It is never too early to learn about the importance of budgeting money.

Carter County UT – Extension is helping spearhead the idea to youth in the community by offering the “On My Own” financial training program, created by Family and Consumer Sciences Department of the University of Tennessee Extension Service.

Unveiled locally for the first time Thursday, agents and community leaders worked inside the Parks & Rec Recreation Center with students from 6th through 12th grade to learn the importance of managing money in today’s society.

County UT – Extension Director Vickie Clark told the Elizabethton Star that the program is geared to assist youth by giving them an allotted amount of money, then having to turn around and spend it wisely on different amenities needed to make it through life.

Various booths were set up inside the center ranging from home ownership, banking, grocery, utilities, child care, the mall, community care and the dreaded “curveball” that individuals tend to see throughout their lives.

Several volunteers from the community stopped by to assist with the endeavor, including Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw, Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey, staff with Parks & Rec, United Way of Carter County/Elizabethton and local health and banking representatives.

Clark thanked each of the volunteers that assisted during the event and added the goal for the office to is to branch the program out into different high schools in Elizabethton and Carter County to give students an extra edge once they step out into the world following graduation.

Members of the public looking to assist in future installments of the program can contact the office at (423) 542-1818.