Have you ever heard it said that there is often "too much month at the end of the money?" We have.

Common Cents helps low wage workers to make the most of the income that they do have - to learn to budget, retire debt, save, and repair their credit. It gives them the tools to make sure that there is enough "money at the end of the month" instead. Many of our neighbors want to do better with their money - we are showing them how.

Challenge

Memphis has one of the highest poverty rates of any metro area in the nation.

Many of the jobs available in our community pay low wages. Many of our neighbors live well below the poverty line. The median earnings per year for a worker in Shelby County are $28,570.

The average amount below the poverty line that Shelby County families earn is $10,025. It is vital that these families can stretch dollars and make the best possible choices with their money. Common Cents shows them how.

Long-Term Impact

When families make better choices with their money, they are able to create a better quality of life for themselves and their children.

By knowing where their money is going and developing a spending plan, they are able to choose for themselves how to do better financially. Common Cents graduates report that they have built their savings and are less likely to need to visit a payday lender.

Fewer families living in poverty means a more stable community for us all.

References

1. http://www.risememphis.org
2. http://www.stlouisfed.org/exploringinnovation/columns/neale.html
3. http://oasis-of-hope.com/Inner-City-Common-Cents-Class-Teaches-Personal-Financial-Management/
4. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/mar/04/common-cents/

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