Family resource management programs prepare people to help individuals manage family income. Students learn to design and implement steps that help families set goals, pay off debts, or budget money. They also learn about resources available to the public.

Have you ever experienced a time when your wallet was dismally empty, and you needed to buy something? If so, then you can imagine how hard it would be to never be able to buy things that you want - or worse, to be in debt.

Managing money is difficult, and managing money for a family is even harder. But if you already show the ability to save and manage your own money and like the idea of helping others do the same, then family resource management may be the program for you.

As a student in this program, you learn the principles of microeconomics and accounting. You study the kinds of resources and financial issues that families have. These issues might include investing in real estate, planning a will, or saving money for a child's future college education. You also learn how to counsel a person in financial planning.

Studying in this program prepares you for a variety of careers. Because consumer debt is an increasing problem, there is a great demand for people who can advise others on managing their resources. You could work, for example, as a family financial planner. You could also work in nonprofit organizations or social service agencies that help implement public policies that affect family resource management.

About 80 schools offer programs in family resource management. You can earn either a bachelor's or a graduate degree. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study after high school. A master's degree usually takes between six and seven years, and a doctoral degree generally takes four to five years after that.