Financial Literacy

Ipad, fiance, sheets, money, and calculator.OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences professionals are sensitive to the economic challenges families and their communities are facing. For some, the loss of good-paying jobs with benefits has greatly affected families and their communities. For others, it is declining health along with inadequate health insurance coverage that puts their economic well-being and quality of life at risk.

Our county-based FCS Extension educators assist families in improving both present and future economic well-being by helping them:

  • assess their financial circumstances
  • increase their financial management skills, including organizing financial records, tracking spending, and improving bill paying
  • reduce debt and begin or increase savings
  • improve consumer decision-making abilities

FCS Extension educators do this through face-to face instruction with individuals and families, training of professionals such as teachers and social workers who work directly with individuals and families, and through reaching people in their own homes through distance education.

Featured Programs:

New Start for Financial Success: A trusted debtor education program for bankruptcy filers

Homebuyer Education: Homeownership classes using the Homebuyer's Guide

Real Money, Real World: 6-hour financial literacy curriculum for 6-12th grade students featuring a real world simulation

Master Money Mentor: Connects citizens with local money mentors or trains agency staff in helping clients with money management challenges

Housing Counseling: HUD approved housing counseling is offered in targeted areas of Ohio

OSU Housing Corps: Americorp members work to ensure financial assistance reaches rural homeowners in Ohio

Ohio Saves: Free resources available to all Ohioans to support efforts to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth over time

Partner Program:

NEFE's High School Financial Planning Curriculum: This semester-long curriculum for teens is award winning and all materials are completely free to educators and students.