Community Corner
Transfiguration Church Offering Personal Finance Class
Inspired by her family's experience, a church member decided to bring Financial Peace University to Transfiguration.
Like many families, Kourtney Bryan and her husband both had good jobs, yet they were finding themselves with “too much month at the end of the money.” Then, about four years ago, the couple started reading Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover, and applying its advice. Since then, they’ve paid off $60,000 worth of debt, and improved their financial situation enough that Bryan was able to stay home for two years with their three children. They were so excited about their success Bryan wanted to bring Ramsey’s Financial Peace University to their church—Transfiguration Catholic Church in Oakdale. Here are some questions and answers about the upcoming class:
How long is the class, and what does it cover?
The 13-week course starts Sept. 14. The course includes “practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, giving like never before and much, much more,” according to the church’s website.
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How does the slow economy play into this?
Despite the tough economic times, “I think there’s still a lot of things we can do as individuals to try to take control of the situation,” Bryan said. “This 13-week course can help people make better choices regardless of the situation they’re in right now.”
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Based on your own experience, what are the big mistakes that most people make in regard to money?
One mistake is that when people get a pay increase, they tend to start thinking, “What can we afford next?” rather than maintaining their current lifestyle and saving the extra money, Bryan said. Another common mistake is deciding to buy things based on whether you can afford the payment, rather than thinking long-term and acknowledging the possibility that someone might lose a job, or your financial situation might somehow change.
How does this relate to the church?
Giving is down at the church as it is in all churches.
“I don’t think it’s that people don’t want to give,” Bryan said. “It’s that people don’t have the money to give. I think it’s that people have trapped themselves with mortgages. I think everybody’s hearts are in the right spot and they pay all their bills first and think about the church afterwards.”
How do you sign up for the class?
Anyone can attend, regardless of whether they are church members, Bryan said. The cost is $93 per couple or per person. Register online or e-mail Bryan for more information.