Thursday, March 8, 2018

Financial Peace University at AC3

Financial Peace University will be taught at AC3 starting on April 30. Kazua Bedker and her husband, Jacob Bedker are facilitating this year, and Kazua (who also goes by "Kaz") answered some FAQ for us.

1. Why should I spend money on a program to tell me how to save money?

   FPU is more than learning how to save. It's a proven plan to help guide you through all things money-related. Financial Peace University is an investment. Being intentional and putting forth your own money to invest in this class will help you stay more committed to managing your finances than you would be if the class were free. The kits are $109 (online), includes free 1-year access to the Everydollar Plus ($99 value)  Kits purchased onsite at AC3 are $80 including a free 90-day access to Everydollar. For me, I used $80 from the small savings I had started building up, which at the time was only $300. It was worth every penny!


2. What does "Financial Peace" mean?

   Financial Peace means exactly what it states. Having peace with your finance. Whether you are in debt, bad with spending, need to learn to budget, clueless where to start when it comes to saving for college, home buying, investing, or retirement. FPU will help make your financial dreams become a reality. When we had financial trouble such as a broken down car, before FPU it would have been a crisis, now with FPU, we have our sinking fund for car repairs.  There was no fuss, no arguments, no “what are we going to do, how are we going to get the kids to school?” Even without the starting fund, we had a plan on how to re-budget our expenses and how we were going to save for the cost to fix the car. It was no longer a crisis, we had peace.

3. Aren't I too young/too old to start this program?

   You’re never too young or old to learn how to handle your money. Even with retirement or college savings, FPU is recommended for anyone 15 years and older. There is a curriculum created for high school/college students and Financial Peace JR for ages 14 and under. At AC3, parents who are attending FPU can invite their children 14-17 to attend the course for free.

4. Isn't there a book I could just read on my own?

   The Total Money Makeover is a great book to get started.  In-class learning has been more successful for others when staying committed to budgeting and getting out debt. In class, you have group support you can receive and know that you are not alone in your struggles or unsureness regards to money.

5. What are the top three reasons you, personally, would say someone should take FPU?

  1.  In debt? Learn how to be debt-free and stop worshiping FICO. Without debt, you are free to use your income for whatever you want!
  2. Have a family? Being married or having dependents you provide and care for, you need to learn to manage your money. So you can build a free future for your legacy. Don't let your poor mistakes be inherited by or given to your loved ones.
  3. Start as young and as early as possible! Don't be 55 with no retirement plan or extra income for your future other than social security. Don't rely on the government to take care of you. Have a plan and put action for your future.

6. What are the Biblical principles behind taking a course like this?

    FPU was created to teach how to handle money God’s way. Many scriptures are quoted and used, which I find makes financial reasoning understandable. Basically, it's just common sense of handling money as our grandparents or great-grandparents would have. Stay away from debt, buy with what you have, and save for a rainy day.

   Two of my favorite points Dave Ramsey talks about: One, in regards to debt:  Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes slave to the lender.” I felt like all my hard work and paycheck was benefiting the banks and not the things that I thought brought me joy.  Two, in regards to stewardship: we are stewards of God's creation, we don’t own anything on earth. Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Stewardship is managing God’s blessings God’s ways for God’s glory. God owns everything, we do not. We are his stewards-managers. He commands us to steward over everything he blesses us with, our talents, relationships, jobs and even material objects. When we can see this and understand our place in his creation, we can begin to change our outlook in life. This gives us a new sense of purpose to everything connecting us.

7. How has FPU changed your life?

   FPU has changed my life, almost as much as giving my heart and accepting Jesus as my savior! It's given me hope, clear vision what I want for my family legacy, and my marriage has been made stronger.


  FPU will be held at AC3 every Monday evening from 7:00-8:30, April 30, 2018-July 2, 2018.  You can get more information on our Facebook page, including how to contact Kaz to purchase your kit or to request childcare!  You may also register online at FPU at AC3. 


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