Ministry offering free Dave Ramsey financial class

Published 10:19 am Friday, January 20, 2017

By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Individuals looking to be debt free or to get a handle on their finances will have the opportunity to attend free Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University classes at Soldiers of the Cross Ministries in Alabaster.

The nine-week course begins Feb. 2 and will be held every Thursday from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

“The church is offering the class because Pastor Danita Ryan and myself wanted to focus on the whole person,” Tonya Smitherman, course facilitator said. “We want individuals to be prosperous from a spiritual standpoint, but also from a financial standpoint as well. We feel like knowledge is power, and so often people lack financial knowledge so this course really covers different ways to be financially responsible.”

Smitherman said the class is open to anyone, and families with teenagers are encouraged to attend as many of the topics would benefit those looking to go to college.

“You don’t have to be a member of the church to come,” Smitherman said. “We are actually listed on the national Dave Ramsey website so anyone who would be looking to attend a class of his can find our church listed and attend.”

Smitherman said there is a one-time course fee of $93, which purchases a member kit that includes a textbook to follow along with the course sessions each week.

Individuals looking to attend the class are encouraged to purchase the member kit prior to Feb. 2.

Topics covered will include how to do a budget, cash flow planning, paying off debt and using the “snowball affect,” insurance and the role insurance plays, retirement and college planning, real estate and mortgages and giving to a church or organization.

Smitherman said the class structure will include Dave Ramsey, and some of his instructors teaching on a topic through a DVD, and Smitherman will lead the classroom discussion and small group portion as well as covering homework each week.

Smitherman said she has participated in a separate course offered by Dave Ramsey that has been helpful in budgeting.

“I did an everyday dollar course and it has been very beneficial to me and my family,” Smitherman said.

Although pre-registration for the class is not required, Smitherman said it is encouraged.

Anyone interested in attending can find out more information by calling (205) 663-4101.

Soldiers of the Cross Ministries is located at 719 Fourth Place Southwest in Alabaster.