“People get ripped off everyday from payday loans and not knowing how to work with credit,” said Barb Sills, senior account executive for the St. Louis American Newspaper. “So the purpose of this event is to educate the community in a friendly atmosphere.”
Tomorrow morning and afternoon, The American, Afro World, Central Bank of St. Louis and Midwest Bank Centre have teamed up to offer the ABC’s of financial management by way of two Money Wise Workshops. The seminars (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) will take place at Afro World (7276 Natural Bridge Rd.) to give the community an opportunity to make the most of their dollars and cents.
“Banks are going back to the basics with savings,” Sills said. “Budgeting is huge right now and I think that it is a very important tool to teach in our community. We kind of live paycheck to paycheck and with the economy we have become used to being without, but it’s not about not having – it’s about preparing and planning.”
So tomorrow two esteemed financial institutions will meet the community on its own turf at Afro World – which Sills believes is the perfect venue for such an event.
“Everyone knows that Afro World is for the community,” Sills said. “People believe in what we write in the paper and believe whatever Sheila (president of Afro World) brings is a benefit for them.”
“We are a trusted voice and she is a trusted advisor in the community – she has definitely made a mark in the community,” Sills continued. “People will know – because she is hosting – that it is not just some businesses coming in and trying to persuade the people into coming in and taking out loans.”
Representatives from Central Bank of St. Louis and Midwest BankCentre will facilitate workshops on topics ranging from budgeting, living on a fixed income, home buying, investing, credit reports, debt relief, alternatives to Payday Loans and Title Loans, insurance options and small business ownership.
The St. Louis American Money Wise Workshops will take place tomorrow (Sat. Mar. 20) at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Afro World (7276 Natural Bridge). For more information, call (314) 389-5194.