This forum in use?

[wendy]

Hi,

Saw this forum, but it doesn't look like people are on it at all. Any club leaders out there?

I am starting a club, tonight is our first meeting at my house. Anyone have any tips or suggestions beyond the Leaders Guide? 7 people total have RSVP'd so I am hoping at least 5 show up.

Wendy

[wendy]

Hi,
Just wanted to put an update out there that the first meeting went really well. We had a great time actually. We ate, drank wine and talked about money. Next time we have to be stricter on our schedule to start the meeting on time rather than gabbing.
We did a work night potluck and that went over really well.
The second meeting was supposed to be yesterday, but I hurt my neck and it couldn't be at my house. We are working on scheduling it, but it is kind of like herding cats. One thing that I didn't expect was that I would be the one to be the "leader", I sort of thought of myself as the "initiator", but didn't expect that I would always need to be the bad guy in setting a time to meet or place to meet, in charge of keeping us on schedule, etc.

[silkenhorse]

Hey Wendy!  Congratulations on taking the initiative.  The law of averages says that if you initiate something, then you lead - at least until another leader is appointed.  

Have you thought of appointing a rotating chair for each meeting?  that way the subjects/topics/agenda is not always left to the same person.  The chair takes responsibility for the agenda, the location, the attendance.  A rotating secretary may also be a good idea.  Everyone is busy and it is easy for everyone to just default to you ... but a club is about commitment and stepping up.  If no one steps up it is within your leadership scope to pat someone on the shoulder.

Good luck  

valentina

[Thresher]

Hi Wendy,

How did you go about selecting the people to start your group? Did you appeal to friends, or were you able to stretch it to aquaintances as well? I tried to stimulate some interest amongst all the mothers who bring their children to me for swimming. I sent out an email to everyone, but had not one response or reply. I am wondering whether I should rather speak to everyone face-to-face. I am so insular with my own husband and children, that I dont really have close 'friends' as such. I also feel that money is such a personal issue, that I hesitate to approach women I dont know very well???

I am fortunate to be months away from an inheritance from my Dad, who managed his finances very well.. and has left me with shares etc.... I was not very financially intelligent beforehand, but as he made me executor of his estate, I have been catapulted into it.. and am glad to say that I am finding the journey SOOOOO exciting   I guess I just want to pass this on....

Glad there is someone else out there... the chat groups are rather quiet!

Tracy

[silkenhorse]

Have you thougt of putting up a notice at the local grocery store/the library/& other places that are "notice" friendly.  Sometimes it is best to start up such a group with likeminded strangers
best............valentina

ps...congrats on the inheritance and the learning curve.  check out the books in this forum that were recommended reading for financial advancement (still love anything and everything by Kiyosaki but esp. Rich Dad, Poor Dad .... and highly recommend his cashflow game even if it is a tad pricey).

[wendy]

Hi Tracy and Valentina,
We have had probably 3 or 4 meetings now. We have had an average turnout of about 6 ladies each time.
To get members I sent out an email to a lot of women I knew. Here is the email verbatim:

"Subject: Interest in a money club?

Hi Ladies,

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in forming a money club with me. I have been sort of obsessed with personal finance lately, in a good way, but I realized that most of the people I really talk to about money issues are men. I came across a non-profit group ( WIFE.org) which has the concept of a women's money club to learn about money issues together - kind of like a book club. The goals would be to learn about financial topics, improve any money issues (examples:debt, not saving enough or not enough insurance), support each other and have fun and chat. Time and day are to be determined based upon schedules of the participants. Place would be at my house for a while until others wanted to host. Kids would be welcome. Please let me know if you would be interested or if you know anyone that would be.

Wendy

http://www.wife.org/themoneyclub001.htm

From that link: "The Money Club is not your grandmother's investment club. Unlike narrowly-focused investment clubs, Money Clubs focus on learning the dynamics of money, incorporating a 360-degree view of women's financial lives. In Money Clubs, members discuss their money truths and dreams, encourage each other to meet savings goals, reduce debt, budget their expenses, educate children, and plan for a happy and productive retirement. In meetings, members discuss a wide variety financial topics as they support their friends in moving away from their fears and toward their financial goals."


... That's it. Sort of non-threatening and just a feeler. From that I got a bunch of responses. Then I set a date that I knew at least one other person could go and sent an (evite.com) evite to all of the folks that showed an interest. Once we met once I started a yahoo group and had all the members join. Even signed up one girl for Yahoo after a meeting so I didn't have to cc her all of the time outside of the group.
We first had a potluck dinner, then next we tried everyone bringing appetizers so we didn't have to coordinate a full balance meal, and last time another girl hosted at her favorite wine bar which has free tastings. Wine has been a big theme.

Wendy

[Ginita]

Wendy,

What great advice about starting a Money Club. It only takes two people -- you and a friend -- to start a club. And neither of you has to know much about money -- you just have to have a desire to learn. We have everything you need to start and run your club at www.MoneyClubs.com.

Ginita