Description

Are you making the most of every dollar you earn?

With the rising cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and everyday essentials, making your paycheck stretch further can feel like a challenge. Whether you're struggling to keep up with bills, trying to pay down debt, or simply wondering where your money goes each month, having a budget that works for you can make a difference.

Join us for Making Budgets Work, a practical, interactive workshop designed to help you take control of your finances and make smarter decisions with your money. Discover how to identify spending habits, find opportunities to save, manage everyday expenses, and create a realistic budget that supports your financial goals.

Don't let another month go by wondering where your money went! Learn practical strategies you can start using right away to make your money go further and build a more financially secure future.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand their financial picture: Identify sources of income, categorize expenses, and calculate how much money remains after monthly obligations.
• Create a realistic budget: Use the 50/30/20 budgeting method to develop a spending plan based on personal income, needs, and financial priorities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce expenses: Evaluate spending habits and distinguish between essential expenses and discretionary purchases.
• Plan for financial stability: Compare debt repayment strategies, establish emergency savings goals, and identify practical ways to maintain a budget over time.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

• Individuals and families feeling the pressure of rising living costs.
• Anyone struggling to make ends meet or living paycheck to paycheck.
• People who have difficulty sticking to a budget or managing their finances.
• Anyone looking to gain greater financial confidence, regardless of their income or financial experience.

No matter where you are in your financial journey, this workshop is for you!

Language Accommodations

Hmong and Spanish interpreters are available upon advance request. Interpreter requests must be submitted during registration at least two weeks before the workshop. While we will make every effort to accommodate late requests. Interpreter availability cannot be guaranteed.

Meet the Presenter

Shelly Milner
Vice President & Financial Center Manager, BMO Bank

With more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Shelly Milner is passionate about helping individuals and families build stronger financial futures. As Financial Center Manager at BMO Bank in Menomonie, she works with community members to navigate financial decisions, achieve their goals, and build long-term financial stability.

Shelly will be joined by members of the BMO team during the workshop.