Monticello Iowa News - Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by February 1

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Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by February 1
Posted 17 January, 2012
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives.

“Money Talk helps women become better informed money managers and take charge of their financial future,” said Cynthia Needles Fletcher, ISU Extension specialist and professor in human development and family studies.

The five-week online course begins Feb. 6 and covers financial basics, insurance, retirement planning, investing and planning for life events, Fletcher said. The course costs $75 and includes a nearly 200-page workbook.

“You’ll learn financial terminology and money management skills to become a more informed consumer. You’ll get to interact with the instructor and other women in the course. Exercises and worksheets allow you to personalize the information as you learn. For example, you don’t just learn to calculate net worth; you calculate your own net worth,” Fletcher said.

Women can register for Money Talk through the ISU Extension Online Store, store.extension.iastate.edu. Registration for the course ends Feb. 1.

“Women often have unique financial needs. On average, we earn less and live longer than men, so our money has to last longer. We may have gaps in our employment history due to raising children or caring for other family members. Getting married or divorced or dealing with the death of a spouse also affect our financial security,” Fletcher said. “The ultimate goal of Money Talk is to increase the knowledge of Iowa women to make wise financial decisions and to empower them to work with other family members to increase the well-being of their families.”