The Valley Assistance Network, a program of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley is joining forces with the Handley Regional Library System and United Bank to host a family fun event focused on financial education.  The first Money Smart event will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Handley Library.

The inaugural event includes free dinner, interactive presentations for adults and children, and giveaways for attendees.

“We are excited to offer a multi-generational opportunity to empower families to achieve financial stability,” said Jennifer Hall, Director of Community Engagement at United Way.  “Often parents want to learn ways to better manage their money, but time and childcare get in the way.  This is a great opportunity for both children and adults to learn how managing money can be a fantastic tool to achieve their dreams.”

Topics for the adults include ways to increase income, manage expenses, creating a monthly spending and saving plan, and what to do when money is short.

“We’re committed to combatting the growing financial literacy problem and encourage healthy savings habits” said Millie Thompson, Branch Manager at United Bank.  “Money is the most stressful aspect in many of our lives. Our goal is to provide some best practices and resources to help our neighbors get ahead with their finances.”

Event breakdown:

5:00 – 5:30 Dinner/ Social – Benny’s pizza, sandwich platters, snack bags of chips, cookies, water, coffee

5:30 –  5:45 Welcome and Introduction– United Way/ VAN

5:45 – 6:45 Presentation – United Bank

5:45 Income – Discuss different types of income, ways to receive income, and how to keep track of your income

6:00 Expenses – Discuss different types of expenses and ways to manage expenses

6:15 Making a Monthly Spending and Saving Plan – Discuss how to create a spending and saving plan and then talk about ways to increase income and decrease expenses

6:30 When Money is Short – Discuss what to do when there’s not enough money to pay all of the bills in full and on time

6:45 (7:00 if presentation takes extra time) Closing remarks – United Way/ VAN

7:00 – 7:30(ish) Questions, additional information – time to ask questions and visit resource tables