| The purpose of this two-part qualitative case study was to gain an understanding of the interaction between the Women's Financial Information Program (WFIP) and the lives of the women it serves. The adult education program was developed by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to meet the needs of middle-age and older women as they face complex issues of financial management. Data were collected over a two-year period from (a) researcher observations, (b) participant interviews, (c) written program surveys, and (d) review of written course materials.;Analyses of the data are presented in two phases. Phase I - Section I is a detailed description of the WFIP, including program organization, speakers, participants, session evaluation, small group facilitators, demographic information, and course materials. Phase I - Section II presents a description of participants and their response to the program. Five broad characteristics of adult program evaluation identified by Steele (Boyle, 1981) were used to help analyze data. These characteristics are quality, suitability, effectiveness, efficiency and importance.;Phase II - Section I includes in-depth profiles of four WFIP participants. Each profile is organized around seven areas. These areas are: (a) description of the participant; (b) financial history, background and experiences; (c) level of financial resources; (d) financial management style; (e) reasons for participating in the WFIP; (f) evaluation of the WHIP and use of the information; and (g) current financial-related activities and plans for the future. Phase II-Section II is a cross-case analysis comparing the four women's stories and research themes.;Recommendations for future program planning, based on informational and individual needs of participants, are to: (a) provide a comfortable user-friendly environment; (b) present general information adaptable to a wide range of financial management styles and resource levels; (c) appeal to needs of women with diverse personality types and life situations; (d) consider past histories of participants; (e) connect with other social and personal support groups; and (f) use an empowering educational approach.;Suggestions for future research regarding the WIRP include: (a) consideration of ethnic diversity, (b) adaptation to the male population, (c) exploration of rural/urban differences, and (d) consideration of participant personality types. |
