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 University of Kentucky 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 theway an individual manages his or her money, approach career and relationships, and reach life goals. 

The Hardin County Extension offered the program “Money Habitudes Online” to the Lincoln Trail Homemakers.During April, May, and June, 15 consumers participated. 

Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the class. Of the 9 survey respondents, 56 percent indicated they learned how habits and attitudes trigger spending; 44 percent better know how to manage money to reach financial goals; and 56 percent hadincreased confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters. 

Of the survey respondents, 67 percent indicated they plan to adjust at least one spending habit toward financial stability, 56 percent plan to be more aware of how money affects relationships, and 78 percent plan to implement at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money.

Up to 78 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: making an effort to change one or more habitudes (3 respondents); making changes in spending (2 respondents); saving (1 respondent); family impact (1 respondent).

One participant noted she will now be "paying attention to how my financial decisions affect our family long term, andensure charitable giving (while important) doesn't get too carried away or put us in a precarious position." Another noted, "Most of the lessons really hit home."