Tarleton Organizations Host ‘More Money, More Options’ Summit

STEPHENVILLE — Tarleton State University’s virtual More Money, More Options Summit takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, on Zoom. 

The free event is sponsored by the Texas Social Media Research Institute, the Rural Communication Institute, the Texan Smart Financial Education Center, Tarleton Online, Tarleton Extension Education and Erath Engaged. 

To register visit https://tarletonstate.us/MoreMoneySummit.

The summit begins with an interactive money management activity hosted by TSMRI/RCI Fellows CareyLyn Ryan and Jorge Irizarry, followed by “How to Build Your Savings and Budget” with Janet Harris, Harris and Associates, and “Investing (+Cryptocurrency)” with Gwen Newsome, Wells Fargo. 

The Texan Smart Financial Education Center will host two sessions, “Good Benefits — Extra Money to Pay for Items You Need, Financial Aid/Scholarships (Paying Back Your Loans)” and “Building Credit/Credit Cards.” Sydney Otundo from That’s Their Dream will conclude the summit with her session, “Buying Something New (Loans 101).” 

“Knowledge is power, and the more knowledge you have in regards to your money, the more you can establish yourself in the future,” said Tarleton graduate student Shontae West. 

TSMRI and RCI students and industry fellows planned the conference after a conversation about graduating from Tarleton and transitioning to new positions. 

“The more you learn how to manage your money, the clearer picture you have of how to achieve specific goals, such as buying a home or paying off debt,” said current student Alba Zarate.

Recent graduate Jorge Irizarry agrees that financial intelligence is a necessity. “You cannot afford not to know how to properly manage your money,” he said.

Changes in the economic climate can be challenging.

“With the way the market fluctuates, it is quite important to know if your money needs to be moved in different markets, if it is the right time to invest in certain companies, seek loans for new life needs, or to gain more insight into how to save more prudently,” said current student CareyLyn Ryan.

For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, jtedwards@tarleton.edu or 254-968-9638.