April is National Financial Literacy Month and local experts are helping residents make smart decisions with their money.

Guthrie County State Bank Investment Center Financial Planner Kristen Crouthamel says despite the word ‘debt’ having largely negative connotations, it’s not all bad. “Simply put, bad debt is any debt that you incur when you buy something that’s going to lose value, like a car or you put something consumable that adds no financial value, like a vacation, on your credit card. Good debt involves purchasing things that will gain, maintain or create value, such as your house, if you keep it in good shape, or an investment in a business, if it performs well.”

We’ll continue our financial discussion with Crouthamel today on Let’s Talk Guthrie County. It airs during the 9 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. hours on K107.9 and www.raccoonvalleyradio.com.