Laura St. Baptist to host finance classes

Starting in late January, Laura Street Baptist Church in Maryville will serve as the host for Financial Peace University.
The seminar, a program developed by Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey, offers practical steps for people trying to get out of debt and increase their net worth.
Area residents can sign up for the class at Laura Street's website, www.laurastreet.com, or by calling the church office at (660) 582-7500. Classes will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Jan. 23.
Those wishing to participate must sign up for a $99 "financial peace kit" containing literature, workbooks, an envelope system, audio CD's, budget forms and a "progress poster."
During seminar sessions, the church will provide nursery care for children under four, and its youth organization, TeamKid, will offer activities for older youngsters.
Financial advisor Dave Ramsey, who will not be present, hosts a popular syndicated radio show and has authored such best-selling books as "The Total Money Makeover," and "Financial Peace."
The latter book is the basis for the class, which walks people through the process of saving money living debt-free.
Ramsey describes his system as requiring discipline and considerable sacrifice. He frequently uses the slogan, "Live like no one else so that someday you can live like no one else," and urges listeners to live below their means in order to get out of debt and save.
This will be the third year Laura Street Baptist has hosted the classes, and office manager Jean Chitwood said the number of participants has grown each time.
"I think that people are more informed now about what Dave Ramsey does," Chitwood said. "Especially compared to in the past when people didn't really understand."