Changing lives with financial peace Published Jan. 22, 2007 By Chaplain (Capt.) Brad Phillips Little Rock Air Force Base Chapel LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- It was graduation night and excitement was in the air as 21 more Airmen and spouses joined others as the newest graduates of Financial Peace University Dec. 12. The group marks the fifth graduated class since the first class in March 2005. Financial Peace University is a faith-based full-spectrum approach to financial management. One graduate summed it up in a nutshell, saying, "It's made me put together a plan on how my money will be saved and distributed instead of spending it blindly. It covers everything from A-Z having to do with money." This class achieved remarkable results by saving a total of $16,400 in just 90 days. They also paid off $38,893 of debts owed in the same period and destroyed 55 credit cards. Another classmate said, "I now have a can-do attitude and plan about how to get out of debt and I'm doing it. I will not fail." The results are even more phenomenal when one looks at all five classes combined - with around 90 total graduates. $121,809 have been saved and $197,780 in debts have been paid off during the 90 days of class. Most have continued on to get out of debt completely. Financial conflict has been shown to be the number one cause of divorce in this country and Financial Peace University is having an impact on Little Rock marriages. When asked, how has the 13-week FPU class personally impacted their marriage, one couple said, "Now we can speak openly about money with each other and it has allowed us to get on the same page financially." The next FPU class will begin 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the base chapel annex. Orientation sessions will be offered 6 p.m. Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 at the chapel. Members can register for the class at the orientation sessions or come by the chapel at their convenience. Cost is $20 for E1-E4 or $50 for civilians, E5s and up. Scholarships are available for E1-E4 through the Good Samaritan Fund for those in financial need. For more information, call the chapel at 987-6014.