Make money? Spend money? If the answer to either question is “yes,” then Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover might be a good idea.

Sponsored by the Homer Ministerial Association, the Total Money Makeover with presenter Chris Hogan is April 18 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Mariner Theatre. 

Hogan, who has been part of the Ramsey team for nine years, is the host of EntreLeadership Podcast, the iTunes’ number-one podcast on leadership. He is one of four Ramsey speakers who travel around the country teaching on sound financial planning.

Aaron Weisser, pastor at Homer’s Church on the Rock, and member of the Homer Ministerial Association, says that the church wants to equip people to make good decisions with their finances. The church’s desire is to give people tools so that they can move toward financial fitness. Because finances are such a huge source of stress and conflict, it seemed relevant to host an event teaching people how to handle their finances wisely.

“The goal of the Total Money Makeover is freedom,” said Weisser. 

So who should sign up? 

Those in great financial shape. Those who are in a financial mess and wondering how they’ll ever get out of it — and everyone in between.

A portion of the day will focus on financial myths and the real answers. Like when you lease a vehicle versus buying one, how do the numbers actually work out?

“It’s very practical and it’s very specific,” said Weisser.

The Dave Ramsey material was selected because it is one of the most recognized financial courses today. Ramsey’s book, “The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness,” has sold over 4 million copies. 

Often, when financial advice is given, Weisser noted that  those giving the advice are usually selling you a financial product. With the Ramsey material, the reality of products is unpacked, allowing people to make wise decisions.

“I don’t think it’s possible to walk away saying, ‘I didn’t learn something valuable,’” he said.

Class topics include debt, insurance, budgeting, spending and investing.

Weisser said that for young people thinking about attending, he would ask them, “Do you want your money just right now, or do you want it for a lifetime?”

Weisser said that his church feels a duty to offer good resources to the community, whether it’s on parenting, marriage or finances. Last year approximately 350 people came to hear speaker and author, Dr. Gary Chapman, teach on marriage and relationships.

This year, several corporate sponsors are involved with the event, in order to keep the cost to individuals under $50. Land’s End Resort, Beachy Construction, Bay Welding and AG Capitol in Anchorage have all helped to bring the money makeover to Homer.

“I think it will be an enjoyable and valuable learning time for everyone present,” said Weisser.

Huckleberry Bishop first learned of Dave Ramsey’s work when he was 26 years old and managing a coffee shop in Indiana. The general manager came to him and said, “I know how much you make. You need to do this class.” 

Bishop couldn’t afford to do the class, Financial Peace University, which is a 9-week study based on the same principals as the one-day seminar. However, he was able to study the material on his own and began to apply it to his finances. 

“I instantly got a huge raise,” said Bishop. Not that he was earning any more money — he simply began to budget and found that he had more money than he realized.

Now he lives below his means in order to pay off college debt and save toward future goals.

When Bishop moved to Homer with his wife, Samantha, they wanted to do the class together. No one was offering it, so for the past three years they have coordinated a nine-week Financial Peace University at Christian Community Church in Homer.

With his knowledge of the material, Bishop said he enjoys being available to help people who have been through Financial Peace University work through their budgeting questions.

As far as the one-day event goes, Bishop says it’s a really great way to get all the information at once — and kick-start good financial decisions.  

Cost is $50 per person, $90 per couple and $45 for students. If there are seats available the day of the event, people can pay at the door with a credit or debit card. Tickets at the door will be $10 extra.

For more information, or to register online, visit cotrhomer.org/totalmoneymakeover, or call 235-2689.

A nine-week Financial Peace University is planned for this fall at CCC. For questions regarding that event, contact Bishop at 299-0354.