Family Budget Education Program

The Family Budget Education Program is found in many counties across New York State. Call your local Cooperative Extension to see if it is offered where you live.

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Family Budget Education Program is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL financial management program. A trained volunteer will work with you or your family one-on-one to help you set up and use a customized budget and credit repayment plan.

YOU set the goals for what you want to achieve, and your Volunteer Family Budget Educator will help you develop ways to achieve your goals. Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Family Budget Education Program does NOT have funds to pay your bills. We are an educational program, not a lending institution.

Benefits:

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Family Budget Education Program will help you take control of your finances by helping you to:

• Open Family Communication Channels
• Set Family Financial Goals
• Organize Financial Records
• Develop a Written Budget
• Manage Credit and Debt
• Pay Bills on Time
• Talk to Creditors and Negotiate Repayment Plans
• Use Local Community Resources
• Save Money Regularly
 

Contact information:

If you live in Dutchess County, New York, call the Cornell Cooperative Extension at 845-677-8223, ext. 119, or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

You will be asked a few questions over the phone (your name, address, and financial problems you are seeking help with, and a phone number) after which you will receive a full brochure and information sheets. These sheets must be returned before you are assigned a Volunteer Family Budget Educator. Volunteer Educators will be assigned based on their availability and geographic location.

Become a Volunteer Family Budget Educator!

If you have an interest in household finances and enjoy working and helping others, you may want to join our group of dedicated Volunteers. Training in basic financial management is provided in return for helping other Dutchess County families learn how to set financial goals, develop a spending plan, save regularly and learn how to use credit wisely.

Call our office at (845) 677-8223, ext. 119, for more information and an application. Complete it and mail it to:

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County
ATTN: Family Budget Educator
Farm & Home Center
2715 Route 44, Suite 1
Millbrook, NY 12545

Group Presentations:

Looking for a speaker for your next meeting?

The Family Budget Education Program has trained Volunteer Educators who will present up to one-hour programs on basic financial management for your group. Setting financial goals, the importance of family communication and the development of a spending plan will be covered. Other topics could include managing credit and debt, knowing your consumer rights and responsibilities and using local resources.

A minimum of 10 participants is required with at least one month advanced notice. All programs are contingent on availability of speakers and must be held in Dutchess County, NY. This program is free of charge for not-for-profit groups and organizations. Others should contact the number below for information on program fees.

Call our office at (845) 677-8223, ext. 119, for more information or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it