Financial Fitness is having the knowledge and skills to make informed judgments and effective decisions about money management. Financial fitness is important for survival in today’s society. Learning to develop a spending plan and to build and keep assets are key factors on the path out of poverty. 

Additional Resources
Click Here for the Four Cornerstones of Financial Literacy Curriculum.

This resource was developed through a partnership involving Lutheran Social Service Financial Counseling Service, the Minnesota Office of Economic Opportunity and the Minnesota Community Action Partnership East Central Regional Library provides access to training in many topics including financial fitness. Go to https://eastcentralmn.universalclass.com/register.htmto access 500+ lifelong learning courses in over 30 subject areas, many of which offer continuing education units, and are designed and led by professional instructors to build deeper understanding and mastery of subject matter. Courses include videos, assignments, quizzes, tests, and options for interaction with other learners.

Go to  Alison.com  for free online financial literacy training
https://alison.com/course/practical-lessons-on-personal-finance
https://alison.com/course/an-introductory-course-in-personal-finance-and-credit
National Endowment for Financial Education
University of Minnesota Extension Money Management

One on one financial counseling sessions are available to those seeking assistance from any of Lakes & Pines programs. Contact the Community Services Department at 320-679-1800 (Option 4) to set up an appointment.  If you want to learn any of the following or other money related skills let us know.

• Create and stick to a budget or spending plan
• Recognize spending leaks
• Reduce expenses
• Save for periodic expenses
• Establish an emergency fund
• Read a credit report
• Improve credit scores
• Make a debt reduction plan
• Identify credit scams
• Read bank statements
• Keep an accurate and balanced checkbook