It’s time to learn more about your money and how to make it work for you!

I don’t have time, I hear you say because that’s what I thought also.

It’s time to take stock of your financial situation!

I can’t imagine anything worse other than, perhaps, going to the dentist. That’s what I thought anyway.

It’s time to reassure yourself that all will be well for your family in these current economic bad times! And then, if necessary, to develop an action plan for the future.

Maybe it will all go away. Yes, I know that’s irrational but part of me did think that!

Yes, you can find time to take the ‘Money Matters’ course designed for you.

I am convinced of that since going to the course! We women need to participate fully in our family finances and show the way for our children too.

Are you bored when you hear talk of budgeting, investment, long-term financial projections etc? Do you turn off mentally when someone on TV mentions the NASDAQ, the Dow Jones…..?

I was a reluctant participant of the ‘Money Matters’ course run by Cary Clark, a Financial Literacy Trainer. I actually only went along because I was not quick enough to say no to an invitation from a caring World Bank staff member. I was someone who was not interested in money, left all such matters to my economist husband and glazed over any time he raise the subject of our income and savings.

Not anymore! The charismatic Cary Clark hooked me on day one of the course. She actually made discussions on budgets, the stock market, savings and investment very entertaining. I can’t believe that she also hooked me into reading the business section of the newspaper and to consider buying a copy of ‘The Financial Times’

As a result of the course I have taken more interest in our pension plan. Did you know that if your partner dies you may only be eligible for a percentage of his pension? Have you worked out your yearly income in retirement? Are there actions you can take now to ensure that you will be more secure? The course gave me the tools so that I can now answer these questions with confidence. I only wish I had engaged with all this earlier in life.

The ‘Money Matters’ course gave me the hooks in my brain to hang all the subject matter. And I am actually eager for more so I am going to sign up for the online Family Budgeting course. I am returning to Belgrade, Serbia, where we are stationed and will be able to sign up and participate in the course from there. I am pleased that my daughter will also be able to take the online course from Boston.

So those in Washington, do get along to the ‘Money Matters’ course. You actually can’t afford not to.

And for the rest of us, outside of Washington, get some financial literacy training online. If I can do it and enjoy myself, anyone can!

Carol Kiernan
Belgrade, Serbia