FSP Course Outline

Psychology of Money

• Understanding the “how” and the “why” behind our spending patterns is key to making behavioral changes. A group exercise helps reinforce this classroom lesson.

Money Management

• Students are given tools to begin tracking expenses. Tracking expenses is vital to setting financial goals.

Predatory Lending

• The truth about predatory lending is exposed. Alternative loan methods are shared, and the students begin to realize the value of good credit.

Credit Report

• Students receive a copy of their credit report and score. They will learn how to read their report, ways to raise their scores, and how to dispute any errors.

Understanding Utilities

• Representatives from the local utility companies teach students how to read their bills, company policies, share energy saving tips, and help students sign up for the level payment plan.

Understanding Insurance & Retirement

• Students gain a better understanding of the importance of having a retirement income and insurance for auto, life, health, and home or rental.

Ways to Save

• Students receive practical advice on ways to save on groceries, clothes shopping, paying down debt, future needs, and retirement.

Goal Setting  

• Students are introduced to S.M.A.R.T. goals and prepared for setting realistic, measurable objectives. They spend class time reviewing the goals they would like to address.  Then, students meet monthly for the next year with an assigned financial coach that works with them on ways to improve their finances while working towards their S.M.A.R.T goals.

Financial Products

• The students are presented with available financial products that are now available because they have completed the course, such as Debt Consolidation Loans, Save to Win, and Bank on the Heartland.

A year of individual financial coaching begins the month following a student’s FSP graduation.