Tifton Financial Literacy Initiative

TiftonThe goal of the Tifton Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI) is to help solve challenges related to poverty, low homeownership rates and other issues by implementing a comprehensive financial literacy initiative through which every resident of Tifton can participate. It strives to better equip a population to make good decisions on credit and better position assets and resources that are effective and productive, resulting in significant personal, household-level, small business and community-wide impact. The initiative complements Launch Tifton, the city’s plan to create and promote housing options for residents.  

The FLI Advisory Board, consisting of community leaders, is tasked with creating substantial and applicable programming that benefits all citizens. Face-to-face events, online classes and e-learning opportunities will be offered throughout the year.  

We look forward to your participation and involvement in the continued effort to improve the lives of our community.

2023 EVENTS

February 21, 2023 - Understanding Credit Report & Credit Score

The Tifton Financial Literacy Initiative held the workshop Understanding Credit Score Report and Credit Score on Tuesday, February 21st at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center. Dr. Yangxuan Liu, Assistant Professor at UGA Tifton, spoke to community members about the importance of a credit score and what types of things impact a credit score. There were many great questions asked during the presentation. Join us on Tuesday, March 21st to discuss Using Credit Wisely!

January 17, 2023 - Managing Income and Expenses

The first Tifton Financial Literacy event titled Managing Income and Expenses was held on Tuesday, January 17th at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center. Tara Alderete with Money Management International spoke to a great turnout of Tifton citizens. Results from a survey following the event stated that 100% of attendees reported knowledge increase or intent to take action in the area of creating a spending plan as a result of participating in the event. Please join us at the next event, Understanding Credit Report and Credit Score, on Tuesday, February 21st. We look forward to seeing you there!

2022 KICK-OFF EVENT

The City of Tifton and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) joined other organizations of the community to host the Tifton Financial Literacy Initiative Kick-Off Event on October 6, 2022. The event featured remarks from Mayor Julie Smith, FHLBank Atlanta Director of Community Investment Services, Arthur Fleming, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association, Larry Hanson, and Director of Enterprise Learning for Money Management International, Tara Alderete. 

“The financial health of our community impacts all of us and having the right partners at the table is critical to the success of this initiative and for our residents,” said Mayor Smith. “Taking care of our residents and the industries in Tifton is critical to the success of our city.”

The event represented the initial step in the creation of the Tifton Financial Literacy Coalition, which aims to establish a three-year plan to provide financial literacy, property literacy, small business literacy, and homeownership counseling and training to Tifton residents. The Coalition is projected to launch in January 2023.

“We are grateful to Mayor Smith, the Georgia Municipal Association, and Money Management International for partnering with us for this important event to recruit more stakeholders,” said Mr. Fleming. “Working together with our members and other stakeholders who have a vested interest in promoting greater financial and housing literacy, we hope to improve the lives of thousands of Tifton residents who will benefit greatly from this initiative and the ongoing work of the Tifton Financial Coalition.”

BUSINESSES

Looking for more information on partnering with us as a stakeholder in the Tifton Financial Literacy Initiative? Please click here for more information, or reach out directly to Dr. Tonja Tift, Executive Director. 

We look forward to working with you!