Money mentors needed to help during tough financial times | Business

Pinellas County is looking for volunteers with financial smarts to help others through the current economic downturn. The Florida Master Money Mentor program, an initiative funded by the University of Florida, will train volunteers to become mentors who will assist individuals and families in gaining the knowledge and skills to better manage their finances.

Registration must be completed by Friday, Feb. 3.

Volunteers joining the program will receive approximately 20 hours of intensive training in a number of financial areas. These areas include financial mentoring, basic money management, strategies for dealing with financial problems, credit and debt management, savings, mentoring techniques and community resources. Some home study will also be required. Opportunities are provided in class to practice mentoring skills in small groups as well as one-to-one teaching and mentoring.

Following the training, each volunteer will be required to provide volunteer financial mentoring to at least 24 individuals within one year of completing training.

This free three-part program will be held on Monday, Feb. 6; Tuesday, Feb. 7 and Wednesday, Feb. 8. Those wishing to become mentors must register at www.pinellascountyextension.org by clicking on the Registration button then the Extension Service tab, or by calling (727) 582-2104.