“Grab and Go” drop-in event hosted by the Financial Literacy and Money Education by Students (FLAMES) student mentors, on the TMCC campus.
A new series of drop-in events called "Grab and Go" will help students at Truckee Meadows Community College quickly pick up helpful tips on financial topics such as credit scores, budgets, and financial aid, along with a snack.
“Grab and Go” swing-by sessions are hosted by the Financial Literacy and Money Education by Students (FLAMES) student mentors, and the coaching is free.
“Students are pretty busy, so we’ve scheduled these mini-workshops for them to grab a refreshment and hear about the financial topic of the week,” said Cheril Gabbidon, FLAMES peer mentor.
FLAMES is located on the Dandini campus, at the open desks in the lobby area outside of the Red Mountain Building, room 315. The topic for the first “Grab and Go” event on Feb. 10 was about choosing a degree that can help pay for itself. Mentors handed out fliers with information and online links, such as Nevada Career Information System (NCIS).
“We’re giving an overview of what jobs are available in Nevada through a free website, NCIS,” said Gabbidon. “There’s also a site for the entire U.S.”
Another peer mentor added that a career doing something you enjoy can pay off.
“You want to pick something that inspires you, something you love to do and you can also financially benefit from doing,” said David Cruz, FLAMES team co-leader. “You can check how the particular career you’re interested in supports the lifestyle you choose.”
Upcoming “Grab and Go” events:
- Wednesday, Feb. 18, 3-3:30 p.m.: Budgeting 101
- Thursday, Feb. 26, Noon-12:30 p.m.: Income and Jobs
- Monday, March 2, at 3-3:30 p.m.: Credit Scores
- Tuesday, March 10, Noon-12:30 p.m.: Couponing
- Wednesday, March 18, 3-3:30 p.m.: Spending Tips
- Thursday, March 26, Noon-12:30 p.m.: Credit Cards
- Monday, March 30, 3-3:30 p.m.: Identity Theft
Financial Literacy Month Is April, and Graduation Events Will Be Held in May
FLAMES is also gearing up for Financial Literacy Month in April, when they will be holding an essay contest, hosting a financial information table at the SGA Wellness Fair, a movie with discussion, and several workshops.
There will be additional “Grab and Go” events in May to help students plan for graduation, and provide advice about student loans.
- Monday, May 4, 3-3:30 p.m.: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Tuesday, May 12, Noon-12:30 p.m.: Student Loans
The FLAMES team is brought to TMCC through a grant awarded by USA Funds. The mentors are dedicated to igniting a passion for better education and information about money, said Jeannette Smith, Financial Literacy Specialist at TMCC. Students have been trained as peer mentors to offer advice about the complex issue of money and the attitudes and choices revolving around personal finances.
Visit the FLAMES website for more information.