Utah State Professor Received Smart Woman Grant

Utah State University professor Jean Lown received a Zion's Bank Smart Woman grant last month for her work with Financial Planning for Women seminars.

 

Lown developed the Financial Planning for Women program nine years ago as a service to the community and as an opportunity for her family finance students to gain experience in presenting educational programs. FPW is a free, monthly, seminar designed to educate women about personal finance and investing.

 

"As women learn principles in personal finance, they feel empowered and are motivated to take responsibility and action for their financial futures," said Lown, USU professor in family, consumer and human development. "Financial Planning for Women is the only program in northern Utah that provides free, monthly, financial planning education."

 

Implementing this educational program allows Lown to teach a subject about which she feels strongly.

 

"I enjoy teaching people, especially women, about their financial futures because there is such a great need in this area for people to think about how they will support themselves later in life," Lown said. "Many people are behind in planning for their retirements and don't realize how long they are likely to live."

 

The $3,000 grant from Zion's Bank will enable Lown to continue publicizing the seminars, where women learn not only how to plan for their futures, but also how they can calculate their personal retirement needs and how to invest toward those goals.

 

"Another point that is stressed is how important it is that women not depend solely on the men in their lives for financial security," Lown said. "Women need to be knowledgeable and be a part of the financial decision-making process."

 

While the seminars are geared toward women, much of the advice is important for men as well.

 

"It's essential that men and women understand the value of money and use it to their advantage," Lown said. "Earn interest rather than paying it."