Just thinking about the state of our economy has many of us in a tailspin.
Many people are looking for ways to find their balance.
People are trying to learn everything they can about their money.
Some are searching for answers at church while others are signing up for workshops throughout the community.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Kenwood Road believes things will start looking up with the help of "Financial Peace University."
"Finances often times disrupt our lives and we find that we have a lack of peace from a financial perspective," said Pastor Larry Donner of Good Shepherd. "So, to be able to take away one of those problems in our lives can be very helpful."
Pastor Donner is leading the 13-week course designed by national finance expert, Dave Ramsey.
"He really pushes to get away from all debt. He provides the mechanism, if you follow them, to over a period of time to relieve yourself of all your debt, even including a mortgage," Pastor Donner explained.
Donner says this is the third time the church has hosted the program and it's the largest crowd yet.
There's another large turnout at the West Chester Chamber Alliance luncheon where the topic is the economy.
The panel included a University of Cincinnati economics professor and leaders from the banking industry offering tips and strategies to survive the recession.
"We're going to have to see some more responsible spending on the part of consumers. Consumers were spending way too much," said UC Professor of Economics, George Vredeveld, PhD. "Credit was way too high. People were borrowing too much money. Savings were virtually zero and that's not healthy for an economy."
Many business owners say they're trying to keep a positive attitude at work and at home.
"I think there is a lot of fear being expressed in a lot of different ways," said Jacky Groenewegen, the owner of Mindful Wellness. "I think if we all stay focused, we'll all just barrel through this and we'll all be fine."
Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" is a popular course for churches because it's bible-based.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church doesn't charge for the course, but you have to pay cash for the materials.
Ramsey won't accept payment from a credit card – only cash, check, money order or debit card.
The kit costs $93.
