Hardin County families will have the opportunity in 2012 to increase financial knowledge, confidence, success, and security.

Four communities in Hardin County are partnering with the Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation to offer the Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, a 13-week program to teach participants to manage their money, get out of debt and stay that way, communicate with their spouse or partner about money, invest with confidence and change their financial futures. The four locations include:

• Ackley: Classes will start at 6:30 p.m., on Jan. 23, at the United Methodist Church, 416 Hardin St., in Ackley.

The facilitator is Kathy Eichmeier.To register by Jan. 16, contact Kramer at e-mail pastor_jerryk@yahoo.com or call (641) 751-0864 .

• Hubbard: Classes will start at 6:30 p.m., on Jan. 24, at the Zion United Church of Christ, 201 E. Chestnut St.

The facilitator is Carol Balvanz.To register by Jan. 17, contact the Zion United Church of Christ at (641-864-2600. Baby-sitting is provided.ndicate the need for baby-sitting at the time of registration.

• Alden: Classes will start at 6:30 p.m., on Jan. 26 at the Public Library, 1012 Water St..The facilitator is Lynn Bollinger.To register by Jan. 19, contact Bollinger at (515) 859-3917 or e-mail lynmar12@iowatelecom.net.

• Steamboat Rock: Classes will start at 6 p.m., on Feb. 2 in Steamboat Rock at the Steamboat Rock Baptist Church, 107 2nd St.

The facilitator will be Bryce Roskens. To register by Jan. 26, contact Roskens at (641) 868-2458 or e-mail bryce@steamboatbaptist.

Cost of this course is normally $100 per family; however, due to co-sponsorships HCCDF, Ackley State Bank, Security State Bank of Hubbard, Alden Horizons and the Steamboat Rock Baptist church, the cost of the course is reduced to $50 per family.

As an added incentive, $40 of the registration fee will be returned to everyone who fully completes the class.The maximum class size is 30.

The $50 fees includes one financial kit per family, lifetime membership to Financial Peace University, free refresher classes, all lessons on CD, Dave Ramsey’s bestselling book and lessons, online resources, and group support.