Tackling your finances at Westlake Hall in Peoria

Nov. 13--PEORIA -- Common Place and MassMutual are teaming up to help individuals with financial planning in Peoria.

"Tackle Your Finances? was the theme for the financial literacy event at Bradley University's Westlake Hall. Two local organizations collaborated to make the football-themed event happen: Common Place, a not-for-profit organization that promotes education and works to eliminate poverty and racism, and MassMutual, a life insurance company that helps individuals achieve their financial goals.

"We decided to team up with them (Common Place) because of the amazing things they do for the community,? said Kayley Koter, account executive and one of four Bradley students who planned the event. "We want this to be something they can put on regularly.?

The idea was to give attendees the opportunity to learn how to balance their income with their expenses and avoid credit card debt. Dennis Kistner, a financial adviser from MassMutual and keynote speaker at the event, gave a short presentation about the importance of staying "financially fit.?

"Getting financially fit is a process,? Kistner said. "It's going to come over time.?

Kistner recommended that individuals make a budget and put it down on paper. He later spoke of Dr. Steven Franklin, author of the book "Celebrate 100: Centenarian Secrets to Success in Business and Life.? Kistner mentioned a survey Franklin conducted among 500 financially stable seniors who had reached the age of 100. The most common question Franklin asked seniors was: "How do you think the younger generation is handling their money?? Most replied with "drowning in debt.?

"The more you budget," said Kistner, "the better you will become.?

The event then organized "Financial Football? -- a trivia game filled with basic financial questions. Attendees had the opportunity to answer financial-based questions every individual will face in their lifetime.

Megan Mertens can be reached at 309-686-3196 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @MeganMmertens.

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