By Wayne Grant

VOLUSIA COUNTY - When Ormond Beach resident Liz Christensen recently attended a United Way money management class and learned how to save for a rainy day, she did not know there was an actual rainy day - or in this case, rainy week - coming to put her lessons to good use.

Because of what she learned in the class, she had saved enough money to pay the deductible on her insurance to cover water damage to her car from the floods.

"It could have been a disaster," she said.

As part of "Day of Action," on June 20, the United Way is offering a special edition of the Money Smart classes in Daytona Beach and Deltona. Another session is scheduled for Deltona on June 27.

The tough economic times make the classes even more important, said Loretta Wilary of the United Way.

"We teach people how to earn, keep and save money, and achieve family financial stability," she said.

People learn how to pay down debt, use credit wisely and save for emergencies in the class, Ms. Wilary said.

Other topics include budgeting, understanding predatory lending, getting free credit reports, managing bank accounts, borrowing money, and handy tips such as how much you end up paying when you buy with "no money down."

Ms. Christensen said she went from being a victim to being proactive after taking the class, because she was able to watch out for herself financially.

Carol Blackman of Ormond Beach said she learned that it's not how much money you earn that's important - it's how you spend it.

"I think everybody should take the class," she said. "There were people in the class who make a lot of money and people who live paycheck to paycheck."

"It makes you more aware of what you're doing with your money and if you have enough saved," she said.

Money Smart is an FDIC program. The agency provides the materials and training for the volunteer teachers.

Those interested in learning how to better manage their money can contact Ms. Wilary at the United Way at (386) 253-0563, Ext. 236 for more information.

If there isn't room in a class on June 20, she'll discuss other upcoming opportunities with the caller, she said.