Cindi Roberts swore that, after getting in trouble with bounced checks in her 20s, she would never have a checking account again.
Twenty-five years later, a coalition program that helps people and families save and build wealth has convinced her to never say never.
Information from Tennessee Saves, part of a program at Chattanooga State Community College, "was an eye-opener," said Ms. Roberts, 48. "You spend money and don't really pay attention to it until you start tracking it."
The Chattanooga resident struggled financially after a foot injury hampered her ability to work. Through Tennessee Saves, she learned that a bank account could help her keep up with her money.
Tennessee Saves is a partnership among educational, governmental and community agencies and financial institutions statewide. For about six years, it has helped people locally who want to pay down debt, build an emergency fund or save for a home, an education or retirement. It is part of the nationwide coalition America Saves.
HOW TO STARTJune Puett, on the UT Extension Family and Consumer Science faculty and local coordinator of Tennessee Saves, said people can take several easy steps toward a better financial situation:* Complete an annual net worth statement, either online at www.tennesseesaves.org or from the UT Extension office at 6183 Adamson Circle.* As a family, set financial goals concerning long-range items for which you want to save.* Keep up with everyday expenses for a week, noting money spent on eating out and for items such as snacks and soda. Examine other expenses such as cable TV and cell phone packages to see if some bells and whistles could be cut.TENNESSEE SAVES WEEKAmong the local activities planned for Tennessee Saves Week:* Save Green Go Green! Hamilton Place mall; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 6; free.* "Financial Literacy in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities," Read House, 11 a.m.-noon March 5 with panelists from the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy; experts available on financial education efforts for youth and adults; free but must register at 855-6113.
June Puett, a Chattanooga-based extension agent for the University of Tennessee Extension Family and Consumer Science faculty, said the program's goal is to encourage consumers to think in small steps that lead to big financial savings goals.
"Money can be serious," she said, "but we try to make learning fun."
Locally, Tennessee Saves offers workshops and classes to youth and adults, focusing on people with low and moderate incomes, and holds creative events at malls, ball parks and schools.
About 15,000 to 16,000 people have set personal savings goals in the program, she said.
Brenda Edwards, member services supervisor with DuPont Community Credit Union and a Tennessee Saves coalition member, said the program provides excellent literature and resources for its members.
"They do a lot of things to help the community," she said. "They point our members to things that will help them."