With the end of pandemic assistance programs and the rise in inflation, some people may be turning to their credit cards, increasing their balances and creating challenges for paying their bills, said Suzanne Bartholomae, Iowa State University associate professor and extension state specialist in financial wellbeing.
Iowans facing financial challenges may sign up for “Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Credit and Debt,” a free, three-part, virtual series. ISU Extension and Outreach will host the series on Mondays, April 17, April 24 and May 1, from noon to 1 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. Participation in either the noon series or the evening series is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.
A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that young adults in their 20s and 30s appear to be having the biggest challenges with paying their bills each month, Bartholomae said.
“This virtual series can help young adults or others who may be facing challenges. You’ll gain tools to help manage money effectively, make better financial decisions and live according to your priorities,” said Barb Wollan, a human sciences specialist in family wellbeing.
Participants will improve their financial wellbeing by strengthening core financial skills and knowledge related to prioritizing bills, improving credit and managing debt. The program is designed to help Iowans increase control and reduce stress about their current financial situation by learning about tools and strategies to help them make challenging financial decisions.
The topics – prioritizing bills, protecting credit and managing debt – are presented in one-hour, online Zoom sessions.
Individuals may choose to register for either the noon series or the 6 p.m. series, as they will cover the same content. Human Sciences specialists in family wellbeing with ISU Extension and Outreach will lead the program using research-based strategies to decide which bills and monthly expenses to pay first, how to protect one’s credit history, and managing debt even when money is short.
Sessions are free to participate in with pre-registration required online by Friday, April 14. Register for the noon to 1 p.m. series or at the 6-7 p.m.
Once an individual has registered, they will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link and class information.
Questions can be directed to Barb Wollan at 515-832-9597 or bwollan@iastate.edu.
Categories: Iowa, Education