In the current economy, financial stability is important. That stability rests with families securing and managing their basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter.  Kentucky consistently lags behind other states in key household economic indicators, including: personal income, population living below poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt. To educate community members about important financial matters such as developing saving habits, developing a spending/savings plan, and avoiding the pitfalls of overextended credit, The Caldwell County Family & Consumer Sciences agent hosted a Money Matters Meals series.   Topics of discussion included developing a spending/savings plan, discovering how habits and attitudes affect spending habits, budgeting for the holidays, and creating low-cost meals.

All participants stated they are thinking differently about how they manage money as a result of the program.   Participants plan to develop a spending/savings plan.  In the future, participants committed to tracking expenses, reducing speaking leaks, and spending money on their needs before their wants.  One participant stated, “I learned a lot and now I know better ways to start saving my money for more important things.”