Master Money Mentors Can Help You with Financial Decisions

Knowing how to manage money is a crucial life skill, but not everyone is comfortable talking about money.

The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, now offers financial education and one-on-one assistance through its new Master Money Mentors program.

“As a society, we haven’t done a good job of educating people about money,” said Laura Hendrix, an associate professor of family and consumer science with the division. “Everyone needs someone who they can be comfortable with talking about money.”

Hendrix, an Accredited Financial Counselor®, has trained more than 30 extension agents throughout Arkansas as part of the inaugural group of Money Matter Mentors volunteers. The agents offer reliable information that can help people with budgeting, building retirement savings, estate planning, using credit wisely, improving credit scores, and other topics. The mentors provide outreach education but also are available for one-on-one conversations.

The Master Money Mentors program is growing and, in the future, will be accepting applications for volunteer mentors.

The mentoring program comes at a time when many Arkansans have experienced lost or reduced income during the pandemic.

“Many Arkansans are struggling with finances and trying to stay afloat right now,” Hendrix said. “There are steps individual and families can take to become more financially resilient to whatever comes their way. Master Money Mentors offer guidance.”

White County has a trained Master Money Mentor – your FCS Extension Agent Katie Cullum.  To schedule an appointment through the phone or online meeting, contact Katie at 501-268-5394 or email kcullum@uada.edu.

For more information about Money Matter Mentors and for money management tips, visit www.uaex.uada.edu/money, or contact your local Extension agent.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses. 

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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