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 Graves 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 Graves County Extension office offered the program “Money Habitudes” at the Lighthouse Women's Shelter and online. Participants were asked to complete an evaluation following the class. Of the respondents, 80 percent indicated they learned how habits and attitudes trigger spending; 80 percent better know how to manage money to reach financial goals; and 67 percent had increased confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters. 

Of the 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 80 percent plan to implement at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money.

All 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 are better spending and savings habits.

One player stated: “I will continue to save.” Another said, “(I will) try to buy only what I need.”