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 a larger financial seminar called “Money Sense for Graduates.” During March 2023, 338 high school seniors from across Christian County completed Money Habitudes. 

Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the class. Of the 139 survey respondents, 40% indicated they learned how habits and attitudes trigger spending; 31% better know how to manage money to reach financial goals; and 29% had increased confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters. 

Of the survey respondents, 85% indicated they plan to adjust at least one spending habit toward financial stability; 81% plan to be more aware of how money affects relationships; and 83% plan to implement at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money.

Up to 77% of respondents agreed they were able to use the Money Habitudes solitaire to better understand their spending and saving behaviors. The most significant changes this group plans to apply as a result of this workshop, includes: spending (26 respondents), saving (22 respondents), improving money management (14 respondents), and planning (5 respondents). Other skills learned included differentiating between wants and needs, understanding emotions/motivations, importance of education, budgeting, goal setting, career path, cutting expenses, and awareness.

One participant said, “The most significant thing I will apply is taking time to think about my purchases before I buy anything.”

Another said they will “Increase my attention to planning. This will ultimately help me when it comes to making better money decisions in the future.”

Someone else noted, “I wasn't bad with my money before, but this will still help me to save.”