Money Mentor Helps People Take Control of Their Finances

With the downturn in the economy that has been experienced in the last couple of years, many have found that managing their money and their spending habits can be tough. No one knows this better than Jeff Libaire.

The 62-year-old Palm Harbor resident is a volunteer with Pinellas County Extension’s Money Mentors program. The program, part of the Univeristy of Florida’s Florida Master Money Mentors, is a free service that provides one-on-one financial counseling to people needing financial help.

In additon to being a Money Mentor, Libaire also teaches four classes per month, two at Worknet, a public-private partnership that promotes economic growth through workforce development, and two at the Palm Harbor Library. Those classes focus on calandar-based money management and spending plans.

“Volunteering is a very good way to stay engaged and also help share information and help people that might be struggling with something,” he says.

Pinellas County volunteers can expect to make a difference in the life of their community, while exploring interests, sharing knowledge, assisting others and making friends. For more information, visit www.pinellascounty.org/volunteer, email volunteers@pinellascounty.org or call (727)464-VIPS(8477).