SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A national organization that studies investing and financial capability says 56% of South Dakotans spend all or more than what they make, putting nothing into savings.
But Breck Miller, with Lutheran Social Services Center for Financial Resources, says overall South Dakota is still stronger financially than the rest of the country.
Miller says a slightly higher percent of South Dakotans are saving money than the rest of the country. He says the state has a slightly lower percentage of credit card usage and overdue bills.
19% of South Dakotans have over due medical bills and 26% report making minimum payments on credit cards.
Meanwhile...Federal law says everybody is allowed at least one free copy of each of three credit reports a year.
Lutheran Social Services is offering a free one-hour class tomorrow on credit reports and improving scores.
Miller says what goes into those scores, what happens if something is wrong with a credit report, do you have to somewhere to get it fixed? He say the class will answer all those question and help with making major purchases.
Miller says pre-register by calling the Ronning Library. (367-8140) The class is Thursday at 7 p.m. He says there will be time for questions and answers.