Financial Education News

Financial literacy is an ongoing initiative of Oklahoma Money Matters, but the month of April is a time to specifically highlight and celebrate the benefits of understanding money and learning how to manage it well. This month, we return to the basics and provide the foundational tenets of financial literacy. Knowing these four principles will guide you regardless of where you are on your journey. Budgeting What it is: Creating a plan for how you earn, spend and save money. Why it matters: Helps you live within your means and avoid financial stress. Key points: Track income and expenses Prioritize ...

Finding someone that you want to spend your life with is a wonderful feeling. However, the excitement that comes with planning your future can cause you to overlook key lifestyle differences, especially when it comes to how each of you approaches money. OKMM understands this challenge and is here to help. Explore these financial literacy conversation starters to help you connect with your partner. Financial Transparency - Share all financial information openly — income, debts, credit scores, spending habits, even financial anxieties.Why sharing financial information matters: Secrecy around money is one of the top predictors of relationship conflict.What this looks like: Review credit ...

Great question, thank you! The onset of April showers reminds us how important it is to have a “Rainy Day” fund. This economic climate has left many families feeling overwhelmed with expenses, with no wiggle room in their budgets. Now, more than ever, it is important to examine our finances with a magnifying glass and try our best to find ways to save for those unexpected events. There’s nothing worse than trying to process the emotional toll of a serious illness, natural disaster or the unexpected loss of a job while also facing financial uncertainty. Look at some ways you can create and supplement ...

Whether you’re talking about blizzards, tornadoes or hurricanes, severe weather happens everywhere. Residents who have lived in Oklahoma for a while know how quickly a normal rain storm can turn into something severe. The difference is, they have learned, you can’t control nature but you can be prepared. Consider taking these steps to prepare for severe weather season today: Make a plan. The worst thing you can do in the middle of a disaster is panic. So, prepare for it while there isn’t one. Create a safety plan and practice it with your whole family so everyone knows what to do. To ...