The course is interactive and breaks down money management into five key steps including goal setting, evaluating current spending, and making and following a spending plan. Each step provides one or more tools for participants to use in completing that step for themselves. The five steps are logically connected and it is easy to advance from one to another. It is possible, however, to jump around in the material according to individual needs and interests.
"The Take Control of Your Money course is especially useful for people whose finances are changing, who are just starting out on their own or who want to turn over a new leaf with stronger financial management," Wollan said. "It also can help people who are having financial difficulties, although it is not designed to solve serious financial crises."
Special topics covered in the course include dealing with debt, building financial security and family communication about money.
"Take Control of Your Money is practical and adaptable," said Wollan. "It isn't a strict regimen you have to follow. Rather, it's a set of strategies and an overall philosophy you can adapt and personalize."
To enroll in Take Control of Your Money, a free Web course, please visit www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/take-control.
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