By learning how to manage money, credit and personal finances you can begin to build a better financial future for yourself and your family. That's why we've included the Money Smart Adult Financial Literacy Program as part of our education program.  Money Smart, developed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), is a 10-lesson program covering everything from how to choose the right bank to saving to buy a home.If you would like us to conduct a Money Smart or Start Smart (our in-house seminar series) seminar on these or any other financial literacy topic for your school, church, non-profit, company or organization, call us at (504) 821-4855.

Capital Access Project Personal Credit Counseling Clients

Download a FREE copy of Principles of Personal Credit Management. 

Money Smart Courses (Downloadable Self-Study Manuals)

Bank On It- This course introduces the basics of banking- from different types of financial institutions to the services they might offer.  When you have completed this course, you will have a working knowledge of banks and other financial institutions.

Borrowing Basics- Sooner or later almost everyone needs to borrow money. Used wisely, credit can benefit your family. But first, there are some things you should know about the value of credit and its costs. This course will help you decide when and how to use credit.

Check it Out- Checking accounts can provide you with convenience, cost savings, safekeeping of your money and a way to help budget your money.  When yu have completed this course, you will know how to compare checking accounts, use the money in a checking account and keep records for a checking account.

Money Matters- One of the first steps to financial security is planning and following through on a personal budget. Budgeting is about choices- choosing how to make money and choosing how to spend money.  This course will help you with some of the basics. When you have completed this course, you will be able to prepare a personal budget.

Pay Yourself First- Saving money is an important part of building your financial future. This course will give you some tips to help you get started. It will also show you how your money can grow when you save.

Keep it Safe- There are many consumer protection laws that have been passed to protect your rights asa consumers.  This course will introduce you to some of the laws that protect your banking rights.

To Your Credit- An important stepp to financial security is understanding your credit report and building a positive credit history. This course will provide you with general information on credit reports, how to repair credit, and avilable resources.  When you have completed this course, you wil be familiar with the importance of your credit.

Charge it Right- Using credit cards can be both a convenience and a necessity. However, many people get into trouple by not using credit cards wisely.  When you have completed this course, you will know more about the costs and the benefits of having credit cards.

Loan to Own- Understnading installment loans is important when using loans to make purchases.  This course will provide you with general information on installment loans, including car loans.  When you have completed this course, you will be able to describe the characteristics of consumer installment loans.

Your Own Home- Owning your own home is a major step, but one that can lead to financial security. There are many benefits to owning your own home. There are also a number of challenges.  When you have completed this course you will know more about the process of getting homeownership financing.

The Money Smart Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) is an easy to use learning tool that teaches the entire Money Smart curriculum online. Click the link below to begin.

Go to -> Money Smart Computer-Based Training