Financial Wellness Fair offers a game plan for every stage of life

From budgeting and buying a first home to avoiding scams and planning for retirement, a new free Financial Wellness Fair will bring resources for nearly every stage of life under one roof Sept. 23 in Reeds Spring.

The Financial Wellness Fair for All Ages will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Stone County Health Department, 701 Old Wilderness Road. With the theme “From Kickoff to Retirement, Have a Game Plan,” the event will offer financial education, free food and giveaways.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about auto, renters, home and other insurance as well as health, life, disability, dental and vision insurance. Additional topics will include avoiding financial scams, budgeting, credit and lending, savings and investing, financial planning, mortgage lending and first-time homeowners.

The fair will also cover tax planning, real estate taxes, Medicare, Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage, estate planning including wills, trusts and probate and Alzheimer caregiver guidance.

Branson West State Farm agent Maureen Darby said the goal is to bring resources together in one place, giving community members an opportunity to ask questions and connect with professionals who can help.

“We’re connecting those in the community with people who can help them all in one place. It’s kind of a one-stop shop,” Darby said. “Whether they need help with taxes, establishing credit or understanding another area of their finances, they can make that connection.”

The idea for the fair grew from a recent conversation between Carrie Padilla, community liaison for the Stone County Health Department, and Darby after around 30 area families lost their belongings in fires without renters’ insurance. What began as a discussion about helping families better understand renters’ insurance expanded when Darby asked younger members of her team what other financial information would be useful to them. Budgeting, banking and credit were among their answers, and the concept continued to grow as additional community professionals became involved.

Padilla said the fair is designed to help residents see financial wellness as part of their overall well-being.

“Financial wellness is an important part of overall health. When families have the knowledge and resources to make confident financial decisions, it can reduce stress and strengthen the entire household. Our ‘Protect, Plan, Prosper’ Financial Wellness Fair is about giving Stone County residents practical tools to protect what they have, plan for their future and prosper at every stage of life,” Padilla said.

Interest across the community from professionals wanting to participate has already filled the available booth space for the event, according to Darby. Organizers have focused on bringing together professionals and resources to provide information and education rather than creating a traditional vendor fair.

The Financial Wellness Fair for All Ages is free and open to the public. Free food and giveaways will be available during the event.

For more information, call the Stone County Health Department at 417-272-0050.