CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Financial Peace University (FPU), a 13-week program presented on video by Dave Ramsey, has helped more than 100,000 families alter their financial future.

This life-changing program teaches families and individuals how to handle their money through common-sense principles and small group accountability.

Free introductory sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 2, and Friday, Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m. at the Clearlake Nazarene Church, 15917 Olympic Drive (at Highway 53), in Clearlake. Call 707-994-4008 to secure your seat for the introductory presentations.

“FPU classes are changing lives across the country every day,” said Pastor Richard Bean of the Clearlake Nazarene Church. “We are called to make this program available to families in Clearlake. There is something for everyone, whether you are barely making ends meet, just trying to plan for retirement, or seeking to build wealth. No matter what your financial situation, we think FPU is the best motivational tool available across the nation to help you attain financial peace.”

Working through the Financial Peace program toward a total money makeover, the average family pays off $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700 in the first 91 days of the program and is completely out of debt, except for a home mortgage, in 18 to 24 months.

“We’ve actually relieved ourselves of over $50,000 worth of debt in two years just from using these principles,” said Russ Lee, FPU graduate.

The program is made up of 13 life-changing lessons taught by Ramsey in a fun and entertaining way.

“I like to put the cookies on the shelf where everyone can reach them,” said Ramsey.

After each lesson the group meets to help each other plan budgets, discuss successes and temptations, and support each other in their journey to beat debt and build wealth.

Topics covered include saving for emergencies, budgeting, relationship and money issues, buying big bargains, getting out of debt, understanding investments, understanding insurance, retirement and college planning, buyer beware, real estate mortgages, careers and extra jobs, collection practices and credit bureaus, and the blessing of giving.

By age 26 Dave Ramsey had accumulated a personal real estate portfolio worth more than $4 million. Just four years later he was so far in debt he was forced to declare personal bankruptcy.

This experience gave Ramsey a first-hand perspective on the best and worst practices in financial management.

Ramsey rebuilt his financial life and has spent the last decade counseling hundreds of thousands through live events, FPU, syndicated newspaper columns, and as the host of the nationally syndicated radio program “The Dave Ramsey Show.”

Ramsey authored the New York Times best sellers “Financial Peace, More Than Enough” and “The Total Money Makeover.” He also authored “Priceless” and a four-book children’s series “Super Red Racer,” “Careless at the Carnival,” “The Birthday Surprise” and “My Fantastic Fieldtrip.”