April is National Financial Literacy Month
National Financial Literacy Month is recognized in the United States in April in an effort to highlight the importance of financial literacy and teach Americans how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. Financial Literacy refers to developing lifelong money management skills – the set of skills and knowledge that allows an individual to make informed and effective decisions with all of their financial resources.
We aren’t taught Lifelong Money Management Skills in school, or at home.
These tips can help…
1. Create a working spending plan/budget so you know what is coming in and what is going out.
2. Have money automatically deducted from each paycheck and deposited into a savings account that
has a $1,000 balance.
3. Set Financial Goals – it’s helps to know what you are working for.
4. Keep a record of what you spend daily – this shows you where you are spending your money.
5. Distinguish between wants & needs.
6. Use credit wisely – pay off your balance each month so you aren’t spending unnecessarily on
credit card fees.
7. Pay your bills on time – don’t waste your money on late fees.
The good news is that you can consult a professional to help you with budgeting, credit card issues and any other financial matters. If you don’t know how to do something…simply ask.
The Credit Counseling Center is a non-profit agency with offices located throughout Bucks County. Call us at 215-348-8003 to set up a free coaching session today or visit our website www.ccc-credit.com.
In 2021, Paula was named Executive Director of Credit Counseling Center. She joined the organization in 2008 as a Credit Counselor and was quickly promoted to Director of Housing Counseling in 2009. Paula is a firm believer that each client is a representation of a family whose lives, financial challenges, and needs are important.
She developed and still leads the Center’s Foreclosure Prevention program; and has partnered with the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Foreclosure Diversion Program. Her keen focus on making a positive impact in the community has generated numerous program collaborations with the United Way of Bucks County and a multitude of social service organizations in the region.
Previously, Paula served 21 on Active Duty in the US Air Force. Initially serving as a combat photographer and finishing the second half of her career as a recruiter, leading to the position of Flight Chief. Highly decorated, she has received awards from the Air Force and the Department of Defense.
An active leader in the Bucks County community, Paula donates her time annually as a board member for the annual Congressional Service Academy Nomination Interviews under the office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. She is an active Chamber member in Lower Bucks, BucksMont, and Upper Bucks, advocates for financial literacy education opportunities at venues servicing low/moderate income consumers and senior citizen organizations.
