It pays to be a knowledgeable consumer. As the stress of societal financial crises rise, so does the stress on families as more and more are faced with rising debt, foreclosure, and rising costs of living. It is becoming more apparent that being a knowledgeable consumer involves more than just balancing one’s checkbook. Consumers need to know when to buy a car or a home, how to prevent identity theft, how to understand credit and credit reports, and much more. Learning positive money management techniques can help you and your family adapt in these tough economic times.
Consumer Economics Links
Adult Programs
Skill Up TN
Skill Up Tennessee is UT Extension’s SNAP Employment and Training program. The purpose of the program is to assist eligible SNAP participants in gaining skills, training, work, or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment. http://skillup.tennessee.edu/
Personal Finance Training for Teachers
UT Extension is an approved provider by the Tennessee Department of Education to provide high school teachers the required fourteen hours of continuing education in order to teach personal finance. The half-semester of personal finance is required for high school graduation. Extension educators offer two-day workshops across the state to meet this need. https://fcs.tennessee.edu/money/pftt/
Homebuyer Education
Extension agents across the state offer THDA-Certified programs to prepare first time homebuyers to successfully manage home purchase and ownership.
Bankruptcy Counseling and Debtor Education
Certified bankruptcy counseling is provided to help individuals and families assess their assets and liabilities and determine an appropriate course of action to discharge debt. Debtor education is provided to help people who have filed personal bankruptcy acquire skills for more effective financial management. Both Bankruptcy Counseling and Debtor Education programs meet the U.S. Trustees Office’s pre- and post-bankruptcy filing requirements.
Youth Programs
On My Own
A fun and engaging financial education simulation for junior and senior high youth.
Love Your Money
A multi-state college student financial education program. It encourages students to build solid financial skills early in life through an Internet site with online courses, marketing, and face-to-face support for students. (http://www.loveyourmoney.org)
Youth Tennessee Saves
Youth Tennessee Saves programs encourage young Tennesseans to develop good money management habits early in life.
Money Week
Money Week provides teachers the tools to deliver financial education to elementary school students. Utilizing in-class instruction, read-aloud activities, and parent newsletters, Money Week covers essential topics such as understanding wants and needs, using money, and managing money.