New “Money Wise Aggie” Program Launched

The Department of Student Financial Aid has announced the launch of a new financial literacy program, “The Money Wise Aggie,” to help students make informed personal finance decisions while pursuing their academic degrees and to lay a foundation for financial success throughout life.

The program is a free service to students that provides personal counseling and presentations like the current ones on credit cards and credit scores; premarital money discussions; financial challenges after college; creating a budget; and financial aid. Future presentations will include debt reduction strategies; identity theft; saving and investing; and major purchases (cars and homes).

Planners say all counselors participating in the program are financial aid advisors who have been recognized with the Accredited Financial Counselor or Certified Financial Planner designations. They provide objective, unbiased advice to help students make informed decisions about their finances.

“With increases in college debt and recent studies regarding the importance of financial literacy, we believe it is essential to equip our students with tools and information to help manage their college budgets” stated Joe Pettibon, assistant provost for financial aid.

The program will provide workshops that students, faculty, and staff can attend throughout the year. More information about upcoming workshops and “The Money Wise Aggie” program is available online at http://moneywise.tamu.edu.