By Carrie Blue-White
Pagosa Community Initiative
Pagosa Springs residents gathered for the latest installment of the community’s financial education series on Oct. 22, and the event proved to be a resounding success.
Thirteen attendees joined the session, which focused on practical budgeting, debt management, saving strategies and the path to homeownership — topics designed to empower residents to take control of their finances and futures.
Organizers report a strong sense of engagement throughout the evening, with participants actively sharing questions, success stories and practical tactics they could apply immediately.
The program’s facilitator, Carrie Blue, emphasized actionable steps — small, repeatable habits that build toward longer-term financial stability — leaving attendees with concrete takeaways rather than theoretical concepts.
A highlight of the evening was the candid feedback from participants, who expressed appreciation for the supportive and realistic approach of the class. One attendee sent a heartfelt note after the session to Blue, recognizing the value of the discussion and the encouragement provided:
“Carrie, thank you for taking the time to chat with me at the financial class. Honestly, I needed that reality check. I’ve let myself get really down and stressed out about finances and my careers. Talking to you really helped and just need to keep putting myself out there. Really appreciated you taking the time.”
This message underscored the program’s impact beyond numbers and budgeting — bolstering attendees’ confidence and motivating them to pursue proactive financial and professional steps.
The event also featured practical workshop components, including:
• Hands-on budgeting exercises that helped participants map income, expenses and savings goals.
• Tips for reducing debt and building an emergency fund, tailored to varying income levels.
• Credit building and repair.
• Resources for more learning.
Planning committee members noted that the turnout exceeded expectations for a late-October session and thanked volunteers and sponsors for making the event possible. They also highlighted the importance of continued community support to sustain momentum in financial education programming.
Upcoming sessions are in the planning stages, with organizers aiming to offer a broader range of topics, including retirement planning, investing basics and small business budgeting.
Community members who benefited from the Oct. 22 class expressed gratitude for a program that feels approachable, practical and inclusive. The organizers reaffirm their commitment to providing free, accessible financial education and to creating a supportive environment where people can learn, grow and share their experiences.
For more information about upcoming sessions or to volunteer as a facilitator or mentor, contact the Pagosa Community Initiative at familysupport@pagosacommunityinitiative.org or by calling (970) 585-6461.
