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Money Smart Connects Farmers and Families to Financial Success
By: Crystal Duckett, Communication and Media Specialist
Central State University Extension’s Community and Economic Development educators are turning classroom training into measurable community impact by delivering FDIC Money Smart financial literacy workshops tailored for Ohio’s farmers, families and small-business owners The instructor-led Money Smart for Adults curriculum, organized into 14 modules, and the Money Smart for Small Business curriculum, with 13 modules available in English and Spanish, are being offered in flexible series that range from four to 13 sessions to meet local needs. Educators say the hands-on workshops help participants build budgets, improve credit management, strengthen banking relationships and apply financial tools directly to farm and small- business operations.
The instructor-led Money Smart for Adults curriculum, organized into 14 modules, and the Money Smart for Small Business curriculum, with 13 modules are being offered in flexible series that range from four to 13 sessions to meet local needs. Educators say the hands-on workshops help participants build budgets, improve credit management, strengthen banking relationships and apply financial tools directly to farm and small- business operations. “Financial literacy is more than numbers ait’s about empowering families and farmers to build lasting success,” said Stephen Washington, Community and Economic Development educator at CSU Extension. “When participants leave with a plan they can use on their farm or at home, that’s when we see real change.” Mark Rendleman, CED program leader, said the program’s impact shows up in practical outcomes and stronger community ties. “We’re seeing participants adopt budgeting habits, ask better questions about credit and banking, and take concrete steps to stabilize their operations,” Rendleman said. “That momentum helps families and farm businesses make decisions that improve their bottom line and long-term resilience.” Workshops have been adapted for community centers, farm groups and partner organizations across the state, and educators report that many attendees — including first-time visitors to CSU research facilities — leave with actionable next steps and connections to ongoing Land-Grant resources. The Money Smart for Small Business modules have been integrated into small-farm entrepreneurship programming to help producers with recordkeeping, cash-flow planning and credit reporting. For more information or to schedule a workshop, contact Mark Rendleman, CED program leader, at mrendleman@centralstate. edu.
CED educator Stephen Washington and workshop participant Michelle Cobbin.
CED Money Smart financial literacy workshop participants holding certificates of completion, Akron, Ohio.
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