Opinion

Where does your money go?

Monday, April 6, 2009

We all know families are facing financial challenges.

Recently someone wrote to this paper pleading for information about resources to help those who are dealing with the current economic turbulence. One new resource that is available through the Putnam County Extension Service is help with personal financial management and figuring out "Where Your Money Goes?"

During March, Purdue Extension's Consumer and Family Science Department offered training to volunteers across the state who are willing to work one on one with families or individuals who would like assistance with basic money management. Eleven local volunteers completed the "Where Does Your Money Go?" money management training.

This was the largest group of volunteers among the ten counties that took part in the training. It was both impressive and heart-warming to see the level of interest and concern displayed by the individuals who came forward to participate in this program locally. It shows real concern and a genuine willingness to help others.

The "Where Does Your Money Go?" curriculum is designed to assist individuals and families with basic money management skills, including tips for saving, setting goals and developing a spending plan.

Through hands --on activities, the volunteers can help participants analyze current spending patterns to determine ways to adjust spending in order to stabilize personal finances.

Persons who would like help with personal financial management or want to know more about the "Where Does Your Money Go?" program, should call Purdue Extension Educator, Jackie Baumann, at 653-8411. You can be matched with a volunteer who will work with you individually on managing your personal finances.

The Putnam County Extension Office has a limited supply of packets of information on Surviving the Financial Turbulence. The packets contain tips on ways to save money, the 2009 National Consumers League's Consumer Calendar, information on identity theft protection, credit calculators, local resource directories and more. The packets are too large to mail but can be picked up on a first come, first served basis at the Extension Office in the Courthouse Annex in Greencastle.

Call ahead to reserve your Surviving the Financial Turbulence Packet. They are free and will be given out on a first come first served basis.

Other information available from the Extension Office that might be of interest to people who are looking for ways to stretch their income and survive the challenges of the current economy, include publications on putting in a family garden and how to preserve food that you grow.

In addition to numerous educational publications, Purdue Extension Offices in the Terre Haute District are offering three Basic Food Preservations Workshops at the Clabbergirl facility on Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute. "Basic Water Bath Canning" is being offered on Wednesday, April 22; "Basics of Freezing Foods" on Wednesday, April 29 and "Basics of Drying Foods" is scheduled on Wednesday, May 6.

All three classes will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Clabbergirl Culinary Classroom. The cost for each workshop is $20.

The classes are limited to 15 individuals and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

To register or for more information about the basic food preservation classes call the Putnam County Extension Office at 653-8411 or call the Vigo County Office at (812) 268-4332.

Visit our website at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam, or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653.8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.