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 Washington 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 Washington County Extension office offered the program “Money Habitudes Online.” During January 2021, 18 consumers participated. The game was utilized as part of a Virtual Teen Leadership Financial Management Day. Afterwards, it was opened up to community members as well. 

Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the class. Of the 11 survey respondents, 64 percent indicated they learned how habits and attitudes trigger spending; 73 percent better know how to manage money to reach financial goals; and 64 percent had increased confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters. 

Of the survey respondents, 91 percent indicated they plan to adjust at least one spending habit toward financial stability; 91 percent plan to be more aware of how money affects relationships; and 91 percent plan to implement at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money.

Up to 91 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: spending (4 respondents); making an effort to change one or more habitudes (3 respondents); money management (3 respondents); priorities (2 respondents); saving (2 respondents); and recognizing needs/wants (1 respondent).

One player stated: “The most significant thing I will apply is that sometimes it is okay to be more carefree in certain situations, and you can manage your financial situation and have other priorities at the same time.”

Another said, “I can apply the feedback about saving to my everyday life. I don't need to save so much that I don't have any left over to spend on the spot for things that I need.”

“I need to think about my priorities and what I really need rather than what I want,” said another.