Money management training takes place at D'Vine Path

FALLBROOK – In late April, D'Vine Path invited a guest speaker, Marianne Martini Nolte with Imagine Financial Services, to talk to the students about proper money management and how to keep track of their spending.

Nolte gave a presentation on the topic of financial well-being. The talk included important information, including how to understand a paycheck, budgeting, the difference between a savings and checking account, and associated bank services that are provided. The students were also taught about the CalABLE program, which allows disabled individuals to save their money without impacting the government aid they receive.

"Money management knowledge and skills are necessary for our students since some are working towards independence," said D'Vine Path Executive Director Lenila Batali."The knowledge learned during these lessons will help to ensure that our students will be capable of handling and understanding their money and bank accounts, which is an important life skill for everyone to have."

Batali said the lesson was enjoyable for the students; it was helpful in teaching them the importance of money management and they are becoming more comfortable with handling money as a result.

The students at D'Vine Path have also been working to understand how to handle their money and budget efficiently, like on field trips. The students budget and buy an item of their choosing that is under their budget, they count out the proper amount of money needed to complete the purchase, and then they handle the change they get back from their purchase.

The students also practice handling money at the Fallbrook Farmer's Market. They receive the money from customers and they provide the customers with exact change. This type of experience helps to teach them necessary skills in handling money which prepares them for the future. The life skills aspect of D'Vine Path is extremely important, Batali said, because it helps the students work towards independence and teaches them skills that are necessary for when they do become independent.

Handling money and understanding money management can be a challenge for everyone, however, the lessons taught by Nolte will help the students at D'Vine Path to better understand money and overcome this obstacle. This will help the students all throughout their futures and it will allow them to become more independent and confident in their ability to manage their own money without help from others.

Submitted by D'Vine Path.