March 28, 2024

Financial Peace University begins Sept. 13 in Creston

The 9-week course, designed by financial expert Dave Ramsey, helps people of all ages and incomes learn to manage their money.

Local families will learn how to create budgets and dump debt under the guidance of financial guru Dave Ramsey during a nine-week program beginning Sept. 13 at Salem Lutheran Church.

The program, titled Financial Peace University, will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each Sunday through Nov. 8. Participants will watch a series of videos and complete exercises on topics like saving, budgeting, debt, real estate, retirement and college planning.

Wayne Pantini, Union County Development Association director and the program's local co-organizer, said this is the third year Salem Lutheran has held the program, and more than 20 families have graduated in the past two years.

Pantini said the program is for people of all ages — high school students preparing for financial independence, college students, newlyweds, people who have done well financially and those planning for retirement. It’s helped him and his family, too, he said.

“It’s done wonders for our family, just understanding what our prioritites are and sticking to a monthly budget,” Pantini said. “After doing it for several years now, it gets easier and easier.”

What to expect

The first session, Pantini said, begins with participant introductions and a video about the background and foundation of the program. Participants have the opportunity to purchase materials on the first night for $75. They cost more than $90 online.

Materials include a workbook, the book “Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money,” lesson CDs and other course tools including an envelope system, budget forms folder, progress poster and activation code for interactive online budgeting. Materials are the only cost associated with the program.

At the end of each session, participants take time to work through and discuss the exercises in the workbook. Each week includes a similar format.

A local ministry

Brian Jack, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church, completed the program last year with his wife, Cari. He said the greatest takeaway for him was having the peace that comes with budgeting.

“The big gain from the class is the peace of mind you get at the beginning of each month,” he said. “You save yourself all those little arguments or wagerings, like, ‘Can I spend this?’ ‘Can I get that?’”

Jack said the church sees the program as a part of its mission partly because it shows people how to build tithing or charitable giving into their budgets.

“The funnest part of doing this budget (is) getting to the end and finding, how can we help someone else?” Jack said. “How can we help our neighbor with what we’ve got here?”

As of Tuesday, Pantini said six families had signed up for the program. Those interested in registering can call Pantini at 641-344-9725 to give a name and contact information.

Beginning Sept. 13, classes are 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays at Salem Lutheran Church, 602 W. Townline St. Free childcare is available upon request.