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. 

In 2022 the Grayson County Family and Consumer Science Agent worked with the local Community Alliance Food Pantry to provide Financial Education classes using the Money Habitudes program coupled with another Extension financial management program. The alliance director, being so impressed with and moved by the new approach of financial management, set out to receive grant funding to purchase the Money Habitudes curriculum and train coaches in our community to increase reach and impact through this program. 

The GC Alliance is currently serving 750 families a month with basic food support. To date, 9 coaches have been trained on the Money Habitudes Curriculum and 11 people have pre-registered for classes that will begin in late 2024. This is made possible by a $11,000 grant through the Owensboro Health Foundation Community Investment Grant and a $7,569.50 grand through the Grayson County Healthcare Foundation.

Debbie Childress, Alliance Director states, “"If it weren't for the collaboration with GC Extension the Grayson County Alliance would not have been able to launch our new Financial Literacy Education program. Natalie Taul, FCS Agent, introduced us to the Money Habitudes curriculum and was willing to help us with a pilot program that opened our eyes to the need of such a program and the impact it can make. The food insecure families GCA services have benefited for years from the strong relationship with Extension and they will continue to be a key element of the positive change that happens in Grayson County and through the Alliance."

Extension will continue to be involved with this program. The FCS agent will follow up with class participants and offer continuing financial education in areas not covered in depth during the Money Habitudes program. This partnership has resulted in a broader audience being reached with life-changing information and education in addition to creating new leaders and volunteers working with limited resource families. It is a win, win for the people of Grayson County!