The Oklahoma Jump$tart Coalition Your construction partner in your extreme financial makeover Remodeling is a long process. Lately, it seems everyone wants (or at least needs) to redo their finances. However, it can be a difficult task if you don’t have a partner on your side who can help. The Oklahoma Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a group of individuals and organizations across the state whose mission is to make
a positive difference in the future of Oklahoma families by helping youth and adults improve their financial fitness. The members of the Coalition believe that financial literacy is vital to economic growth. Anyone interested in financial literacy is invited to get involved
Oklahoma Jump$tart Coalition board members and member organizations
and learn more about the Coalition at OklahomaJumpstart. org. Each year, the Oklahoma Jump$tart Coalition hosts Jump$tart Your Money (JYM) Week to raise awareness about the importance of being financially fit, as well as provide free tools, classes and resources for Oklahomans. On the group’s website, OklahomaJumpstart. org, you can find resources and classes available during JYM Week and beyond.
April 23-29
Renew with Money Mania The YWCA and Junior League of Oklahoma City are partnering with the Oklahoma Jump$tart Coalition to get Oklahomans’ finances in shape for Jump$tart Your Money (JYM) Week, April 23-29. JYM Week kicks off on April 23 with Money Mania, a free community fair on money management from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YWCA McFarland Branch, 1701 N Martin Luther King Ave. The carnival-style event will educate participants on successfully managing their money and will feature games, prizes and free food with educational sessions and access to local financial services. Vendors at Money Mania include Tinker
2
Federal Credit Union, the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank’s Oklahoma City Branch and the Oklahoma Society of CPAs, among others. The YWCA’s Economic Empowerment Program provides financial literacy, job training and other skills to women who have been victims of domestic violence. The Junior League of Oklahoma City is a partner in the YWCA’s Economic Empowerment Program’s financial literacy efforts and helped launch Money Mania as a way to provide that financial literacy to the community. Because of the event’s primary sponsor, Tinker Federal Credit Union, the event is free and open to the public. “We are thrilled to sponsor Money Mania again because it supports our mission of helping members achieve their goals and realize their dreams,” said
Cynthia Campbell, assistant vice president of Financial Empowerment at Tinker Federal Credit Union. “Financial education is vital to that mission and to Oklahomans working to achieve a better quality of life.”
April 20, 2011
President Matt Guillory Disaster preparedness and response consultant Vice President Cynthia Campbell AVP Financial Empowerment Tinker Federal Credit Union Secretary P. Kevin Shahan Personal Finance Consultant Treasurer Jo Ann Murray Project Director Invest Ed Communications Chair Amy L. Welch, APR Director of Communications Oklahoma Society of CPAs Education Chair Inger Giuffrida Asset Building Strategies Consultant Membership Chair Pam Charles Internal Revenue Service Policy Chair Paul Shinn Community Action Project of Tulsa County Past President Pamela Gutel, APR Director of Public Affairs Federal Reserve Bank, Oklahoma City Branch Board Members at Large Denise Lant, Regent Financial, Tulsa Dawn Hix, Choctaw Nation, Durant
Community Action Project of Tulsa County Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Central Oklahoma Count It All Joy Crown Financial Ministries FAA Credit Union Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Oklahoma City Branch Financial Planning Association of Tulsa Gaylord College, University of Oklahoma Heart of Oklahoma Chapter of Better Investing IFMAPS-OCES Internal Revenue Service Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, Inc. Junior League of Oklahoma City McClain Bank OK Homebuyer Education Association Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencies Oklahoma Bankers Association Oklahoma Council on Economic Education Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education Oklahoma Money Matters Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants CPAs Oklahoma Policy Institute Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University Extension Service OSU Cooperative Extension, Blaine County Cherokee County Comanche County Garvin County Nowata County Okmulgee County Coalition Member Organizations Pittsburg County Wagoner County IYR, LLC Red River Technology Center Cherokee Nation Rose State College, BIT Division Choctaw Home Finance The Assets Alliance Choctaw Nation Thespis Media / 4tNox Choctaw Nation – Choctaw Asset Building Career Development Program Tinker Federal Credit Union TruNorth LifePlanning Citizen Potawatomi Community Tulsa Teachers Credit Union Development Corp. United Way of Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency YWCA of Oklahoma City
OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
ReCONSTRUCT your portfolio By Leann Voss, Director of Operations, IYR, LLC When storms cause damage to dwellings, owners typically call construction experts to survey the damage, offer ideas for structural reinforcement in crucial areas and submit cost estimates. This process affords owners the ability to identify the areas that can be remodeled or reinforced, according to the changing needs of the owner and the changing costs of construction materials and labor. So it is with investment portfolios. After recent stock market highs and lows, many investors may feel afraid to venture forth and uncertain how to replace holdings that have lost value. In fact, they may just feel afraid to open the statements which keep coming in the mail. But net worth building requires a proactive approach to portfolios, which translates to reviewing assets and understanding changing markets. IRAs, Roth accounts and 401(k)s do not take care of themselves, just as a house cannot repair itself. This is where licensed representatives can help. Investments, like houses, require upkeep and maintenance
YOUR SOLUTION FOR
thespismedia.com
THESPIS MEDIA, LTD. CO. TEACHING TRANSFORMED
Visit www.OklahomaJumpstart.org to find free JYM WEEK classes and resources to become financially fit.
in the form of time and action. Take time to understand market expectations and be aware of maximum contribution amounts for each retirement account, taking care to treat each like a company that will pay for your retirement. Because that is what our portfolios are — our private business we expect to pay us dividends. Any business that prospers is a business the owners are paying attention to and nurturing to be the best it can be. April is Financial Literacy Month. Take the time to visit with a financial professional about your investment portfolio. If you have not signed up to participate in your company’s 401(k) plan, make an appointment with your HR representative and take advantage of the benefit. If you are participating, take the time to review your portfolio with a registered investment representative. If you have not taken the time to understand stocks, bonds and mutual funds, call a representative and make an appointment to go over these financial tools you should use as soon as possible to build your net worth. It cannot be done unless you do it, so start building your net worth today.
After the recession and all the market turmoil, you may want to reconstruct your investment portfolio. Here’s some basic information to help:
A Practical Framework for Personal Portfolio Management Personal Portfolio Management should be segmented into three sequential stages. Personal Inventory > Risk Aversion – What is your risk tolerance? > Timeframe – When do you need the invested money? > Objectives – What is the benchmark for your returns? > Cash Flow – How much money do you have to invest? Investment Planning > What asset classes? Equities, debt instruments, real estate, cash equivalents, etc. > Which products? Mutual funds, stocks, bonds, EFTs, CDs, etc. > Which professionals? Self-directed, CFP, broker, etc. Action Steps > Invest the money – Lump sum, auto-deduction each month, etc.? > Measure progress – Are actual returns hitting your benchmark? > Modify plan, if needed. – Brooks Levonitis, CEO Thespis Media, Ltd. Co.
OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
The Short-Term Establish an emergency fund equal to three to six months of living expenses. Invest it in a safe, liquid asset such as a savings or money market account. You won’t earn much interest on it, but you know it will be there when you need it. The Mid-Term Prioritize your immediate goals, such as saving for college, a new home or a car. The Long-Term Are your current allocations correct? Are you comfortable with your level of risk? Is it time to rebalance your portfolio? Do you need the help of a professional? – Eileen St. Pierre, Ph.D., CFA, CFP® Personal Finance Specialist Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University
April 20, 2011
3
Re-CREATE your path to long-term goals By Dawn Hix, Choctaw Asset Building Program, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma When was the last time you had a goal-setting meeting with yourself? Now is a great time to revisit those goals. Goalsetting allows freedom to brainstorm and focus on what is important to you. Where would you like to be in three to five years? Break your goals down into categories (for example health, professional, personal) and then into long-term and short-term goals. Long-term goals can take about three to five years to achieve, while short-term goals are reachable in one to three years. Short-term goals are often a stop along the way to our long-term goals. Remember to peCAB
riodically evaluate your short-term goals as they should be stepping stones to reach your long-term goals. Grab a sheet of paper and a pencil and get busy. What would you like to see in your future? Home ownership? A career change? A new business venture? Additional education or training? Start with the long-term goals and break those down into short-term goals, which will be the steps to arrive at your destination long-term goal. Ensure each of your goals by following the SMART concept: Specific, Motivational, Actionoriented, Relevant to your situation and Time bound. For example: Goal: I want to increase my income and
career status. Smart goal: I want to earn my registered nursing license (specific) by June 1, 2014 (time-bound), and I will visit three campuses offering this program (action-oriented). I will apply for financial assistance through a local Educational Opportunity Center for all programs (action-oriented). I will make my decision on which campus to attend based on what fits my financial plan the best (relevant to your situation). I will let my family and friends know my goals (motivational). What about you? Write down your SMART goals. Revisit them often to reach your ultimate goals in no time.
RECOVER your financial crisis plan By Melissa Crawford, Outreach Coordinator, Oklahoma Money Matters Recovering from a layoff, bad investment or bankruptcy? Although at times you may feel frightened or powerless, don’t despair. There are steps you can take right now to get back on your financial feet. First, address the issues that caused you trouble in the first place. If it’s something within your control, like overspending or relying on payday loans, stop immediately and make a realistic plan to ensure it doesn’t happen again. If an emergency caught you unprepared, commit to stashing at least six months of income in a savings account as soon as you’re able so you have options when disaster strikes.
If the situation was out of your control, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and take action. If you qualify, file for unemployment benefits. These benefits won’t be the same as your regular paycheck, so treat your job search as your new fulltime position. Update your resume and practice your interview skills. Ask your family, friends and previous colleagues to help you make professional connections. If possible, use this time to start (or finish) a degree or to learn new skills that will make you more marketable to employers. Until things stabilize, reassess your budget. Take a realistic look at what you can afford and make changes where necessary. What’s a necessity? What isn’t? Consider every expense and cut accordingly. If you’re having a hard
time making your minimum monthly payments on accounts, contact your creditors, explain your situation and try to make payment arrangements. Many companies can help motivated borrowers who are experiencing a hardship. Don’t rely on credit cards to make ends meet. While it may seem like an easy answer now, you’ll feel the pain later as you work to pay back the debt. If necessary, consider taking a part-time job until you find a fulltime position. During this time, surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. Take comfort in the support of your friends and family and seek advice from people who have experienced what you’re going through. You’re not the first, you won’t be the last and you’re not alone.
Choctaw Asset Building www.choctawcareers.com/cab.html
Tell me how to make my money GROW! Contact a CAB representative today for more information! 866-933-2260
Career Guidance · Assessment Testing Academic Remediation · Career Readiness Certificate Financial Assistance for Quality Training
Visit www.OklahomaJumpstart.org to find free JYM WEEK classes and resources to become financially fit.
4
(866) 933-2260 www.choctawcareers.com
April 20, 2011
OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
ReSHAPE your American dream By Tricia Auberle, Director, Oklahoma Homebuyer Education Association The Internet offers numerous tips for how to maneuver through the process of selecting and financing a house. Here are some tips on how to make sure you will be happy with your decision for years to come. > Write down what you need and what you want. Talk it over with your cobuyer. Determine what’s negotiable and what isn’t. Take your checklist with you and compare every house to your standards. > Be realistic about what you can afford. Housing should cost around 30 percent of your net income. Your house payment should leave you plenty of room to establish a reserve account for maintenance and to put away at least six months income to ensure against emergencies. Put money in these accounts every month and don’t use them for gifts, vacations or other purchases. Can’t afford all that? Then think twice about homeownership. > Look for information, not advice. Homeownership is a big commitment. Make your decisions based on your needs,
not someone else’s opinion. Be especially aware of potential conflicts of interest. What’s in it for the agent or loan officer can affect what that person tells you. > Never sign anything that is different from what you were told about the deal. The person who tells you “it doesn’t mean that” or “that won’t happen” isn’t the person who will have a problem later. The only thing that matters is what it says in the document you sign. Make sure you can live with every word of it. > Don’t commit to homeownership to make your spouse happy or because your parents think it’s time. Homeownership doesn’t make you responsible; it gives you responsibilities. Interact with other buyers who may have good questions you haven’t even considered. Talk to a housing professional who has nothing to gain from your decision to buy — or not buy — a home. Attend a homebuyer education workshop. The more prepared you are and the more you know going into homeownership, the happier you will be with your decision toward actualizing your American dream.
Visit www.OklahomaJumpstart.org to find free JYM WEEK classes and resources to become financially fit.
Fiscally Fit Boot Camp for Teachers - OKC United Way of Central OK Dates: June 9, June 30, July 14 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fiscally Fit Boot Camp for Teachers - Tulsa Location TBA Dates: Sept. 8, Oct.13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Multi-session, 12-hour workshop • Provides teachers with financial knowledge for use both in the classroom and their personal lives. • Each session will consist of small group interactions, lessons from expert speakers and large group learning sessions. • Meals provided. • Mileage reimbursements of .51 per mile available for teachers attending from locations more than 60 miles from the training site. • For more information or to sign-up, go to the workshop registration page at www.econisok.org
OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
Oklahoma Council on Economic Education 100 N University Drive, Box 103 Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 974-5343
REINVENT your career commitment By Amy L. Welch, APR; Director of Communications, Oklahoma Society of CPAs It’s important to keep your resume polished and your skills up-to-date. Here are some tips on recessionproofing your career and reinventing your commitment to your career. Increase your visibility and aim for excellence in everything you do. Develop a reputation for reliability, cooperation and other positive attributes. Even if you were doing a great job before, work harder to prove just how indispensable you are. If you strictly work eight hours, consider a change in habits. Arrive early and stay late to demonstrate your commitment. If your boss needs project volunteers, get on the list. Keep a realistically cheerful attitude that positively influences co-workers and, whenever possible, go the extra mile so your boss knows whom to count on at all times. Don’t be shy about accomplishments. Create a list of achievements, with specific details about contributions you’ve made. Also, be ready to talk about it. When these subjects come up, remind your boss about your
April 20, 2011
contributions. If your company is on the verge of layoffs, consider meeting with your boss to explain the positive things you’ve brought to the table and what you can add in the future. Taking home less money for the same job doesn’t sound like a good deal, but it may be right now. Employment can be hard to find in a recession, and you lose out on your entire salary during the weeks, even months, that it may take to find a new position. That’s why a pay cut or furlough may be a good compromise. In fact, if you are subject to a layoff, offer to work for reduced pay instead. Companies are usually reluctant to lay off good employees but may feel they have no choice — unless you give them one. The world we live in constantly evolves, so your skills should too. Take classes or attend conferences to increase your knowledge about various topics. Think about this: When college graduates start looking for work and they have more up-to-date knowledge about your industry — and might be willing to work for less money — employers may opt to take less-seasoned workers.
5
ReMODEL your tax plans By Amy L. Welch, APR, Director of Communications, Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants While thoughts of tax season can conjure up feelings of anxiety for many, there are ways to make it as stress-free as possible. > Get organized. By February, organizations should have sent you many of the documents you need to complete your return. This includes W-2s, 1099 forms and statements from your mortgage company, bank or other lender with details you’ll need. Get documentation of medical bills you’ve paid and charitable donations or financial investments you have made. As soon as it’s received, set it aside in a special folder so you don’t have to search for it when you’re ready to tackle your return. You’ll also need last year’s return for background information and to see if you need any additional paperwork. > Make order from chaos. Gathering documents is a good first step, but it’s also important to put them in order. Sort papers in different files or folders based on whether they relate, for example, to income or deductions.
Make a primary list of all documents and amounts involved with each. That will make it easier to get started. > Prepare year-round. Not all the documents you need will arrive in January and February. For example, you may need credit card or bank statements, receipts and records of cancelled checks showing deductible expenses, purchases or donations. > Stay informed. It’s easier to organize your tax return information if you understand more about how tax laws affect you. > Ask questions. If you use a tax preparer, first verify his or her quali-
fications, education, professional memberships, etc. Don’t assume someone is qualified because of a job title. Did you know, for example, that all CPAs can be considered accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs? Many people who call themselves “accountants” or “tax preparers” may have minimal qualifications or experience. Once you’ve established the person is trustworthy enough to hand over your personal financial information, then ask what else your might be needed, how he or she can save you money on taxes this year or what you can do to save on taxes next year.
By Lacy Myers, Communications Coordinator, Oklahoma Money Matters If you’re like many adults, you’ve probably tried to implement a budget, failed and lamented, “Budgets just aren’t for me!” You’re right. Standard budgets aren’t for you. They aren’t for anyone, really. Why? Budgets aren’t made to be one-sizefits-all. They’re unique to your situation, your values and your priorities. If you feel like your budget is busted, it’s time to rebuild. Forget about the standard, pre-built variety and focus on creating your own one-ofa-kind, custom-made spending plan. Your budget should start with an evaluation of your goals. Do you
want to get out of debt? Give more to charity? Save more for retirement or your kids’ college funds? Afford a bigger home? Whatever your goal, remind yourself of it often when allocating your money and sticking to your spending plan. Next, examine why your last budget didn’t work. Were you fully committed? Did you restrict yourself too much? Were your spouse and children on board? Identifying the reason you failed will help you avoid making the same mistake twice. Equally important is finding the budgeting method that’s right for you. To be effective at managing your money, you don’t have to use a spreadsheet or pinch every penny. There are alternatives to the typi-
cal budget. For example, some use a cash-only method called the envelope system. Others decide to cut monthly expenses or trim overall spending by a certain percentage. Other methods involve setting up multiple banking accounts: one to stash savings; one to pay monthly fixed expenses, like rent, car payments and utilities. Another account would be set up to handle daily variable expenses, which requires close monitoring because you only have a set amount in this account to spend. Whatever your method, it may take a few times to get your budget right. If you try it one month and it doesn’t work out, don’t lose hope. Rethink your spending or rework your method and give it another try.
Trust. Quality. Objectivity.
Since 1918, Oklahomans have relied on members of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants to provide trustworthy advice, quality services and objective insights. Find out more at www.KnowWhatCounts.org.
Visit www.OklahomaJumpstart.org to find free JYM WEEK classes and resources to become financially fit.
6
ReBUILD your budget
Oklahoma Society of CPAs
1900 NW Expy, Ste. 910 • Okla. City, OK 73118-1898 (405) 841-3800 • (800) 522-8261 www.KnowWhatCounts.org
April 20, 2011
OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
Re-TEACH your kids about money By Pamela Gutel, APR, and Michele Wulff, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Oklahoma City Branch and Omaha Branch During the average day, parents spend time with their children on the way to school, at the dinner table and in front of the TV. It’s important to use these everyday opportunities to incorporate lessons on money management. Use car trips to discuss the importance of setting financial goals in the areas of savings, earning, spending and donating. Ask them to discuss or list what they would like to save for in the next year or so. Once goals are set, have them decide what portion of their income should be saved to accomplish those goals. This is also a good opportunity to discuss savings vehicles and compound interest. Next, discuss how they will earn money to meet those goals. Children should list current income sources, including allowance, cash gifts and odd jobs. Ask them to brainstorm potential new sources, such as garage sales, dog walking and outdoor work. Teens might include baby-sitting and part-time employment. Challenge them to pursue new income sources to reach their savings goals. Your family dinner is another good chance to talk money. Examples include planning the grocery shopping by mak-
Supporting financial & economic education in Oklahoma
OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
ing a list of necessary items, checking ads for the lowest prices and shopping accordingly. Tell them how their purchases could be made the same way using preparation and comparison shopping. Plan a shopping trip to help them visualize how this is done. While the family is watching TV, point out commercials sending unrealistic messages, such as the need to buy a product to be cool, popular or fashionable. Discuss how this can affect spending choices and the importance of becoming a more aware consumer. When a public service announcement comes on, discuss donating a portion of their income. Whether it’s the Humane Society, a health organization or a kids’ advocacy group, it’s satisfying for kids to know they have helped others. It’s important to take advantage of those teachable moments to work in messages of money with children. They will make financial decisions their entire life and no one is better to teach these important lessons than parents.
• No cost publications and lesson plans • Interactive Activities • Teacher Resources www.kansascityfed.org/oklahomacity (405) 270-8619
Taboo discussion for daters? No way! By Shannon Truax Compliance & Internal Control Officer First Bank & Trust Co When my husband and I began dating, one of the first things we discussed was our personal financial philosophies. For some couples this is one of the hardest topics to talk about, harder than prior relationships, health history, politics and religious beliefs. Many folks view their personal finances as more sacred than anything else. However, my husband and I knew that in order for us to start a relationship built on honesty, we had to get it out in the open. Both of us had been married before, and both of our former marriages lasted more than 15 years. We had some financial baggage, but we each had worked hard since then to
become more financially fit. Neither one of us wanted to have setbacks, so it was refreshing to find out we were on the same page. As we started making wedding plans, we were careful not to overspend. We decided where to focus our wedding dollars, which, for us, was on a honeymoon. Our priority was on length, not location, so we picked a place in driving distance and rented a house. Together we decided to save regularly. Even when we receive bonuses or tax refunds, we carefully weigh any needs and wants and try to save as much as possible. Having an emergency fund kept us afloat for six months in 2009 when my husband was laid off. Our kids may get tired of ordering from the dollar menu, but as they get older, we see them doing the same thing with their paychecks!
REDESIGN your financial relationship Jennifer Wallis, Vice President, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Oklahoma It’s scary to think that financial issues can be so overwhelming that they are the number one cited reason for divorce. The good news is that money troubles can be 100 percent preventable and 100 percent treatable with the right plan of action. When you and your significant other differ when it comes to money habits, disagreements are a natural result. The key is to find some common ground that meets the needs of everyone involved. If one of you is a spender and the other is a saver, consider setting a spending allowance. This gives each of you a portion of extra money to be spent however you see fit. If one of you handles everything financial and the other is left in the dark, consider sharing duties. By talking more openly about your financial situation, you share the responsibility and support one another. Each of us has our own feelings and experiences regarding money. Some of it may be positive and some may be upsetting or negative. Think
April 20, 2011
about how you grew up and how you felt about finances. Realize how that affects your reactions today when it comes to money. Talk over with your spouse any differences in your attitudes. This will help you recognize any potential conflicts and find ways to avoid them. Also, by identifying common feelings, you will uncover ways to work together more peacefully. Another important tip is to sit down to discuss finances when you are calm and clearheaded. If you wait until a crisis occurs (such as an overdrawn checking account or late fee), you will be much less likely to find a successful outcome. Instead, stick to facts and figures and don’t blame each other for poor choices. It just isn’t constructive to rehash past mistakes. Focus on moving forward. Discuss your past, credit history and goals with each other. With a little planning and a lot of compromise, couples can find common ground when it comes to finances. Remember you are on the same team and your family’s success and security depends on the two of you working together.
7
ReGENERATE your commitment to getting out of debt By Cynthia Campbell, AVP Financial Empowerment, Tinker Federal Credit Union Many families find that their debt level is increasing because of rising prices at the pump, reduced overtime, furlough or unemployment. It can be frustrating to try to hit a target, like a balanced budget, when the target always seems to be moving! The traditional response is to look at the budget with even more scrutiny. So the financial manager of the household decides to revise the budget. However, problems arise when this is done without consulting the rest of the family members. These budget changes never take root because they were never communicated to the other members of the family. Remember, communication involves sending a message and receiving a message. Merely telling your husband that he needs to cut back on eating out is not communication. If a
TFCU is about helping people keep more of what they earn. That’s why you should take advantage of our
family budget is going to work, it must involve the entire family since all members of the family are consumers. By involving the whole family in the process, all members will be more satisfied with the decisions that are made because they helped make the decisions. Create goals as a family. Working towards a common goal, like a summer vacation, can be a great way to create a family bond. When each family member knows that his or her spending sacrifices will result in enjoyment for the whole family, it is amazing what can happen. Discuss the financial situation honestly. Behavior changes when people understand why it needs to change. If your spouse does not know how bad it really is, he or she may lack the motivation to make necessary changes. No one should have to bear the stress of a financial burden
alone. Have a meeting and get on the same page financially. Cut budgets together. Have each family member create a list of his or her own expenses. Then ask everyone to reduce their expenses by 10 percent. The reduction may still hurt, but they get to decide where it hurts. Reducing debt becomes easier when the family works together.
Visit www.OklahomaJumpstart.org to find free JYM WEEK classes and resources to become financially fit.
Money Smart workshops for the whole family Tuesday, April 26 6-8 p.m. Adults: Raising Money Smart kids High School: Make the most of your money 4th – 8th grade: Making Money Smart decisions Credit Union House of OK 631 E Hill Street OKC, OK 73105 Dinner provided – RSVP required
RSVP (405) 702-8622
Keep Financially Fit. FINANCIAL COACHING SEMINARS Choose from these topics: • First Time Home Buyer
• Building a Better Budget
• Understanding Credit
• Plastic Surgery: Getting Out of Debt
• Checking 101
program. Perfect for
• Identity Theft
• Raising Money-Smart Kids
• Teens and Money
• College Financing 101
corporate “lunch and
• Ten Steps to Financial Success
• On the Road to Riches
learns” or organizations
• Financial First Aid
• Solving the Mystery of Credit Reports
• Personal Finances for College Students
complimentary coaching
with monthly meetings.
• Psychology of Spending
To register your organization for a FREE financial coaching seminar, please call (405) 732-0324 ext. 2185.
Federally insured by NCUA
TinkerFCUPartners.org
April 20, 2011
OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP