A recent CNN article touched on the growing number of church-based programs that help people get out of debt and get their finances in order. The article interviewed Jennifer Pedley, a student in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.
Jennifer Pedley said she and her husband have benefited from learning how to manage their money more effectively.
They have paid off a car and their credit cards and are well on their way to being debt-free.
Pedley said they are also much better off in the current economy than had they not taken the course.
‘When we took [the course], people had questions like, ‘How do I budget vacations and going out to dinner?’ ” she said. “Now it’s, ‘How can I pay my mortgage and save my house?’ ”
And despite her initial resistance, Pedley said, she views it as a learning and growing experience.
“I never realized how practical the Bible is about money,” she said. “It just makes so much sense.”
Here are a few of the classes, seminars and events offered through churches and faith-based programs. If you know if others, let us know.
Financial Peace University: Started by Dave Ramsey, FPU offers classes in churches around the country. While in the class, the average family eliminates $5300 in debt and manages to save over $2000.
Moving from Debt to Assets: A partnership between the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization and the Citizens Bank of Massachusetts. Since it’s creation in 2005 the program has helped dozens of people by providing a financial education, support and individual financial counseling.
Provident Living: Resources here are provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site offers employment assistance and a free online course for managing finances and eliminating debt.
Crown Financial Ministries: There are several free online tools such as the mortgage pre-payment calculator, the will planning kit and the money map.
JosephSangle.com: Joseph is the author of “I Was Broke and Now I’m Not.” On his site you download monthly and weekly budget forms. He’s also got a Debt Freedom calculator that will inspire you to reach your goals.