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Let's talk about money

   

Women in Northern Virginia have a new financial education program to help them manage their money.

Extension’s Arlington County office introduced “Money Talk: A Financial Course for Women” in January 2006 and has already graduated more than 100 participants.

“The premise of the program is that women have unique financial needs,” says Jennifer Abel, family and consumer sciences agent. “Women are more likely to leave the workforce to care for young children and the elderly. On average, they have lower life earnings and yet they live longer than men.”

Abel teaches the first of five weekly sessions on budgeting, record keeping, goal setting, and managing credit and debit cards. She recruits Certified Financial Planners® to teach the remaining sessions on insurance, investing basics, retirement planning, and planning for future life events.

A recent survey of the first graduates showed that 100 percent of the respondents made at least two positive changes in their financial situation as a result of the course. Sixty-three percent saved money, a total of $44,100, since completing the program.

One participant comments, “I will be paying off my car and another loan within a few months after attending the class.”