The JN Financial Academy is now registering participants who wish to join the next cohort of the Smarter Credit course, scheduled with its first webinar on September 10.

Interested persons are encouraged to sign up and begin the self-paced portion of the course before Webinar 1.

The course is designed to help Jamaicans take control of their money, improve credit management, and make sound financial decisions.

For past participant and small business owner, Ruth Stennett, the course was nothing short of life changing. As an entrepreneur balancing her work in agriculture, her role as a writer for an agricultural newspaper, and caring for her children, ages 3 and 16, she thought it important to sharpen her financial skills.

“As a business operator and a mother, you have to know how to budget, how to spend wisely, and how to balance the needs of family and the business,” she explained. “This course gave me the tools to do exactly that.”

Stennett, who proudly calls herself a city farmer, was initially apprehensive about signing up, fearing that a financial course might be intimidating. However, her doubts disappeared in the first session.

“The presenters were engaging, practical, and down-to-earth. Everything was explained in layman’s terms, and it felt like talking to family- no judgment, just real advice you could use right away.”

Some of the most valuable lessons she took away were the importance of understanding different types of loans, as well as how to utilise strategies like debt consolidation, and the snowball method to pay off debt. She also learned how critical it was to read the fine print carefully before making any financial commitment.

Since completing the course, Stennett has noticed a transformation in her spending habits and financial confidence.

“I think and rethink before spending. I make smart choices, and I even involve my daughter in learning. At 16, she could understand the content, it’s that practical,” she said.

She encourages others to seize the opportunity and sign up for the upcoming course. “The self-paced portion of the course provides flexibility, the content practical and applicable, and the sessions engaging. I actually looked forward to each class, it’s not boring at all,” she urged.

Rose Miller, financial education consultant with the JN Foundation, said the Smarter Credit course continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of participants.

“Our goal is to empower Jamaicans to make informed financial decisions that build stability and independence. The course is designed for everyday people, whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or just someone who wants to improve your money management skills, and it’s filled with practical strategies you can start using immediately.”

The Smarter Credit course covers topics such as debt management strategies, understanding credit score and credit report, the language of loans and how to prepare smart loan applications. It’s open to anyone who wants to better understand the world of credit and its impact on financial security and independence, whether for personal or business purposes.