Event set for Thursday, Nov. 8
By Scott Bellile
Local residents have two upcoming opportunities, including one this Thursday, to gain free expertise on managing their money.
The Mission of Hope House, Waupaca County’s resource homeless shelter, is collaborating with the Financial Information and Service Center to offer area residents informational sessions at the MOHH, 520 N. Shawano St., New London.
Lori Prahl, co-founder of MOHH, said the goal of partnering with FISC is to make the public more financially responsible at no cost and in turn prevent homelessness.
FISC will present “What Budget is Right for You?” on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
The class will teach attendees how to reduce expenses, save money, create a budget and prepare for emergency expenses.
Class presenter Alan Prahl, education leader for FISC, said one unexpected expense can land people in poverty.
“Life happens for everyone,” Alan Prahl said. “It could be a medical expense, an accident or an illness. Lots of things happen to people of all incomes, and having a budget or a plan can help us to make the most of our money and access community services and be better prepared for when life happens.”
Money and emotional wellness are connected, Alan Prahl said. People with low to moderate incomes can find “simple” ways to improve their lives.
For example, he said people who work on their feet all day should save up for a pair of shoes with strong arch support, which will keep their feet comfortable and prevent injuries that interfere with work.
The class is being offered before Christmas, a notorious time for out-of-control spending.
“If we can resist the temptation to spend impulsively, we don’t have to dig a financial hole,” Alan Prahl said.
On Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, FISC will return to MOHH to present “How to Make the Most of Your Tax Refund” from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
The class will share FISC’s top 10 tips on how to best utilize a tax refund, including putting some in savings, paying off debt, and still having part left over to spend on wants.
“The average federal income tax refunds are over $3,000, plus people often get a state refund, so they’ve got a chunk of money,” Alan Prahl said. “And there’s also going to be a lot of advertising [saying] ‘Buy our stuff.’ ‘Get this shotgun.’ ‘Get this new furniture set.’ ‘You’ve been depriving yourself. Now you can afford it.’ Advertising is very tempting, but if we stop and think about it and do a little planning, we can make better choices.”
To register for either class, contact MOHH at 920-249-4705 or email [email protected].
FISC is a nonprofit program offered through Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin. Located in Menasha, FISC offers financial counseling and workshops without selling products.
Also on Thursday night at the same time, MOHH will offer a second workshop about teen mental health. For more information, click here.