Five Moms Win the 'Polenta Challenge'

Sixty women of Trinity Evangelical Free Church recently were given a “Polenta Challenge” by Certified Financial Planner professional Dave Maupin, who asked the women to try various ways to try the dish, cornmeal boiled into a porridge, and eaten directly or baked, fried or grilled. Maupin, a Redlands resident and president of Maupin Financial Advisors, spoke to the women about Biblical perspectives of financial stewardship and a frugal lifestyle: eliminating debt, smart ways to purchase a vehicle, tithing, and planning low-cost meals. TMOMs (Trinity Mother’s of Munchkins) is offered by Women’s Ministries at Trinity Church, and is designed specifically for expectant mothers and mothers of newborns to 5-year-olds. Donna Stark, who helps coordinate TMOMs, said, “We have some terrific and practical speakers at our TMOMs meetings and Dave is always a favorite. Who doesn’t need a little shaking up in the area of our spending habits? And the Polenta Challenge has been a fun way of reminding us of a very practical way where we can save: creative cooking!” Maupin pointed out “that a 2 pound bag of polenta costs less than $2 and makes 18 servings: main courses, side dishes or even desserts!” Because so many young families come to Dave for advice on budgeting, he has become aware of the number of times a week they eat out...not just once a month, like when Dave was a growing up. I remember my mother would make casseroles on the weekends that we ate during the week. I used the ‘Polenta Challenge’ to encourage mothers to realize how planning ahead can create interesting, inexpensive and nutritious meals.” Five Trinity mothers took the challenge, each vying for $250 Scholarship into a college 529 savings plan. Wendy McKinny, one of the contestants, said, "I’ve never really cooked with Polenta before. I made a savory muffin with sun dried tomatoes and it turned out great!” Maupin was so overwhelmed with the effort by each of the contestants that he granted the scholarship to all five participating women. He noted, “Invested wisely, this could turn into $1,000 to $2,000 by the time the child reaches age 18.”