DOWNEY - Downey Federal Credit Union, in partnership with the city of Downey and Springboard, a non-profit consumer credit management service, sponsored a series of five consecutive free financial education workshops tailored just for women.The group met once a week to "keep the momentum going while learning," credit union officials said. The class's goal was to empower women to control their own finances while preserving, earning and acquiring real life skills (PEARLS). Topics addressed real-life issues such as "the Power of Paycheck Planning," "Understanding Your Credit Report and Score," "The Wise Use of Credit," "Roadmap to Financial Freedom" and "Identity Theft." Women who regularly attended gained valuable financial skills and a certificate of completion from Springboard, officials said. "I truly enjoyed all the workshops. The information presented by Lori Lamb, Springboard's credit education supervisor, made me clearly see my financial situation," said workshop attendee Laura Paz Wilbanks. "I intend to make a budget and a plan to pay off my debt. I can now see the difference between needs and wants." Barbara Lamberth, president and CEO of the credit union, said DFCU is providing a community service by offering financial literacy workshops that may not have been offered elsewhere. "DFCU's goal is to bring awareness of financial choice to community members, and to help them prepare for a brighter financial future," she said. In additional to the financial education classes for women, the credit union also offers workshops to schools and community organizations. For more information, call (562) 862-8141 or go to downeyfcu.org.

********** Published: November 10, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 30