Participant’s Guide

Part 1

Module 1: Your Money Values and Influences

This module helps participants explore how their personal values, emotions, and past experiences influence the way they manage money.
Learners identify what’s most important to them, understand how outside factors affect their financial decisions, and set goals that align with their values.

Key takeaway:
When you understand your money values and influences, you can make more confident, intentional financial choices.

Module 2: You Can Bank On It

This module introduces participants to the basics of banking services and how to build a positive relationship with a financial institution.
Learners explore the benefits of having a bank or credit union account, compare types of accounts and services, and understand how to choose the right one for their needs. The module also covers how to open and manage an account responsibly — including making deposits, using debit cards, balancing a checkbook, and avoiding overdraft fees.

Key takeaway:
Using a bank or credit union account safely and wisely can help you protect your money, build stability, and reach your financial goals.

Module 4: Your Spending and Saving Plan

This module helps participants create a practical monthly plan for managing income and expenses. Learners discover how to track where their money goes, make adjustments when needed, and find ways to increase income or reduce expenses. The module also explores how to stay financially stable when money is short, including strategies for prioritizing bills and maintaining essential needs.

Key takeaway: A monthly spending and saving plan gives you control over your money — helping you prepare for challenges, reach your goals, and make confident financial decisions.

Module 3: Your Income and Expenses

This module teaches participants how to understand and manage their income and expenses to take control of their financial situation.
Learners explore different sources of income, learn how to track what they earn and spend, and practice creating spending and income logs to stay organized and make informed choices.

Key takeaway:
Tracking income and expenses helps you see where your money goes — and puts you in charge of your financial future.

Module 5: Your Savings

This module helps participants understand why saving matters and how to make it a consistent part of their financial plan. Learners explore how to build an emergency savings fund, prepare for unexpected expenses, and set realistic goals for both short-term and long-term needs. The module also explains how to choose safe, insured places to keep money and how to continue saving while receiving public benefits through programs like ABLE accounts, PASS plans, and matched savings programs.

Key takeaway: Saving is possible for everyone — starting small and staying consistent leads to financial stability, confidence, and greater control over the future.

Module 6: Credit Reports and Scores

This module helps participants understand what credit reports and credit scores are, why they matter, and how to manage them effectively.
Learners explore how to obtain free credit reports, read and interpret them, and dispute errors. The module also explains how credit scores are calculated, how to improve them, and how to build or rebuild credit over time.

Key takeaway:
Your credit history does not have to be your credit future — with knowledge and consistent effort, you can build, repair, and maintain strong credit.

Module 7: Borrowing Basics

This module helps participants understand how borrowing works and how to make informed decisions when using credit or taking out loans. Learners explore different ways to borrow money, how to compare loan offers, and what lenders consider when reviewing loan applications. The module also covers borrowing in situations where someone helps manage finances, emphasizing the importance of understanding loan terms and protecting oneself from financial exploitation.

Key takeaway: Borrowing can help you reach your goals, but only when you fully understand the costs, responsibilities, and risks involved.

Module 8: Managing Debt

This module helps participants understand what debt is, how it works, and how to manage it effectively. Learners explore the types and costs of debt, strategies for paying it down, and what to do if they fall behind. The module also covers dealing with collections, student loans, medical bills, and high-cost borrowing options — providing practical steps to stay informed and in control.

Key takeaway: Debt doesn’t have to control your life. With knowledge, planning, and consistent action, you can manage what you owe and build a stronger financial future.

Module 9: Using Credit Cards

This module helps participants understand how credit cards work and how to use them responsibly. Learners explore the costs, features, and risks of credit cards, as well as how to compare offers and read billing statements. The module also provides strategies for managing balances, avoiding fees, and protecting credit health.

Key takeaway: Credit cards can be useful financial tools — when managed wisely, they build credit and provide convenience without leading to costly debt.

Module 10: Building Your Financial Future

This module focuses on how to build long-term financial security by understanding and growing assets.
Learners explore how assets, liabilities, and net worth work together, and discover ways to increase net worth by managing debt, saving, investing, and using assets productively. The module also highlights how cars, training, and education can serve as valuable, income-producing assets.

Key takeaway:
Building and maintaining assets is the foundation for long-term financial stability and independence.

Module 11: Protecting Your Identity and Other Assets

This module helps participants identify the assets they value most and understand the risks that can threaten them. Learners explore how to prevent identity theft and fraud, the role of insurance in reducing financial loss, and the importance of keeping accurate records. The module empowers participants to take practical steps to safeguard their personal information, finances, and property.

Key takeaway: Protecting your assets starts with awareness. By managing risk, preventing identity theft, and maintaining good records, you can recover more quickly from life’s unexpected events and preserve your financial security.

Module 12: Making Housing Decisions

This module guides participants through the process of finding, choosing, and maintaining housing that fits both their needs and their budget. Learners examine different housing options, explore what affordability truly means, and gain confidence navigating the rental process—from reviewing a lease to understanding tenant rights and responsibilities. The module connects financial planning with everyday living, helping participants approach housing decisions with clarity and control.

Key takeaway: Informed housing choices begin with understanding your options and knowing what you can afford. When you align your home decisions with your financial goals, you create stability and room to grow.