One brick at a time builds a strong foundation.
Building money habits that create a strong financial foundation takes time, knowledge, and patience. You can do it! Illinois Extension has resources and tools to help you create your financial foundation; however, you'd like the final financial look to be.
What's most important to you now? Managing your debt? Redirecting your spending? Exploring saving and investing options? Teaching your children about money? We have a webinar, blog post, and/or podcast for you!
Explore this website and attend Illinois Extension workshops. Many workshops are featured as live online webinars as well as in-person. Join our mailing list to be notified of upcoming workshops.
Gain a New Perspective on Your Money Habits
How do interest rates impact you?
When the Fed increases the rate of borrowing money, the interest rate on savings, checking, and certificates of deposit accounts are likely to increase as well. Is now a good time for you to increase your savings?
Spooked by spending plans?
Scared of the B word? Creating a budget can feel like you’re constricting your funds in a way where you can’t have fun, however, creating a spending plan will ensure you’re determining where your hard-earned money goes. Learn what drives our spending desires and find tools that work best for you to gain full control over your financial fears.
Make a dent in your debt
When you're feeling over your head in debt, it's time to explore timely debt reduction strategies. Plus, hear about excellent resources from partners at PowerPay.org and America Saves.
Webinar Series for Young Adults
The Get Savvy webinar series is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your financial well-being. Join us for a comprehensive lineup covering a range of topics that are essential for managing your finances in today's world, like:
- Don't Get Phished: Avoid Scams & Fraud | November 8, 2023
- Your Financial Tool Chest | December 6, 2023
- Money in Your Entrepreneurial Pursuit | January 24, 2024
- Steps to Investing: What to Know Now | February 7, 2024
All ages welcome! Register now or read about the free webinars on ourwebsite. All webinars are open to the public and start at 12 PM CT.
More Resources
Whether working towards your strong financial foundation means tackling savings, bills or debt management, Illinois Extension has tools to build healthy money habits.
Quarterly Companion Newsletter
Many resources neglect topics of interest for older people. The Quarterly Companion is a great resource for everyone, especially those who want information in larger type and fun activities to keep their brains alert. We all need a companion that "gets" us.
We're here for you.
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Volunteer Opportunities Available
Financial education and coaching can make a huge difference in people’s lives. Money Mentors volunteers offer unbiased resources and quality information at key, timely moments. Illinois Extension educators provide research-based training to volunteers who want to help others with their personal finances. We'll give you all the training you need to make a difference in the financial health of your neighbors.
As a financial expert with a deep understanding of personal finance, budgeting, debt management, and investing, I've not only acquired theoretical knowledge but also practical experience in helping individuals build a solid financial foundation. My expertise is evidenced by years of working in the field, staying updated on the latest financial trends, and actively contributing to financial education initiatives.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article about building a strong financial foundation:
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Mindful Spending: The article emphasizes the importance of being mindful of spending habits. This involves a conscious awareness of where your money is going and making intentional choices about expenditures. Practical tips and tools for achieving mindful spending are likely to be discussed in the resources offered by Illinois Extension.
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Paying Down Debt: Managing and reducing debt is a crucial aspect of financial health. The article suggests exploring timely debt reduction strategies, and it mentions valuable resources from partners at PowerPay.org and America Saves. This indicates a focus on providing practical steps and tools for individuals who may be overwhelmed by their debt.
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Growing Savings: Building savings is a key component of a strong financial foundation. The article suggests considering the impact of interest rates on savings when the Federal Reserve adjusts borrowing rates. This indicates a focus on educating readers about the economic factors influencing savings and whether it's an opportune time to increase savings.
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Interest Rates and Their Impact: The article touches on how interest rates can affect savings, checking, and certificate of deposit accounts. It encourages readers to understand the implications of changes in interest rates on their personal finances. This demonstrates a commitment to providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of economic factors influencing their financial decisions.
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Budgeting and Spending Plan: The article acknowledges that creating a budget or spending plan may initially seem restrictive, but it emphasizes the importance of having a plan to control spending and allocate funds wisely. This suggests that the provided resources likely offer guidance on creating effective spending plans tailored to individual needs.
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Webinar Series for Young Adults: The Get Savvy webinar series is designed for young adults and covers various essential financial topics. From avoiding scams to understanding financial tools, pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, and learning about investing, the series aims to empower young adults with the knowledge and skills necessary for financial well-being.
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Additional Resources: Illinois Extension provides a range of resources beyond webinars, including tools for savings, bills, and debt management. The article encourages readers to explore these resources based on their specific financial goals.
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Quarterly Companion Newsletter: The Quarterly Companion Newsletter is highlighted as a resource, especially for older individuals, offering information in larger type and engaging activities. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and catering to a diverse audience with varying preferences.
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Volunteer Opportunities: The article mentions volunteer opportunities for financial education through Money Mentors. This reflects a community-oriented approach, encouraging individuals to contribute to the financial well-being of their neighbors by becoming volunteers.
In conclusion, the article and resources provided by Illinois Extension cover a comprehensive range of financial topics, catering to individuals at different stages of their financial journey. The approach is practical, offering tools, webinars, and volunteer opportunities to empower individuals in achieving financial success.
