Financial education programs often highlight financial literacy skills such as budgeting and managing credit card debt; however, these skills do not tap into the emotional and practical issues that cause people to react irrationally with money. Financial decisions are most often motivated by emotional need as opposed to logical knowledge. To address this concern, the Christian County Cooperative Extension Service utilized the Money Habitudes program to emphasize the importance of developing a healthy relationship with money. Assisting an individual in discovering his or her habits and attitudes toward money, can provide insights that can change the way an individual manages his or her money, approach career and relationships, and reach life goals. 

The Christian County Extension office offered the program “Money Habitudes Online” as part of the Money Sense for Graduates program in conjunction with the local community college. In March of 2022, 456 students participated in the program. Of those at least 286 participated in the Money Habitudes Online activity, and 105 completed the evaluation of their experience.

Of the 105 survey respondents, 55 percent indicated they learned how habits and attitudes trigger spending; 51 percent better know how to manage money to reach financial goals; and 50 percent had increased confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters. 

Of the survey respondents, 90 percent indicated they plan to adjust at least one spending habit toward financial stability; 90 percent plan to be more aware of how money affects relationships; and 90 percent plan to implement at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money.

Money Habitudes solitaire enabled 87% of respondents to better understand their spending and saving behaviors. The most significant things this group plans to apply as a result of this workshop, include: spending (11 respondents), credit (10 respondents), changing or managing a habitude (8 respondents), money management (7 respondents), saving (7 respondents), planning (4 respondents), and more.

"I think learning about the Security habitude, I feel better about not going out as much as others or spending as much as others, as I realize that my habitude is different than others. I also now realize that I shouldn't judge others for their habitudes," said one participant.

"I will try to consciously change some of my current habitudes to manage my money better," stated another.

Another said, "I'm going to focus on what I spend more and try to save money more."