|
Next faculty profile >
< Back to web extras
Fletcher invests in Iowans’ financial futures
 By Scott Schrage
From public service announcements to public library workshops, Cynthia Fletcher’s financial expertise has reached Iowans in countless ways.
Fletcher, a professor and Extension to Families specialist in human development and family studies, began her career at Iowa State in 1976. Since then, she’s organized and implemented numerous Extension programs aimed at improving individuals’ and families’ economic well-being.
“From the very beginning, I’ve had a real interest in helping families use their resources efficiently and effectively,” Fletcher said. “The idea that bigger and more are not necessarily better has always stuck with me.”
One application of this philosophy is the program “Smart Investing @ Your Library®,” a partnership with the Ames Public Library that was funded through settlement money paid by Wall Street investment firms. The program offered month-long investment education courses to three demographic groups – Generation X, Baby Boomers, and retirees – both online and at the Ames Public Library. The library was one of only 13 nationwide to receive funding for the project, and its success has led to plans for statewide expansion.
Fletcher and Extension colleague Pat Swanson also co-created “Money Talk: A Financial Guide for Women.” The five-week course, offered by ISU Families Extension since 2005, focuses primarily on investing for retirement and life transitions that especially affect women. Fletcher noted that a wide range of women – from recent college graduates to those in their 80s – have taken advantage of the course.
“It’s targeted to women because, in this subject matter, women tend to have less confidence,” Fletcher said. “In some families, men have dealt with these issues. But the person who usually lives longer in a marriage is the woman, so we need to ensure that they’re educated and prepared.”
Fletcher previously contributed to the “Invest Wisely” project, a year-long media campaign featuring weekly Iowa Public Radio announcements and a newspaper series of helpful investment tips. She also coordinates a financial management class for Iowans who have recently filed for bankruptcy. Whatever her platform, Fletcher values each opportunity to cultivate the financial awareness that she believes is essential to long-term economic prosperity.
“Financial literacy – or financial capability, if you think of that as a step beyond – means making informed decisions,” said Fletcher. “That means you know where to get information; you know how to evaluate that information; you’re able to incorporate it into a decision-making process; and then you’re able to act on it. I hope I’ve helped build that during my time at Iowa State.”
Next faculty profile >
< Back to Web Extras
|
