Barb Wollan Resource Management Specialist Hamilton County Extension 311 Bank Street Webster City, Iowa 50595-2303 Phone: 515-832-9597 Fax: 515-832-9599 E-mail: bwollan@iastate.edu

Welcome to Take Control of Your Money!

As you work through the course activities, you may have questions or seek additional information on a particular topic.  I am the “learning coach” for this course, available by email to consult as need arises.  In addition, I will send a weekly email Money Tip designed to draw your attention to timely money management issues.

As an ISU Extension Family Resource Management Field Specialist, I provide information and learning opportunities to residents of many central Iowa counties.  Through this web course, I now have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the state! Because my duties often take me away from my office, I may not always be able to respond immediately when you contact me, but I will do so as quickly as I can, generally within a few days.

My varied experiences with financial education have given me familiarity with the issues faced by many different audiences.  In my current position I have devoted a great deal of energy to retirement planning education, and I have focused on the financial issues faced by young families, women, and older adults. Before I came to ISU Extension in 1995, I worked with Illinois Extension for six years in a position which focused on the needs of lower-income families. Previous experiences included classroom education and individual counseling with clients seeking to improve their financial well-being.

No matter who I am working with, my focus is always on helping people build the information, skill and confidence that will enable them to make the best possible decisions for their situation. 

As you work through this web course, I hope you'll want to put some of the information to use, because the ideas and tools presented here can help you reach your individual goals and become more financially secure. Throughout the process, don't hesitate to contact me for support.

• I can "listen" through your writing.
• I can be a sounding board.
• I can answer specific questions.
• I can provide encouragement.

If you haven't already done so, complete the Learning Coach sign-up form to get started building skills that will help you reach your goals for financial security and well-being.

Sincerely,
Barb
Barb Wollan