Women have unique financial needs. First, women live longer, on average, than men. Money needs to last longer and women may spend several years of retirement alone. Second, women still earn less, on average, than men through most of their working years. Third, women may lose time in the workforce as they care for children and other family members resulting in lost income that can reduce retirement income. Fourth, women are the primary money managers in 70% to 80% of US households. Finally, today's woman wants information so that she can monitor her financial health the same way she monitors her physical and mental well being.

In response to the unique financial needs that women face, a Women & Money Series is being offered at the Dodge City Public Library (1001 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City KS) on Thursdays from September 8th to October 20th, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. This seven-week series of classes, developed by women for women of all ages, income and education levels, to help with with personal financial management, asset building, and planning ahead for life changes. Proposed topics include:

• September 8 -- Money and You: Financial Basics and Beyond
• September 15 -- Managing Risks and Banking in the 21st Century: Organizing Your Financial Life
• September 22 -- Banking and Credit Reports
• September 29 -- Money and Credit: Borrowing Basics and Beyond
  • Charge It Right
  • Loan to Own
  • Survival Guide to Financial Recovery
• October 6 -- Investment Basics: Investigate Before You Invest (Includes tips for hiring an accountant, financial planner, attorney and other financial advisors)
• October 13 -- Retirement Planning (Includes Social Security and employer based plans and self-employment)
• October 20 -- Life Planning for Future Events

The Women & Money series was originally developed and presented annually by Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc (HCCI) beginning in the late 1980s. HCCI revised the series in 2009 at the request of several women's groups and agencies interested in promoting education to help families become self-sufficient and fiscally stable. HCCI offered the series in 2009 and 2010 with about 90 women enrolled each year. This year, HCCI is partnering with the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library to offer the series via interactive TV in five other Kansas communities including Colby, Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, and Manhattan.

For additional information or enrollment in the 2011 Women & Money Series, please click here.