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 Bell 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. 

      Bell County Extension offered the program “Money Habitudes Online.” During January 2021, 17 consumers participated. The program was intended to kick off the new year and get people focused on their financial habits and attitudes. 

       Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the class. Of the 17 survey respondents, 76 percent indicated they learned how habits and attitudes trigger spending; 88 percent better know how to manage money to reach financial goals; and 88 percent had increased confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters. 

      Of the survey respondents, 100 percent indicated they plan to adjust at least one spending habit toward financial stability; 100 percent plan to be more aware of how money affects relationships; and 94 percent plan to implement at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money.

       All of the 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: Plans to control spending (7 respondents); making an effort to change one or more habitudes (6 respondents); planning ahead (3 respondents); budgeting (2 respondents); saving (2 respondents); and managing debt (2 respondents). 

      One respondent said, “I will think more about if my purchases are needs and if they will help me or put me in debt.” Another said, “I will keep being consistent in my choices to be reserved and research before spending a large amount of money.” About the program, one respondent said it was a great eye-opener. Another said, “I loved seeing these results. It made me more aware of my attitude and spending habits!”