Financial Peace University (FPU), a 13-week program taught by Dave Ramsey, is changing lives, according to Jim Travis, who is helping get the word out that the course will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 635 Georgia Ave., beginning Sept. 8.

Travis pointed out that Grace's new senior pastor, the Rev. Jim Dennis, went through the course while he was still in Greenwood. "Now he has no credit cards," said Travis, who noted Dennis is encouraging everyone in the community to come to Grace. "The course is open to the public," said Travis, who explained the group will meet at 6:15 p.m. each Wednesday for the class.

John Travis, Jim Travis's son, is coordinating the course along with Bob Bigger. Both are in the business of finance, said the elder Travis, who noted both young professionals were raised at Grace Church.

He pointed out for those unfamiliar with Dave Ramsey that the author of the Financial Peace University has a syndicated radio show and has appeared on Good Morning America and Fox News, among others.

"He went bankrupt and came back from the ashes," said Travis, who said part of the message of Financial Peace University is that a person's age doesn't prohibit him or her from changing.

Ramsey began teaching FPU classes in 1994 every night around Nashville, Tenn. In 1997, FPU was made available on video across the country with thousands of classes held around the nation today.

The first message from Ramsey is simple, explained Travis. "Use cash only. Cut up the credit cards," he said.

"My son went to a car dealership with $4,000 in cash ... Green has a language of its own," said Travis regarding the power of dealing in cash. Ramsey, Travis detailed, is all about putting cash in envelopes designated to specific expenditures in a household budget.

The program is made up of 13 lessons taught on DVD in what is described as a fun and entertaining way. "I like to put the cookies on the shelf where everyone can reach them," Ramsey has said in his informational material. After each lesson the group meets to help each other plan budgets, discuss successes and temptations and support each other in their journey to beat debt and build wealth. Topics covered include:

Saving for emergencies

Budgeting

Relationship and money issues

Buying big bargains

Getting out of debt

Understanding investments

Understanding insurance

Retirement and college planning

Buyer beware

Real estate mortgages

Careers and extra jobs

Each class participant needs a kit, which includes a lifetime family membership to FPU, allowing the participant to return to any class at anytime for a refresher course, plus a workbook, envelope system, 13 audio lessons, bonus CD, budgeting forms, debit card holders and Ramsey's book "Financial Peace."

For more information, contact Bob Bigger at 215-5823 or John Travis at 439-5002.