Reaching that “midlife” marker triggers different things in the lives of different people. For the Jimenez* family finances became increasingly more important as they realized that they have not saved for their future as they try to make it from paycheck to paycheck. The couple took a look at their future, thinking about their financial goals and their current spending habits. With this in mind, they began attending the Faith and Finance enrichment class in February. This 12-week course has given them the tools that they need to begin budgeting for their future. Their dedication and diligence have not gone unnoticed. In fact, each course attended and homework assignment completed earns them credits to our food and hygiene pantry- further empowering them to make steps in the right direction for their family. This incentive tool allows them to invest in themselves and use those “credits” to save actual dollars in their savings account. They have seen how to not only steward their finances well for today but also how to save for their future.

“Financial stewardship is a topic that is often neglected to be taught which feeds into the cycle of poverty”- that’s what makes investment resources like this important for the working poor.

“Eye-opening” is the word that the Jimenez couple used to describe the Faith and Finance class. Their gentle but determined spirits have inspired us as they invest in themselves and their future.