Habitat for Humanity offers free financial classes

Colorado County Habitat for Humanity is presenting four free financial classes in partnership with local banks and businesses. The classes will be in February and March covering basic financial topics like money values and influences to spending and savings plans to credit reports and scores and building financial futures. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“We are glad to be a part of this financial education program for adults in our community,” Rachel Kozel of Industry State Bank said, “At the high school level, we help teach financial programs and it’s rewarding to see the kids learn about money.”

Habitat for Humanity requires future homeowners to complete financial education programs arranged by the local Habitat. This sets them up for success and self-reliance when they start paying their mortgages according to Colorado County Habitat for Humanity Board Vice-President Shalor Townzen, who is also President of the Columbus branch of The First National Bank of Eagle Lake.

“Since CCHFH cannot sell a home to every family in need because of limited resources, these free financial classes for anyone to attend is one way Habitat can help more people in the community,” Townzen added.

We are excited to work with CCHFH and the other businesses presenting the FDIC Money Smart Program to our county. To help the economics of our area grow and remain strong, it helps when more people know how to work with money, said Savanah Hill of The First State Bank.

“People ask me about how to qualify for habitat programs and how to buy and afford houses because I am a real estate agent and a Habitat volunteer,” Laney Dye, one of the speakers for the CCHFH Money Smart lectures and a real estate agent with Living Trust Real Estate said.

These four classes will help families work with debt and money and prepare for stronger futures. The real estate market has been difficult for many people and more people would qualify to buy houses if they learn about the many things they can do to improve their credit and that prepare them to be homeowners, Dye added.

Classes will be at the First United Methodist Church in Columbus on Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 4 and March 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children are welcome. Meals are sponsored by the speakers’ businesses and will be catered by Simply Jane, Blake’s, Schobel’s and Lamberto’s. RSVP to [email protected].