MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Financial management instruction is close at hand for Mississippians filing for bankruptcy.

Bobbie Shaffett, a specialist with Mississippi State University’s Extension Service, said Extension family resource and management area agents have been approved by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide instruction in person to bankruptcy filers.

“Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, all individuals who file for bankruptcy on or after Oct. 17, 2005, must complete a financial management instructional course before receiving a bankruptcy discharge,” Shaffett said.

A three-hour, in-person Financial Management Instructional Course taught by MSU Extension Service family resource management agents is offered at various times in eight areas of the state at offices in Quitman, Grenada, Oktibbeha, Alcorn, Leake, Newton, Forrest and Pike counties. The workshop covers all of the topics required by the Department of Justice for debtor education including managing money, using credit wisely, setting goals, buying insurance for financial security and developing consumer shopping skills.

Although the course is designed to meet federal requirements for instruction for bankruptcy filers, consumers who simply wish to learn more about personal financial management and making wise consumer choices may attend. The cost of the three-hour workshop and materials is $30 per individual or married couple (couples will receive one course workbook).

For more information, including a schedule of workshop sessions and registration form, contact Suzie Manning at (662) 325-3080 between the hours of 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. or call the local Extension county office to reach a family resource management area agent.