OKMM Outlook: March 2025

Your Money Matters: Low Resource Guide

Your one stop for timely personal finance education, resources and services

The month of March is the perfect time for a review of financial progress and financial needs. Whether you’re a parent preparing for spring break or a student receiving their financial aid award offer, now is a great opportunity to allow one of our online publications to assist you. The “Your Money Matters: Low Resource Guide” is a great place to start.

Take a look at seven financial literacy principles below, highlighted in the Low Resource Guide (LRG). These principles are illustrated through the storytelling of real-life scenarios that happen within families every day. Apply the tips to your personal finances where applicable.

Budgeting- It’s not always about how much money you have, but how to allocate it. Are you taking care of your basic needs before your wants? Do you find yourself splurging often? Are you living paycheck to paycheck when you make enough to adequately cover your expenses? If you answered yes to these questions, the LRG could help you establish and maintain a healthy budget.
Saving- You can meet financial goals by putting part of your income into a savings account. This is also beneficial for unexpected expenses or loss of income.
Getting an Education- While many people go straight into the workforce after high school, furthering your education can help to increase your earning potential significantly.
Credit- Cash is nice, but credit is king. Find out how to establish credit or restore it.
Predatory Lending- Anything borrowed, must be returned. This is especially true when it concerns money. Learn how to spot lenders that aim to keep you in an endless loop of debt.
Identity Theft- Don’t fall victim to fraudulent charges or unauthorized accounts being opened with your information. The LRG can help with learning how to track your credit report for fraudulent activity and protect yourself from being responsible for purchases that you didn’t make.
Teaching Kids About Money- It is never too early to teach your kids about financial literacy. We know that these conversations can be daunting, so let the LRG do the work.

Check out March’s edition of Financial Friday, Oklahoma Money Matters' online personal finance question-and-answer forum; this month we're answering a question about understanding your financial aid offer.

As always, if you have money-saving tips you'd like to share, send us an email at OklahomaMoneyMatters@ocap.org or submit a personal finance question for a future edition of Financial Friday.

We offer webinars for educators, students, and parents on budgeting, saving, credit, and more. If you want to schedule a webinar, complete our workshop form, and we'll contact you to plan the details.