 5 indicated they were planning to apply for checking accounts or work to clear their checks out of CHEX Systems. The next week, 3 reported that they had already secured checking accounts. One participant commented "Thank-you, I didn't think I could ever have a checking account again".

Additional Team Members/Community Partners:
Operation Threshold, 319-263-2163 ext 112

Contact:
Madelyn Ridgeway
Black Hawk County Extension
3420 University Ave., Ste B
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-234-6811
ridgeway@iastate.edu