An ongoing program has been helping less fortunate families in Greene County redirect priorities to achieve financial success.

Greene County Coordinator for New Opportunities Teresa Lansman says the Financial Literacy Education program selects five families or individuals every five months, and helps them better understand their finances and how to achieve better personal success. Lansman points out that they don’t necessarily tell them what’s wrong with their budgets, but help guide them through the process, while also acknowledging other benefits as well to save money.

Following the first set of classes, Lansman says they also follow up with families and individuals once they’ve completed the program in May.

“We call them after three months, six months and about a year. Just to check and see how things are going (and) if there’s anything we can do to help to them out some more, or if there’s any benefits that they found with our program, or if there’s any benefits that they would’ve enjoyed better with our program.”

Lansman shares one success story for one individual that went through the program.

“We had one parent, while she was in with us for the five months, she paid off her student loan debt. By just getting a few dollars a month, she was able to use her tax return and the extra money, and get her student loan all paid off.”

The program is provided for free due to a grant that New Opportunities received. Funds are provided for two years and Lansman notes there are qualifications for those interested in applying for the program. Contact her office at 386-2719. To hear more from Lansman about the program, listen to today’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.