Getting Started—Maximum Time: 15 Minutes

Have an opening prayer.

Introduce yourselves. Each of you take one minute to share your name and something about you.

Welcome to Our Self-Reliance Group!

Read:This group will help you learn about, create, and use a budget. You will begin to build an emergency fund, create a debt elimination plan, learn to save for future expenses, and plan for retirement. Most important, you will learn more about your relationship with Heavenly Father and be invited to manage your money in ways that are pleasing to Him. Each group meeting lasts about two hours.

How Does This Work?

Read:Self-reliance groups function like a council. There is no teacher or expert. Instead, you follow the materials as they are written. With the guidance of the Spirit, you will help each other as follows:

• Contribute equally to discussions and activities. No one, especially the facilitator, should dominate the conversation.

• Love and support each other. Show interest, ask questions, and learn about each other.

• Share positive and relevant comments.

• Make and keep commitments.

Elder M. Russell Ballard taught, “There is no problem in the family, ward or stake that cannot be solved if we look for solutions in the Lord’s way by counseling—really counseling—with one another” (Counseling with Our Councils, rev. ed. [2012], 4).

Watch:“My Self-Reliance Group,” available at srs.lds.org/videos. (No video? Skip to “Without a Teacher, How Will We Know What to Do?” on page 3.)

Discuss:What made the group in the video so successful? What will we do as a group to have a life-changing experience?

Without a Teacher, How Will We Know What to Do?

Read:It’s easy. Simply follow the materials. Each chapter in the workbook has six parts:

• Report: Discuss the progress you made during the week on your commitments.

• Foundation: Review a gospel principle that will lead to greater spiritual self-reliance.

• Learn: Learn practical skills that will lead to greater temporal self-reliance.

• Ponder: Listen for the Holy Ghost to offer inspiration.

• Commit: Promise to act on commitments during the week that will help you progress.

• Act: During the week, practice what you learned.

How to Use This Workbook

When You See These Prompts, Follow These Directions

Read	Watch	Discuss	Ponder	Activity
One person reads aloud for the whole group.	The whole group watches the video.	Group members share thoughts for two to four minutes.	Individuals quietly consider, meditate, and write for two to three minutes.	Group members work individually or with others for the specified time.

Certificate of Completion

Read:Group members who attend meetings and keep their commitments may receive a self-reliance certificate from LDS Business College. See page 208.