BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension will host a virtual educational series to help women become more financially empowered.
Money Talk for Women is a five-week-long program where participants meet with a group once a week virtually and complete online assignments between sessions. Online sessions are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. CST on Tuesdays from Jan. 21 to Feb. 18, 2025, via Zoom.
Registration is required and is $50, which includes the book, “Money Talk: A Financial Guide for Women.” A limited number of scholarships are available. To register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “money”.
Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, SDSU Extension Family Resource Management Field Specialist, said women, regardless of marital status, often have different financial needs than men.
She said that on average, women live longer than men, earn less than men, and have gaps in their employment history. The combination impacts their retirement savings, Social Security benefits and long-term financial security.
“Now, more than ever, women need to become financially empowered by learning strategies to manage their finances,” she said.
Throughout the sessions, Saboe-Wounded Head will lead participants through discussions on financial basics, insurance, investing, retirement and planning for future life events. Guest speakers will present information about various topics, as well.
The 2021 National Financial Capability study conducted by FINRA supports the need for continuous financial education. Following the pandemic, Americans increased their ability to save and pay bills on time, but job and income stability were impacted. Those whose jobs were affected by the pandemic face greater financial obstacles. Financial knowledge positively impacts saving for emergencies, calculating retirement savings and paying bills on time.
“Everyone needs to be confident about making financial decisions that are in their best interest,” said Saboe-Wounded Head. “The more information you have, the better decision you can make for yourself.”
By the end of the Money Talk for Women program, Saboe-Wounded Head said participants will develop a personal financial plan that reflects their values and financial goals, examine current insurance policies to determine long-term risk management needs, develop long-term investment goals, assess retirement investment needs and investigate estate-planning options for long-term financial security.
For more information and to apply for a scholarship, contact Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, SDSU Extension Family Resource Management Field Specialist, at Lorna.WoundedHead@sdstate.edu.
