For anyone trying to make ends meet, Cornerstone Assembly of God has a program beginning next week to help get out of that financial rut.

The program is offered by Financial Peace University, a 13-week course taught on DVD by author Dave Ramsey. Ramsey knows first-hand what it is like to be broke and hopeless. Because of his experiences, he decided to help other people change the way they handle their money and began teaching FPU in 1994.

Nearly 1.5 million families improved their financial situation through Financial Peace University, according to a press release. FPU teaches families and individuals common-sense principles like how to plan with their money so they are able to free themselves of debt and build lasting wealth. FPU is available for churches, military, non-profit agencies and businesses. After each lesson, there is a group discussion that provides accountability and encouragement. Topics include saving for emergencies, budgeting, relationships and money and getting out debt.

“FPU is a fun and easy to understand program,” Ramsey said. “Whether you are deeply in debt or financially secure, FPU will help you gain a new perspective on how to handle your money. “These lessons are especially essential right now as people are trying to regain control of their finances.”

In an effort to recover the economy from the ground up, Ramsey has begun The Great Recovery, which challenges individuals to take personal responsibility for their finances and leaders to educate others about finances through programs such as FPU.

Each class participant needs a kit that includes a lifetime family membership to FPU, an FPU workbook, an FPU envelope system, 13 audio lessons, bonus CD, budgeting forms, debit card holders, and Ramsey’s book, Financial Peace.

The first session begins 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29, at Cornerstone Assembly of God in Austin. Contact Stephen Blum at 433-7008 for more information or to register.