April is Financial Literacy Month


Courtesy of KCCO.com

Yep, along with the deadline for filing taxes, this month is ideal for getting that cabbage together.  While some people need a reason to take a close look at their finances, taking control means monitoring more than once a month.  You may be looking to pay for a summer wedding, decorate right after spring cleaning, or make a large purchase but there's no feeling like having extra money without having to get a part-time job.

Extra money can make a difference in starting that business venture, take an extended vacation, or just prepare for the unexpected.  I'm sure you can relate to having to pull that dreaded credit card when it comes time for car repairs.  If you're young (or young-ish) you're in the perfect position to rebuild your finances.

For us well-seasoned hens, this takes a little more patience.  Especially if there are loans to be paid off or we're doing an aggressive saving plan to supplement retirement but there are some support groups that can help those transitioning from a divorce.  The Women's Institute for Financial Education (WIFE) has a lot of resources for those looking to get their footing back.

Speaking from experience, there's no one way for you to bounce back financially.  It's like cleaning a physical home where some need a little dusting and others may require a deep cleaning from the ground up.  If one were to start with the fundamentals, taking a good look at current accounts and credit score for any inaccuracies will certainly help.

While you may not have the time or energy to attend a live financial literacy course (a lot of non-profits and churches host these at low/no-cost), there are some online classes that serve the same purpose.  Visit the MoneySmart site for free classes and resources or the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB)if you have questions about a particular area.  The great thing about the latter option is they will investigate any company or institution with questionable practices.

Although the journey is seldom easy for those who have made not-so-great choices, it's possible to come out on top.  The best way to stay focused is to create milestones and keep going until you reach your goal(s). 


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