Professionals with University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension report Kentucky consistently lags behind other areas of the United States in key household economic indicators, including: personal income, population living below the poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt. Individuals who understand how emotional factors and their habits and attitudes can trigger or affect their spending may be able to plan more realistic steps and have higher success rates following through with their commitments (Solomon, S. in Money Habitudes). Thus, the premise behind the “Money Habitudes™” curriculum approved for use by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. 

The Cumberland County Extension Office offered the program “Money Habitudes Online.” During April and May 2020, 45 consumers participated. The program was promoted through take-out bags, with homemakers, and through the county FCS Facebook page.

Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the class. Of the 34 survey respondents, 76 percent indicated they learned how habits and attitudes trigger spending; 62 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, 85 percent indicated they plan to adjust at least one spending habit toward financial stability. 94 percent plan to be more aware of how money affects relationships. 97 percent plan to implement at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money.

Up to 94 percent of respondents agreed they were able to use the Money Habitudes solitaire to better understand their spending and saving behaviors. The most significant things this group plans to apply as a result of this workshop, include:

• Financial planning for the future (7 respondents)
• Advantages/disadvantages of top habitudes (5 respondents)
• Saving money (5 respondents)
• Awareness of how others affect spending (3 respondents)
• Wise spending (3 respondents)
• Setting amounts for gift purchases/giving (2 respondents)
• Be more intentional (2 respondents)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                One participant noted: “Being aware of my habits and attitudes about spending and saving was very eye opening to me.” Another said: “I will consider more specific ways to save a little each month and create a plan for what I will do with it.” Another noted: “This was greatly educational and a very easy tool to use and understand. The results were very comprehensive.”