Financial advice column points readers in right direction
By Leilana McKindra
STILLWATER, Okla. – Ever wonder how to set up a budget or better control your spending habits? If so, consider checking out Ask Dr. Per Cap, a financial advice column aimed at answering these and other money related questions.
“The more we understand money management principles, the more control we have over our finances. The Ask Dr. Per Cap column provides some great advice that will help you find and stay on the path to financial wellness,” said Eileen St. Pierre, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension personal finance specialist.
The column was originally designed for tribal citizens who receive per capita payments. However, only about 20 percent of the Native American population in the United States receives these payments, primarily from gaming revenues and dividends from natural resources leases.
The column not only tackles issues unique to the Native American community, but also explores topics that apply to a broader general audience.
The main website is www.firstnations.org/askdrpercap.
Ask Dr. Per Cap offers advice to per capita recipients on topics such as how to avoid financial scams and the best ways to turn down friends and family members looking for “loans.”
“Some of the lessons specific to per capita recipients also could be helpful to anyone who received funds as part of recent federal court settlements with the Native American community,” St. Pierre said.
Other columns deal with general financial topics such as the best strategies for building up your savings and avoiding payday loans and overdraft fees.
Recent entries explored the risks associated with high-interest refund anticipation loans, ways of taking control of your finances and tactics for successfully managing your credit.
Readers can submit questions to the column by emailing askdrpercap@firstnations.org.
The Ask Dr. Per Cap column is funded by the First Nations Development Institute with assistance from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.
For more information about sound money management practices and related classes, contact your local county Extension office.
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Leilana McKindra
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6792
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: leilana.mckindra@okstate.edu
