Financial Education Programs
Resources to help you better manage your finances
The better understanding you have of your finances, the easier it is to reach your financial goals. There are many informative and low cost financial education workshops and counseling options available to help you learn how to more effectively manage your personal finances.
FDIC's "Money Smart" Program
This program is an instructor-led program with financial information, including how to maintain a checking account and avoid overdrafts. If you’d rather learn at your own pace, there’s a computer-based program as well.
Find out more at the FDIC's "Money Smart" Program website.
Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) "Choosing a Credit Counselor"
Reputable credit counseling organizations advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and usually offer free educational materials and workshops.
Read more about choosing the right credit counselor at the Federal Trade Commission website. This resource will assist you in choosing a credit counseling organization so you can decide if a debt management plan is right for you and to help you understand other debt relief options.
Wayne County Ohio State University Extension Office’s “Money Mentor Program”
The Master Money Mentor Program is designed to train volunteers to work with individuals requesting help with money management issues. This training provides you with money management strategies for helping individuals grasp basic money concepts and provides tools for participant’s use.
Objectives for individuals working with a Master Money Mentor:
- Establish financial goals
- Organize financial records
- Gain knowledge and improve money management skills and practices in budgeting, managing credit, and record keeping
- Establish a plan to deal with debt
- Determine possible money stretching strategies
- Become aware of resources to help with personal financial management
Find out more information about the Ohio State University "Money Mentor Program"
Wayne County Ohio State University Extension Office’s “Steps to Home Ownership”
The Steps to Home Ownership program is designed to provide education for prospective home buyers who are Wayne County residents and low- or moderate-income qualified. The program meets the requirements for the CHIP, Housing Choice Voucher Home Ownership, Habitat for Humanity, and USDA Rural Development programs.
4 weekly sessions cover topics such as:
- Are you ready for home ownership?
- How much payment can you afford?
- What is a lender looking for?
- Shopping for a house
- How to save on home maintenance
- Money management tips
Find out more information about the Ohio State University "Steps to Home Ownership"
Wayne County Ohio State University Extension Office’s Healthy Finances Resources
Learn keys to financial stability and build a financial plan through the Money 101 program.
Take a look at the complete list of financial programming Wayne County OSU Extension has to offer.