Financial security in the present means a person has control over their day-to-day, month-to-month finances. Such individuals are able to cover expenses and pay bills on time, and do not worry about having enough money to get by.

Pre-pandemic, 51% of Iowans found it somewhat or very difficult to cover all of their expenses and bills in a typical month. For households that were financially vulnerable prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, their situation has worsened. When individuals and households struggle financially, they are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and worry. The anxiety and stress of some Iowans has increased as a result of COVID-19 .

The goal of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program, Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Credit, and Debt, is to improve the financial security of Iowans who are facing financial struggles. This program is designed to help adults increase control and reduce stress about their current financial situation by providing tools and strategies to help make decisions and get control.

The Money Smart program objectives include:

1. Increase knowledge of financial well-being and what behaviors influences it

2. Increase confidence to create meaningful change in prioritizing bills, protecting credit, and managing debt when money is short

3. Increase ability to create meaningful change in controlling day-to-day, month-to-month finances when money is short

4. Reduce stress and worry about prioritizing bills, credit, and debt

5. Increase knowledge of resources for use in improving financial well-being and supporting decisions regarding prioritizing bills, protecting credit, and managing debt when money is short

Please pre-register for this free Money Smart program, by calling the Tama county Extension Office at 641-484-2703 by March 10. The three sessions in the series are being held March 16, 23, and 30 at 6 p.m. at the Extension Office in Toledo.