Lunch & Learn Series Wraps Up for the Summer, Returns in September

The Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) recently wrapped up another successful season of their popular Financial Wellness Lunch & Learn series, bringing community members together each month for practical financial education, engaging conversations, and a complimentary lunch.

Held on the second Wednesday of each month in the City Council Room, the free Lunch & Learn series covered a variety of topics designed to help participants make informed financial decisions and build lifelong money management skills. The sessions will take a summer break and return in September with more opportunities to learn, connect, and strengthen financial well-being.

"The classes have been informative and fun, with lots of laughter and participation," said WEDC Executive Director Dr. Rochan Burrell. "People have continued coming back for each session, and we've enjoyed seeing the conversations grow as participants shared their own experiences and tips. We're incredibly grateful to Black Hills Federal Credit Union, and especially Mandi and Jason, for leading these outstanding classes and for generously sponsoring lunch each month."

Throughout the series, participants explored topics that affect people at every stage of life. The program began with Think Twice: Outsmarting Fraudsters & Protecting Your Financial Well-Being, where attendees learned how to recognize identity theft, phishing scams, social engineering, and investment fraud while gaining practical strategies to safeguard their personal and financial information.

The next session, Impulse and Influence: The Hidden Forces Behind Your Purchases, examined the psychology behind spending habits and the subtle ways emotions, marketing, and convenience influence buying decisions. Participants shared their own strategies for avoiding impulse purchases, including waiting 24 hours before making online purchases, using grocery pickup services to stay within budget, and becoming more aware of how retail environments encourage additional spending.

Additional sessions focused on Understanding Credit & Credit Cards, helping attendees better understand credit scores, responsible credit use, and strategies for building strong credit, as well as Master Your Money: Budgeting for Success, which provided practical budgeting techniques, expense tracking methods, and tools for achieving long-term financial goals. The series concluded with Cruise Control: Smooth Car Buying, offering guidance on financing, refinancing, understanding key vehicle purchasing terms, and making smart decisions when buying a car.

The partnership between BHFCU and WEDC reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the community by providing free educational opportunities that empower residents to make confident financial decisions.

WEDC is looking forward to welcoming both returning participants and first-time attendees when the Lunch & Learn series resumes in September. Watch for upcoming announcements with the fall topics.  September 9th sponsored by West River Electric Association, October 7th sponsored by Golden West Telecommunications and November 4th sponsor TBA.

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