One of the things that Financial Education Associates does is teach basic financial education. The topics include goal setting, creating a spending plan that works for you, how to read your credit report, understanding credit scores, what you can do to resolve your credit issues, and how to save money.  We talk about scams that advertise that you can have a quick resolution to your financial problems and how to recognize and avoid them. In addition to the time spent in the class, each person has a personal appointment to discuss personal goals with the instructor. 

It may sound a little frightening, especially if you believe that you have the worst financial situation in the world. Most people are relieved after coming to class because they realize that they are not alone and the situation is not hopeless. We even laugh a little (okay, a lot) over how we perceive our situations and some of our habits.

Why am I telling you about this? I was listening to a local radio station today and heard an advertisement for the “President’s stimulus plan” that will help you eliminate your debt. There is no such program! There are also ads that tell you that they can save your home from foreclosure, give you free groceries, and give you grant money to start a business. It will be great to be able to know how to handle these things yourself without paying? Even better, you will be able to separate truth from fiction as you learn to set your goals and manage your finances.

On Monday evenings in June, I will facilitate a series of financial education classes at Madison Park Development Corporation at 184 Dudley St in Roxbury, 6:30-8:30PM. The classes are FREE. The materials are FREE. The personal counseling session is FREE. There is nothing for sale at any of the sessions.

Some very good things have happened to people who have taken the classes since Madison Park Development Corporation began this program in 2004. Many people have repaired their credit, started businesses, bought homes, attended college, and sent their children to school. Some came to the classes with friends, co-workers, spouses, or other family members to form a supportive environment in the class, at home and at work.  

So, how about you? Could you use some help in figuring out your finances? Are you tired of not really understanding what you can do about your credit? It would be nice to have something put away for an emergency? If you have had a life event such as an illness, job loss, or loss of a family member, wouldn’t it be helpful to have a strategy to get back on your feet?

If you would like to sign up for the class and get more information on the time and location of the class, please register at http://ff0610.eventbrite.com. It will be great to see you there!