News Archives - 2009
Do you have Dollar Sense?
Credit-card debt is a problem that faces many college students. BusinessWeek reported last year that 75% of college students have cards, up from 67% in 1998. Nellie Mae, a student-loan corporation, found that the average outstanding balance on undergraduate credit cards was $2,169 in 2004.
To help students confront this issue, a 1-week program, entitled "Dollar Sense," will be held on campus starting Monday, Feb. 23. Its goal is to inform college students of the intricate and complicated financial world around them. The event will run intermittently from Feb. 23 - 27 (see schedule below), and each session will run from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Christensen Center Student Lounge.
At each session, a different guest presenter will lead a conversation about certain financial topics, such as credit scores, budgets, student loans, charitable giving, or financial aid issues. The format of this event will be an open conversation where students can ask questions so they can learn more about the important financial issues that they face as college students.
Dollar Sense Schedule
Hosted each night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Christensen Center Student Lounge
Monday, February 23 "Gaining Knowledge"
Speaker: Pastor Cathy Malotky, ELCA Board of Pensions
Theme: Financial Wellness
Description: Gain knowledge about fundamental money issues so you can feel confident about the financial decision you make.
Tuesday, February 24 "Investing Wisely"
Speaker: Kara McGuire, Columnist at the Star Tribune
Theme: Investing Basics
Description: Are you mystified about the process of saving money? Do you know the difference between and IRA and CD? Learn the difference between stocks, bonds, mutual funds and learn some basic investing tools to help you begin saving money.
Wednesday, February 25 "Protecting Your Future"
Speaker: Chris Farrell, Chief Economics Correspondent for MN Public Radio
Topic: Recession Proof Your Future
Description: 2008 was a chaotic year in the financial world! But during a recession, tried and true financial advice remains your best bet. Chris will give you the knowledge you need to make good choices in our new economy.
Thursday, February 26 "Spending Smart"
Speaker: Geoff Bullock, Financial Educator at Lutheran Social Services
Topic: How to Budget
Description: Do you get overdraft fees? Do you feel you are living on credit cards? Come figure out where your money is going and stop the cycle of money anxiety.
Friday, February 27 "Sharing the Wealth"
Speaker: Jeremy Wells, VP of Institutional Advancement at Augsburg College
Topic: Sharing
Description: Each of us is called to serve our neighbors. Being stewards of our gifts and talents is part of a holistic lifestyle. Jeremy will offer their perspectives on sharing gifts and different ways we can do this.
