Here is a brief overview of the six lessons in the self-study course Manage Your Money. In addition to information and worksheets, each lesson has a set of "Action Steps" to help you apply what you learn to your own money management situation. If you have questions about the course or need additional assistance, please contact your Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent at your local OSU Extension office.
Lesson 1: Getting Started. This lesson focuses on individual and family values about money. It gives you some suggestions about ways to talk with your partner and family about money matters. You are asked to think about and develop some financial goals for the future. There also are suggestions and tools to help you start tracking your expenses.
Lesson 2: Where Does Your Money Go? This lesson discusses cash flow, income, and expenses. There are worksheets on which to write critical information about your income, what you owe (your credit use), and types of expenses (fixed, regular flexible, and occasional) so that you have a better picture of your current financial standing.
Lesson 3: Stop Spending Leaks. This lesson will help you examine your spending habits to see if any problems exist. Suggestions are given for changing spending practices and habits. An agreement is included to help you and other family members commit to a personal plan to reduce spending so funds can be used to reach important goals set in Lesson 1.
Lesson 4: How Much Credit Can You Afford? The focus in this lesson is on the pros and cons of using various types of consumer credit, wise credit management, and the importance of your credit history. Some checklists will help you determine if you have some credit problems, and worksheets help you compare some credit alternatives.
Lesson 5: Develop Your Budget. Guidelines and worksheets for developing a written budget are the focus of this lesson. The guidelines and tools are intended to help you actually "plan" future use of income so that you are in better control of day-to-day and longer-term finances.
Lesson 6: Your Net Worth and Financial Records. The first part of this lesson focuses on your net worth and how you own property. The second part will help you collect and organize your very important financial records.
To download the PDF version of the overview for this coursework, click here.
To download the PDF version of the evaluation for this coursework, click here.
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