This page compiles content from our website related to budgeting. It is organized into sections by where it appears on the site. Click on a heading below to jump to that section.

Newsletter Features

How to Remain Stable in an Unstable Economy

by Jim Garnett, submitted by Kathy Revello

Kathy Revello, Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Missoula office of MSU Extension, forwards the following tips people can use to cope with the ongoing economic downturn. The tips were compiled by Jim Garnett—aka “Ask Mr. G”—member of the Institute of Financial Education Board of Educational Advisors. We hope you find something you can use in your financial education efforts.Click here for the full story.

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Web Resources

MyMoney

MyMoney.gov aggregates financial information from 21 federal agencies, departments and bureaus. Users will be able to find information on planning for the financial impact of major life events and money management tools. The site includes resources for teachers, service members, women, parents, youth, employers, and more. The site is available in Spanish.

Practical Money Skills

A web site designed to help educators, parents and students practice better money management for life.

66 Ways to Save

Tips to save money on insurance, utilities, banking/credit, transportation, housing and other areas.

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Partner Projects

The following are partner projects we learned about through our partner projects page. Projects which discuss mini-grants received $500 mini-grants from MFEC.

Arete Development Group

Arete Development Group provides Native communities in Montana with financial education and planning assistance. It also provides business consulting services to small businesses on and near reservations in Montana.

One of Arete’s initiatives is to use NaviPlan, a sophisticated financial planning software program, to help members of Native communities. Click here for the full story.

Browning Community Development Corporation

“Make It Financially Fun” will target middle- and high-school students in Browning, using games and tips to promote healthy spending habits. The project hopes to serve 85 students, and will also engage low-income residents through club meetings and community functions. Click here for the full story.

MSU – Missoula County Extension

Missoula County Extension will use the “Small Steps to Health and Wealth” course to reach at least 30 families in Missoula County.

Kathy Revello, the Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent for Missoula County, is excited to be using the “Small Steps” course because of its “backdoor” approach to overcoming people’s reluctance to discussing their finances. Click here for the full story.

Rural Dynamics, Inc. – Budgeting for the Developmentally Disabled

Steve Cape, Education Program Manager at RDI, has devised the concept for a budgeting class for developmentally-disabled individuals who live independently and need a simple budgeting system to manage their finances. Click here for the full story.

Rural Dynamics, Inc. – Financial Education for Teenagers and Pre-Teens

Prosperity Club is a family-friendly financial education program. Education is provided to adults facing financial challenges, but the club does its best to accommodate their children as well. Kids of all ages accompany their parents or guardians to meetings at the Children’s Museum in Great Falls, where child care and dinner are provided. Click here for the full story .