Financially illiterate Penn State students, fear no longer. The UPUA and University Libraries joined forces to create a Student Financial Education Center, set to open next Tuesday, Jan. 21, to advise students on loan management and other essential college budgeting issues.

The center, located in 309 Paterno Library (damn — one floor off) will provide peer counseling from fellow students who will go through a specialized training program. To celebrate the opening of the SFEC, Paterno Library will host Financial Education Week every day next week starting on Tuesday.

SFEC’s setup is fairly casual, with support and resources coming from both the library and UPUA to maintain the program. Peer educators specialize in different areas of finance, including debt repayment plans, budgeting, and credit. Monday through Friday they will be available from noon to 4 p.m., by appointment or walk in. All appointments are one-on-one, and all peer educators are current Penn State students, withe the goal of being able to explain difficult financial concepts in a relatable way.

Here’s the rest of the events next week, which will be held in 102 Paterno (unless noted):

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Grand opening, Mann Assembly Room (103 Paterno) 4 p.m. to 6 p..m.

“Budgeting” by SFEC peer educators. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

“Wage and Tax Fundamentals” by SFEC advisors Dr. Daad Rizk, Penn State Financial Literacy Coordinator, and Dr. Cathy Bowen, Professor of Agricultural and Extension Education Consumer Issues. 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Register for this presentation here.

Thursday, Jan. 23

“Student Aid,” by SFEC adviser Brad Yeckley, Financial Aid Coordinator. 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Register for this presentation here.

SFEC Peer Educators can also be found on the first floor of the HUB every day during FEW from noon to 4 p.m to answer any questions. Sure, the content of FEW probably seems a bit dry to non-Finance Majors, but the lectures and the center itself are bound to be useful. We can’t be broke college students forever!