Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Money 2000 Is Successful

The success stories from the Money 2000 project are multiplying.

Between January 1 and July 20, enrollees reported saving $103,059, and reducing debt by $204.656.

"Money 2000 is an educational program for those who are serious about taking control of their financial future," said Lynn Russell, a family resource management specialists for the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas. "It's designed for people who want to save more money and to reduce their debt.

"We now have 735 people enrolled statewide and the enrollments continue to trickle in," she said. "I am certainly pleased with the results, but most of all, I am thankful that the program seems to have given our clients the motivation and knowledge or both to save more money and reduce their debt."

Here's a sampling of comments from those enrolled in the program:

"I only stop for groceries every two weeks and make extra payments on credit debt when possible."

"I stopped using my credit cards."

"I write down a budget each month."

"I bought two certificates of deposit and increased my 401(k) withholding amount."

"I used my income tax refund to reduce credit card debt."

Enrollment is still open.

"We're just getting started and still have an eye on our original goal of enrolling 4,000 Arkansans," Russell said.

Money 2000 is a service of the Cooperative Extension Service and is being offered to increase the financial well-being of Arkansans. There is no cost to participate.

Money 200 encourages individuals and families to establish financial and savings goals and provides information to help make wise consumer decisions about saving and spending.

For more information about the program, contact your county extension office.