Seventeen years ago, my daughter, Emily (born with Down Syndrome), had to have open heart surgery when she was six months old. I also had a four-year-old and three step children I was caring for. Needless to say, I felt overwhelmed and felt my life was out of control. I called a friend and she […]
According to one study posted by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), at least 36% of kids who age out of the foster care system at the age of 18 become homeless. Only 58% of them graduate high school by the time they are 19, and only 46% are employed. These teenagers are a heartbreaking […]
In this podcast Sara Money talks about how the program Money and ME started. The program Money and Me was strategically written for people who are in survival mode and living paycheck to paycheck. This system includes workbooks and kits, technology, and training for organizations who are inspired to help low-income people take control of their […]
Nine years ago I was challenged to find a curriculum that fit the needs of low-income people and I could not find one that was suitable. I began by creating a simple Income & Spending Worksheet, and adding meaningful activities that would help people process their own spending habits and inspire them to change. Who would […]
A few years back, three questions came from different people in the span of a month. Question 1: Had you been a German Christian during World War II, would you have taken a stand against Hitler? Question 2: Had you lived in the South during the civil rights conflict, would you have taken a stand […]
Two concepts that Money & ME teaches are the “Cash Envelope System” and “Self Discipline.” The Cash Envelope System is simple, practical, and effective. In an article, The History of Envelope Budgeting, “mentions that household budgets in news reports started to pick up at the turn of the 20th century. Whoever first stuck their money into an envelope […]
Sara Money, Director and Developer of Money & ME interviews Heidi Jones, Executive Director, and Michelle Ryman, Partner Family Coordinator of Marion Matters in Marion, Ohio. Heidi shares… It’s relevant! The Money Kit comes with a receipt organizer! The program teaches the cash envelope system! Heidi states, “This program has been very beneficial to people who weren’t […]
How important is it to teach teens financially literacy? VERY!!! Who taught you about managing money? Was it your parents, teachers, friends, or personal experience? Maybe all of the above…maybe none. Think of how your life would be different had you learned how to save, what interest is, smart shopping habits and more! That is […]
This was my third year presenting the Money & ME program at the National AHA Poverty Conference. Dr. Ruby Payne, Director of the “aha Process, Inc.” created a “Bridges Out of Poverty” model that is increasing collaboration in communities, breaking down barriers, and helping individuals succeed. Many people who have struggled with addictions, incarcerations, and […]
Two churches in Taos, New Mexico, joined together to conduct a Money & ME Program. St. James Episcopal Church and El Pueblito United Methodist Church, both have food pantries. These two churches met and developed a strategy to not just offer food, but to also teach financial literacy and money management skills. They chose the […]