August 2024 – Family Promise of Sussex County

Free Money Management Classes

Family Promise of Sussex County is pleased to offer a series of Money Management classes free to the community. The 5-part series will cover topics including: credit reports, FICO scores, budgeting, how to manage, pay off your debt and lastly saving – to remind you to not forget to pay yourself as well.

The next cycle is beginning September 3rd and September 4th and are held at our offices 19 Church St. Newton. Students are able to choose day or evening sessions based on their schedule.

Every Tuesday Starting September 3rd Ending October 1st from 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Every Wednesday Starting September 4th Ending October 2nd from 5:00pm – 6:30pm

The classes are taught by our very own Certified Financial Counselors, Debora Rowlands and Elisa Serano. Students who have attended previous classes left feeling empowered, able to better see and control their spending and wanted more training!

Here’s what our financial counselors are saying:

What is the biggest money lesson that you have learned?

Elisa: That only I am responsible for my own Financial situation. Only I can take control of my financial wellbeing.

Debby: The biggest lesson that I have learned is that it is essential to create a healthy relationship with one’s money. This includes having a “Money Space” which is a set place and time to look at one’s finances and budget. This allows one to be able to focus on better money management and improve decision making with one’s finances. It helps with staying on top of budgeting, savings, and financial planning. A “Money Space” can help with tracking one’s financial progress, goals, and makes one accountable in making financial decisions. Knowing that there is a system set up to manage one’s finances can reduce the stress and anxiety that is often related to money. Overall, I found that having a “Money Space” can lead to a more structured approach with organizing one’s finances and better financial outcomes.

What is the one thing that you would like every student to take away from the course?

Elisa: That they have control of their own Financial situation. And they must never tell themselves that they can’t do it. We all fall sometimes, but we must get up and continue working at bettering our lives by controlling our financial wellbeing.

Debby: The one thing that I would like every student to take away from this class is that everyone can save. It is important for clients to be mindful of the difference between “wants and needs.” Paying oneself first is a vital part of saving. Many people believe that they do not make enough income to save. It can be the smallest amount of money, but over time the money will accumulate. This is a way for clients to be conscious of having income for an emergency or simply planning for their future.

Want to hear, learn more? Call us at 973-579-1180 and sign up for our next classes.

Tips for Staying Cool and Hydrated

Well, we are more than halfway through the Summer and have already been through several heat waves this year. As a reminder all county libraries are open as cooling centers and charging stations. Please see the end of this blog for specific library hours of operation. When you are not cooling off at one of the county libraries here are some tips for staying cool and hydrated.

· Drink lots of water
· In extreme heat drink water even before you feel thirsty
· Avoid alcohol, sodas and caffeine
· Eat foods with high water content such as cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, watermelon and strawberries
· Wear lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothing
· Keep skin wet, use spray bottle, take cool showers
· To quickly cool off try running or putting cold water on your wrists and/or ankles
· Try to avoid being outside when sun is at its strongest usually between 10-4
· When in the sun cover your head with a hat

It is also very important to check on any elderly neighbors and make sure that any pets are also staying cool and hydrated. Do not leave pets or children in the car even for a short period of time. It only takes ten minutes for the interior of the car to be dangerous if not deadly. At a temperature of 90 degrees outdoors, in 10 minutes the inside of one’s car is 109 degrees, in 20 minutes it reaches 119 degrees!

So, get outside, enjoy the rest of Summer but do so safely and stay hydrated!

The NJ State Fair / Sussex County Farm and Horse Show

One of the most anticipated events of the summer has arrived! The NJ State Fair / Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is being held this week at The Fairgrounds 37 Plains Rd. Augusta from August 2nd – 10th. Family Promise of Sussex County is honored to be one of the “Non-Profit Spotlight” organizations this year. Special thank you to the organizers of the fair for this recognition and opportunity. Please come enjoy the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show where farm meets fun!

Here are a few activities you can do for free at the Fair
· Watch the Woodman Competition!
· Root for your favorite at the Hot Dog Pig Races!
· Marvel at the Fire Dance show evenings behind the Conservatory!
· Stop by Family Promise of Sussex County’s table!

You can’t talk about any county fair without talking about the food! Delish did a survey last year, polling fairgoers from each state to come up with a list of their top fair foods by state. Florida named a Funnel Cake Sandwich made with pork, pickles and Swiss cheese. Idaho of course had a potato dish called Twister Potatoes which pretty much resembles thick cut potato chips on a stick. Garlic Truffle Tortatoe anyone? For New Jersey the standout was Rainbow Kettle Corn. What’s your favorite food, activity, exhibit at the Fair?

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