A unique opportunity is available on Saturday, September 19^th from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Boise First Community Center on Eagle Road between Ustick and McMillan will be hosting Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Live Event, by simulcast, from Atlanta, Georgia, on their big screens.  Here are the details from Marc Taylor, their FPU Coordinator.

• The event is $25.00 per person and includes a workbook.
• Tickets can be purchased at our church office:
• Boise First Community Center
  A Church of the Nazarene
  3852 N. Eagle Rd
  Boise, Idaho 83713
• phone: 208.375.0322
• Or on the web.
• For more info on the event
• Childcare not provided.

Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Live Event.

Coming to Salt Lake City – May 16th.

On Friday, I attended the Idaho Financial Literacy Coalition’s “Your Money Matters” conference. I was particularly impressed with the three sessions I attended. I’ve summarized my key takeaways here:

Dale Dixon, Presidint/CEO of Better Business Bureau: Scam-Jam. Dale is a gifted presenter and a great storyteller. Lesson learned: Do not cash unsolicited checks from anyone requesting you to then send them part of the money back. These scams rip you off by having you wire cash, withdrawn on your account, from depositing the hot check. Once the bank learns that the check has bounced, you are liable for the money you’ve withdrawn.

Marilyn C. Bischoff, Extension Family Economics Specialist, University of Idaho Extension: Making Ends Meet Through Smart Dollar Desision$. Marilyn led an interactive session with great skill. Lesson learned: Every dollar counts when working toward spending/savings goals. Find those money leaks by employing a money tracking system that fits your style (envelope, computer, check register, calendar, etc.)

Val Brooks, Regulator and Governmental Affairs Director, Idaho Credit Union League: Money Communication. Val has counseled numerous couples in financial crisis and used her light-hearted storytelling style to encourage positive money communication. Lesson learned: Couples need to agree on how to communicate before they begin talking about sensitive issues like money. Learn to “shut up and listen”. Respect your partner when they cue that you are treading on “thin ice”. Avoid “you” statements”. Once a mistake is brought to light and dealt with, never bring it up again.

I’m now looking forward to the Smart Women Smart Money conference on October 3, 2009 at The Boise Centre on the Grove.

The State of Idaho hasn’t jumped on the Dave Ramsey plan completely, but some of these workshops might be helpful.  I’m glad Financial Literacy Month is a top priority of Idaho’s Department of Finance.