The Money Smart class offers participants an opportunity to learn and use budgeting skills in daily life. Students acquire knowledge to maintain balanced accounts and to develop a positive relationship with one’s financial institution.

Financial education fosters financial stability for individuals, families, and entire communities. The more people know about credit and banking services, the more likely they are to increase savings, buy homes, and improve their financial health and well being.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recognized the importance of financial education, particularly for those with little or no banking experience in 2001. It then started a national financial education curriculum by launching Money Smart which was designed to help low- and moderate-income individuals outside the financial mainstream enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships.

Money Smart is recommended for Recovery Institute members with a commitment to learn and develop money management skills which promote recovery.