TIFTON — The City of Tifton is partnering with various financial organizations for a special lesson on managing money.

City officials have scheduled a financial literacy discussion for Oct 6, with the help of organizations such as the Federal Home Loan Bank, Money Management International and the Georgia Bankers Association, to put together a financial literacy program for use by Tifton residents.

A concern raised during a recent Tifton City Council meeting led to the event.

Tifton Mayor Julie Smith said she had concerns about an apparent lack of financial literacy among a majority of city residents.

Smith reported the most recent census showed a majority of residents are renters, leading her to conclude there is a need to teach the importance of financial literacy.

The event is planned to be for anyone who needs assistance in learning how to manage a budget or own their own home, and is expected to not only educate people but form a financial literacy plan that people can rely on in the future.

Smith said she hopes to have as many people as possible at the event, including nonprofit organizations, local banks and people in leadership positions such as members of the Board of Realtors, the Tift County Board of Education, City Council and Tift County Board of Commissioners.

Smith said once the program is more developed, the Georgia Municipal Association will use it as a pilot program for use with other, smaller cities, something that has not been previously done. 

The financial literacy event is scheduled for noon, Oct. 6, Leroy Rogers Senior Center. People interested in attending must register online beforehand and can do so on the city website.