When Sherry Savage graduated from college, her parents gave her an option: a car or college.

“I did not pick college,” she says. “That was my biggest mistake.”

Now 52, Savage is trying to rectify that mistake by finally getting her associate degree at GPC. A budget analyst with the Coca-Cola Company, she spoke to students at Decatur Campus about some of her own financial lessons learned.

Savage was the keynote speaker during the Decatur Campus’s Financial Responsibility Day. The Decatur Business Department, the Alpha Beta Gamma Business Club and Decatur Student Life sponsored the event.

“Your choices are not just for now; what you decide to do with your money affects your tomorrow,” Savage said. “Leave a legacy that you can pass down. Invest while you are young and make an investment in your financial future.”

During the day, students also learned about creating a budget for personal success, credit and credit scores, and banking and investing from Al Parker from the Society of Financial Literacy and Professional Development.

Financial Responsibility Day is just one of many events held across the college to educate students about healthy financial practices.  Upcoming events include:

Friday, April 18, Accounting Awareness program sponsored by the Dunwoody Business Department, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dunwoody Campus in NC-1100.  

Wednesday, April 30, “Basics of Money Management” presented by the GPC Alumni Association at 12 p.m. on Newton Campus in 1N 2230. To register for the Newton event, go to https://giving.gpc.edu/2014enrichment4