"Big Money"

7:30 pm HCC, Alumnae Hall

Do you ever consider how much debt you are in?  It is a scary question when you are forced to stop and think about it, but really, have you put any thought at all into how you plan to pay back your credit card bills from study abroad, or last years spring break or all those clothes you bought for the beginning of the school year?  Or what about your college loans—have you considered how much and how long you will be paying for school every month after you graduate?  And how much is enough when it comes to saving money for the future? 

All of your credit, loan and savings questions can be answered in a fun, entertaining and interactive way with Patrick McGarrity and John Dietrich.  Their program focuses on how you can take action to manage your finances through an information-packed multimedia presentation where you can participate in financial scenarios that will help you understand the good and bad powers of interest and the importance of saving over time.  Students will have the chance to volunteer to participate in the game through True or False, Multiple Choice, and other questions that will test your money skills and real world know-how.  Through the game show format, you will learn that 71 percent of students have credit card balances greater than $1,000.  Or, the average student leaves college with $18,000 in educational debt and $3,000 in credit card debt.

McGarrity and Dietrich joined forces in 2001 and created Big Money and Big Life to help combat rampant debt on campus and teach students about finances in a fun, non-threatening nor sleep-inducing manner.  McGarrity worked as an RA during his college experience in order to earn money and pay off his debts.  He believes it is important for college students to learn how avoid the financial pitfalls that can encompass inexperienced spenders.  Dietrich also worked as an RA during college and then went on to give presentations on motivation and stress relief throughout the Midwest at various college conferences.  He also worked in the banking industry and understands how young customers have problems with credit and loan management.  

Because Life isn’t a game.