“Counting your money” and managing your money wisely is the most important part of your trip on the road to personal financial success. It is a critical step in achieving financial security. Money management is about choosing how to spend and save your money. In some instances, you may need to change your spending habits so you can afford purchasing large items like a home or a vehicle. This module will help you understand how to manage your money and how vehicle expenses can affect your budget. It will make you a more confident and successful buyer. After completing this module you will be able to:

• Understand how to establish a spending plan;
• Know how to set your financial goals, and
• Recognize ways to save

Curriculum PDF files

• Counting Your Money: [14] Participant Module pdf
• Counting Your Money: [15] Facilitator Module pdf
• Module 1: Counting your Money [16]Power Point Show (to download this file select the "save" to my computer option if you only want to see it on screen select "open")

To download the above files you will need Acrobat Reader. [12]

 A basic component in establishing financial independence is Opening a Bank Account. Banking services are essential tools for managing personal finances and building assets, as well as qualifying for and obtaining credit. Banks can help consumers manage their expenses and help them manage their money as they receive it. Opening a savings or a checking account can help you set a financial goal towards purchasing a home, a vehicle, affording college and making other major purchases.

This section will help you understand the various services offered by commercial banks and management of your bank account. It will help you in making sensible decisions about choosing a bank and the types of accounts you would want to use. After completing this section you will be able to:

Understand the basics of banking;

• How to select a bank or a credit union;
• Manage your checking account, and
• Recognize the different kinds of savings and checking accounts.

Curriculum PDF files

• Opening a Bank Account: [18] Participant module pdf
• Opening a Bank Account [19]: Facilitator module pdf
• Practice Checks [20]
• Transactions Register [21]
• Module 2 Opening a Bank Account: [22]Power Point Presentation (to download this file select the "save" to my computer option if you only want to see it on screen select "open")

To download the above files you will need Acrobat Reader. [12]

Using credit wisely is an important part of the financial management process and establishing your financial security. Credit allows you to buy now and pay later. It is your ability to borrow money and pay it back. Credit is also a person’s reputation for paying bills when due: your “willingness and ability to pay” or your “creditworthiness”. Every consumer should learn how to qualify for credit, shop for credit and build a strong credit record. Learning about credit and managing your credit wisely will help buy the house or the car of your dreams and will open many doors in your future as a consumer. After completing this section you will be able to:

• Understand credit and the importance of good credit;
• Recognize credit reporting agencies and credit reports;
• Understand the fundamentals of credit scoring;
• Recognize ways to establish credit;
• Know how to manage your debt;  and
• Understand ways to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Curriculum PDF files

• Establishing and Managing Credit: [24] Participant module pdf
• Establishing and Managing Credit: [25] Facilitator module pdf
• Annotated credit report [26] pdf
• Module 3 Establishing and Managing Credit: [27]Power Point Presentation (to download this file select the "save" to my computer option if you only want to see it on screen select "open")

To download the above files you will need Acrobat Reader. [12]

Now that you have determined how much you can afford, it’s time to make a decision on how you are going to pay for the vehicle you have selected. It is important to remember that you have three options when it comes to paying for your vehicle. Keep in mind at all times your spending plan and your future financial goals when you decide on the type of vehicle and the monthly payment that you will choose. Remind yourself that this is a long term commitment and once is entered into cannot be reversed without major negative consequences to your credit. After completing this section you will be able to:

• • Recognize the difference between buying a new or used vehicle
• • Recognize the differences of buying and leasing
• • Understand how to negotiate the price of a vehicle
• • Understand vehicle payment options
• • Recognize the types of insurance coverage
• • Select different payment options.

Curriculum PDF files

• Getting Ready to Buy a Vehicle [29]:Participant module pdf
• Getting Ready to Buy a Vehicle [30]: Facilitator dodule pdf
• Module 4 Getting Ready to But a Vehicle: [31]Power Point Presentation (to download this file select the "save" to my computer option if you only want to see it on screen select "open")

To download the above files you will need Acrobat Reader. [12]

Buying a vehicle is a major purchase. You can borrow the money you need from a bank, a credit union or other financing company, many people like to finance through the dealership from which they purchase the vehicle. Getting a loan for a large amount of money entails research, knowledge, and finally negotiation of the best deal for you. After completing this section you will be able to:

• Understand how a lender decides whether to finance your vehicle loan;
• Calculate how much you can afford to borrow;
• Recognize companies that make car loans and provide vehicle financing
• Recognize the types of loans that are available for vehicle purchase;
• How to shop for the best loans rates and terms;
• Understand the loan application process;
• Understand the loan approval process;
• Recognize your rights as a consumer.

Curriculum PDF files

• Getting a Vehicle Loan: [33] Participant module pdf
• Getting a Vehicle Loan: [34] Facilitator dodule pdf
• Module 5 Getting a Vehicle Loan: [35]Power Point Presentation (to download this file select the "save" to my computer option if you only want to see it on screen select "open")

To download the above files you will need Acrobat Reader. [12]

Aside from a house, your vehicle is probably one of your biggest investments you’ll ever make. This section is designed to help you take care of your investment and your finances so you can enjoy your vehicle, and continue sharing the road to good credit. After completing this section you will be able to:

• Understand how to take care of your vehicle;
• Recognize your responsibilities as an owner;
• Recognize the importance of protecting your credit;
• Understand the fundamentals of vehicle safety.

Curriculum PDF files

• Keeping Your Vehicle and Managing Your Money: [37] Participant module pdf
• Keeping Your Vehicle and Managing Your Money [38]: Facilitator dodule pdf
• Module 6 Keeping your Vehicle and Managing your Money: [39]Power Point Presentation (to download this file select the "save" to my computer option if you only want to see it on screen select "open")

To download the above files you will need Acrobat Reader. [12]