Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation has a plan to help its' citizens save money to reach their goals. The Cherokee Nation Individual Development Account (IDA) program not only assists people with saving money, but also teaches them how to make good financial decisions and become financially literate members of the community.

"IDA accounts are savings accounts designed to help working families acquire assets to improve their standard of living," said Gina Martinez, Cherokee Nation IDA coordinator.

To enroll in the IDA program, participants must meet income guidelines, have a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood card (CDIB) or Cherokee Nation tribal membership card, regular source of earned income, and live within the Cherokee Nation's 14-county jurisdictional area. Once enrolled, participants are required to deposit $30 per month into a designated savings account for 24 months and complete 12 hours of financial training. Participants may elect a savings goal from four designated areas: higher education, first-time home purchase, home rehabilitation or to start a small business. Upon completion of the two-year program, the Cherokee Nation will match the participant's savings two dollars for every dollar the participant saved, and three dollars for every dollar saved if the participant is saving to purchase their first home.

The Cherokee Nation will host IDA enrollment sessions in Tahlequah and Stilwell for citizens who are interested in enrolling in the savings program. The enrollment session in Tahlequah will be on Tuesday, February 22 at 6 p.m., in the Cherokee Nation Community Room, directly behind the Restaurant of the Cherokees, 3 miles south of Tahlequah on Hwy. 62. The enrollment session in Stilwell will be held on Thursday, February 24 at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Nation office located on the corner of 3rd and Oak Street, behind the Stilwell Post Office.

For more information on the Cherokee Nation IDA program, please contact Gina Martinez, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2834) or 800-256-0671 (ext.2834).

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org