TACOMA – Space is still available in a free Key Foundation-funded program that teaches practical skills of money management to reach financial independence.

Financial Literacy offers an eight-session class that teaches about credit management, investing and the basics of a checking and savings account. A free credit review is provided at the end of the class to help improve the financial profile of participants.

For information, contact Financial Literacy Program Coordinator Maggie Gardner at 253.284.3371 or by email at mgardner@tacomagoodwill.org.

Classes are free but participants must commit to all eight sessions. At the end of the class, besides the free financial profile, students will receive a Tacoma Goodwill Gift Card, good at any of the 20 Goodwill stores in the region the agency serves.

Classes are taking place at the following locations: Tacoma Goodwill Administrative Building, 714 S. 27th St., Tacoma, Feb. 6-March 2, Tuesdays-Fridays, 2:20-4 p.m.; at the Lakewood Goodwill store, 6002 Mt. Tacoma Drive, Feb. 7-March 2, Wednesdays-Fridays, 2-3:30 p.m.; and the Tacoma Goodwill store, 3121 S. Cedar St., Feb. 14-March 8, Wednesdays-Thursdays, 12:30-2 p.m.

The Key Foundation (funded by KeyCorp) awarded Goodwill $50,000 to cover the first year of a partnership primarily geared to assist low-income adults seeking a way to improve their financial standing. The goal is to help the increasing number of people using high-interest payday lenders make ends meet.