Finances and peace may not be words paired together often.
But Pastor Brian Romanowski has seen people break free of the bondage of debt by offering Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at the First Baptist Church.
“I’ve seen people who had $9,000 of debt paid off in 13 weeks,” Romanowski said.
According to Dave Ramsey’s website, Financial Peace University graduates pay off $5,300 in debt and save $2,700 in the first 90 days.
Ramsey’s approach educates people on how to get finances aligned, talks about insurance, investing for retirement and college planning. The original 13-weeks of material has been condensed and reorganized to a nine-week course.
First Baptist Church will offer a preview night on Jan. 23. Course-registrants will meet weekly beginning January 20 at 6:30 p.m.
The $95 program includes the Financial Peace University Kit with a member workbook, envelope system, “Complete Guide to Money,” Budget Forms Folder, a progress poster and access to Financial Peace University Central. Each meeting includes an educational DVD and discussion time.
“If people actually do follow through, and put his recommendations into practice, they will definitely turn their financial life around in big ways,” Romanowski said. “I think part of it is that people haven’t been properly taught how to manage their finances. They don’t realize the mistakes that are hurting them. There are little things you can do that you don’t even realize which can make a huge difference in your financial life.”
Ramsey built the Financial Peace University from teachings in the Bible.
“Besides the kingdom of Heaven, it’s one of the things Jesus talked about more than anything else,” Romanowski said. “In Proverbs it says, ‘The borrower is slave to the lender.’ You break free of that. You don’t have to worry about debtors and creditors knocking on your door.”
Financial Peace University was offered at First Baptist Church in Dec. Romanowski said Jan. is a good time to offer the course because people feel overwhelmed with Christmas bills. The course is offered once a year at First Baptist Church.
There are a limited number of scholarships available for the course. You may register at fbcmahomet.org or by calling 217/586-3304. Class size is limited, so register now to reserve a seat.
