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"Terrific series of programs - keep up the good work. I frequent the Library more often because of this program. Of all the programs that I have attended, this has been the most valuable for me." |
~ FINRA program attendee |
| For the People Radio Show with host John Voket interviews Town Librarian, Karen Ronald, and presenters Sheryle McMillan of Money Management International and financial expert Rick Bolton about the financial education series at the Fairfield Public Library. Listen at: http://www.959thefox.com/Player/101526711 |
The Fairfield Public Library has been awarded a $50,000 "Smart investing @ your library®" grant from the FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association. One of 16 libraries nationwide to receive this grant in the latest round of funding, the Library will use the funds to administer its own "Smart Investor" program. Library Director Karen Ronald said, "Library usage continues to grow significantly as people borrow materials and attend programs without stressing their budgets. This grant provides us with an opportunity to help our patrons during this tough economic time and increase awareness of personal finance through new resources and new programs."
Click the "schedule" tab above for the full schedule.
American Library Association President, Molly Raphael said, "Libraries are integrating financial literacy into existing programs and services and making this content very visible and highly valued within their communities."
The second session of this financial education series continues from September to January and will be providing a variety of programs focusing on essential subjects that affect personal finance including estate planning and wills, mortgage/housing options, fundamentals and advanced stocks market information, Quicken, navigating the Medicare Plan Finder, choosing a financial planner, budgeting and more. Everyone is invited to participate.
Smart investing@your library® is a partnership between the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association, and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. The program supports public libraries across the country in their efforts to meet financial education needs at the local level.
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that give underserved Americans the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success throughout life. For details about grant programs and other FINRA Foundation initiatives, visit www.finrafoundation.org.
FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity through effective and efficient regulation and complementary compliance and technology-based services. FINRA touches virtually every aspect of the securities business - from registering and educating all industry participants to examining securities firms, writing and enforcing rules and the federal securities laws, informing and educating the investing public, providing trade reporting and other industry utilities, and administering the largest dispute resolution forum for investors and registered firms. For more information, please visit our website at www.finra.org.
The Reference and User Services Association is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services and collection materials they need. The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 60,000 members.
We have dozens of personal finance resources right at your fingertips, including books, magazines, databases, and more.
Stop by the reference desk at the Main Library for handouts available from every presentation.
For extra help outside the library, here's a list of local community resources available for those seeking financial information, including the agency, contact information, websites, and more.
Databases (Fairfield Public Library card required):
Standard & Poor NetAdvantage: The premier independent source for investment research and market commentary. With NetAdvantage, you have ready access to our most popular research products including Industry Surveys, Stock Reports, Mutual Fund/ETF Reports, Bond Reports, Corporation Records, The Register of Corporations, Directors and Executives, and The Outlook, among others.
Business & Company Resource Center: Comprehensive company and industry information that includes profiles, rankings, statistics, stock prices, and business journal news and analysis. An iCONN database.
Morningstar Investment Research Center: This includes Morningstar analysts' independent opinion on 1,700 stocks, 2,200 mutual funds, and 300 exchange rated funds. Morningstar Investment Research Center also offers accurate, up-to-date data on 35,000 stocks and funds, along with industry and market data. The database lets users build and test portfolio ideas online, and provides financial education through its Investing Classroom.
Reference USA: From American Business Information - a directory of over 12,000,000 businesses in the U.S. that can be sorted by geography, size, and type of business. Access to this database may be hampered by your computer's browser, firewall, or security software. If you are having problems, please see the Reference USA help files.
Value Line Research Center: Provides investment research on stocks, mutual funds, options and convertibles, and offers a family of no-load mutual funds.
Books:
You can find these and more in the new Personal Finance section of the reference area at the Main Library:
• Managing Retirement Wealth: An Expert Guide to Personal Portfolio Management in Good Times and Bad
• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Stock Investing
• Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits
• What Color is Your Parachute? For Retirement: Planning a Prosperous, Healthy and Happy Future
Complete list of titles in the new Personal Finance Section
Visit the Smart Investing @your Library YouTube channel for more helpful resources!
Helpful information & links from FINRA.org:
Stop by the reference desk at the Main Library for handouts available from every presentation.
Retirement Planning Simulation Game
Join us as we close the second session of the Reinvent Your Financial Future @ the Fairfield Public Library series with a fun and friendly finance game developed by Boston College. You've got nothing to lose and knowledge to gain when you apply your personal finance know-how and compete for prizes, kind of like the game of "Life" for finances. Join us and receive "Bonus Bucks" - attendance at the financial programs earns you bucks redeemable for prizes.
Thursday, January 31, 7pm
Memorial Room
Presenter: Rick Bolton, Vice President, North America at Tycoon Systems, a leading developer of business simulations for executive education.
New Laws Pertaining to Wills: What Do You Need to Know?
Podcast & presentation available now.
Ms. Lange will provide up-to-date information about the new laws taking effect that will pertain to wills and estates. Join us and receive "Bonus Bucks" - attendance at the financial programs earns you bucks redeemable for prizes.
Tuesday, January 22, Noon
Presenter: Heather Lange, serves as counsel to Brody Wilkinson PC and is a member of the firm's Trusts & Estates Group.
Retirement Plans: IRA, 401K, 457, 403b, Annuities - Which Ones are Right for You?
Podcast & presentation available now.
This program will cover both qualified and non-qualified retirement plans including IRA, 401K, 457, 403b, and the multiple annuity plans. The content will cover the qualification issues, the accumulation period, distribution and survivor options, and basic tax information. Join us and receive "Bonus Bucks" - attendance at the financial programs earns you bucks redeemable for prizes.
Thursday, January 17, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Rick Bolton, Vice President, North America at Tycoon Systems, a leading developer of business simulations for executive education.
Mortgage/Housing Options
Podcast & presentation available now.
We will be discussing reverse mortgages, foreclosure, refinancing and deciding between renting vs. buying a home. We'll address the difference between a reverse mortgage and forward mortgages, and issues including the loan limit and the distribution of money from a reverse mortgage. How can foreclosure be prevented? Learn where you can find resources to help your situation, including state and federal programs, housing counseling agencies and legal services, DOB Hotline contact information, and CT Fair Housing Center clinics. Is refinancing in the picture? Choosing between renting an apartment and buying a house? Join us and receive "Bonus Bucks" - attendance at the financial programs earns you bucks redeemable for prizes.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 7 pm
Presenter: Michael Buchas, a representative of the CT Department of Banking
Where Does Your Money Go: Creating a Personal Budget
Do you wonder where your money goes? Learn how to set goals, prioritize spending and develop realistic spending plans. Work on a personal budget and action plan. Start to gain control and an understanding of where all your hard-earned money goes. Join us and receive "Bonus Bucks" - attendance at the financial programs earns you bucks redeemable for prizes..
Thursday, December 13, Noon
Presenter: Marion Cicolello and Jill Foster, Women's Business Development Council (WBDC)
Session 24 of 25: Advanced Estate Planning, Trusts & Estate Tax Issues
In this second presentation, building upon the ABCs of Estate Planning and Wills, Attorney Greta Solomon will summarize the estate tax laws (both Connecticut and federal) which apply to estates and how proper planning can be used to reduce taxes. We will also discuss the use of all types of trusts as estate planning tools, such as living trusts, life insurance trusts, special needs (or supplemental needs) trusts, minors' trusts and generation skipping trusts.
Tuesday, December 11, 7pm
Presenter: Greta E. Solomon, a principal and chair of Cohen and Wolf's Trusts & Estates, Elder Law, and Tax Groups
Session 23 of 25: Using Credit Wisely to Keep Debt Under Control
One of the essential tools that can help you reach your financial goals is your credit management. Using credit wisely, loans, credit cards, etc., is essential to your plan to reach major long-term goals. Learn how to avoid overwhelming debt by recognizing signs of a credit crisis.
Thursday, December 6, 7pm
Presenter: Sheryle McMillan, Regional Director of Education & Community Relations, Money Management International (MMI)
Session 22 of 25: Advanced Investment Products and Techniques
Podcast & presentation available now.
This session will focus on some of the more sophisticated investment products and concepts available to individual investors. Options such as hedge funds, foreign stocks, margin accounts, etc. will be considered as well as when it is appropriate to use them in an investment plan.
Tuesday, December 4, 7pm
Presenter: Rick Bolton, Vice President, North America at Tycoon Systems, a leading developer of business simulations for executive education
Session 21 of 25: Social Security
Retirement, Medicare, spouse's benefits, and online resources and services will be discussed with a Social Security Administration specialist. Bring your questions about Social Security and Medicare.
Monday, December 3, Noon
Presenter: Maria Grice, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration (SSA)
Session 20 of 25: AARP's Decide. Create. Share: Health and Home & Community
Podcast available now.
Health: Chances are good that you have a long life ahead of you. Women live an average of five years longer than men, and two-thirds of Americans over 85 are female. A woman who is 65 today can expect to live for another 20 years. Home & Community: You deserve to live life the way you want, whether that means renovating your current home or finding a niche retirement community. This advice will help you stay as healthy as possible and start planning now for future lifestyle choices.
Thursday, November 29, 7pm
Presenter: Erica Michalowski, MSW, Community Outreach Director, AARP CT
Session 19 of 25: Personal Finances as You Near Retirement
Podcast & presentation available now.
Forty-four percent of U.S. baby boomers are not confident that they'll have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, according to an Associated Press -LifeGoesStrong.com poll conducted in 2011. Many boomers say they will delay their retirement or will work during retirement just to make ends meet. Plan now to ensure a better retirement.
Tuesday, November 27, 7pm
Presenter: Sheryle McMillan, Regional Director of Education & Community Relations, Money Management International (MMI)
Session 18 of 25: Library Resources
Join Susan Zuckerman, Head of Library Reference Services, as they explore new Personal Finance resources in the Library. See how to access and effectively use the Library's online financial databases from your home computer. Find out what community resources are available in Fairfield and beyond.
Thursday, November 15, 2pm
Presenter: Susan Zuckerman, Head, Reference Services
Session 17 of 25: Long Term Care Planning: The Missing Link in Retirement Planning
Even if you've put aside money for your retirement, through a 401(k), for example, these assets are vulnerable should you need long-term care. Just one year in a Connecticut nursing home can cost more than $127,000. Medicare and health insurance may only cover a fraction of these costs. Learn how to protect your assets. Inform yourself about long-term care insurance approved by the Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care.
Tuesday, November 13, 7pm
Presenter: Aldo Pantano, Connecticut Partnership Training Program Specialist, Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care Office of Policy and Management
Session 16 of 25: Budget Planning Using Excel
Having a hard time putting together a budget you can live by? Not sure how to plan or forecast your income and expenses? Learn how to use Microsoft Office Excel 2010 to set up a budget plan you can see clearly. We will use some of Excel's available templates and build a budget from scratch. Bring a flash drive with you if you would like to take your work home with you.
Saturday, November 10, 1:15pm - 3pm
Presenter: Jan Byrnes, an employee of the Fairfield Public Schools, Central Office
Session 15 of 25: Mortgage/Housing Options
We will be discussing reverse mortgages, foreclosure, refinancing and deciding between renting vs. buying a home. We'll address the difference between a reverse mortgage and forward mortgages, and issues including the loan limit and the distribution of money from a reverse mortgage. How can foreclosure be prevented? Learn where you can find resources to help your situation, including state and federal programs, housing counseling agencies and legal services, DOB Hotline contact information, and CT Fair Housing Center clinics. Is refinancing in the picture? Choosing between renting an apartment and buying a house?
Thursday, November 1, 7pm
Presenter: Michael Buchas, a representative of the CT Department of Banking
Session 14 of 25: Where Does Your Money Go: Creating a Personal Budget
Do you wonder where your money goes? Learn how to set goals, prioritize spending and develop realistic spending plans. Work on a personal budget and action plan. Start to gain control and an understanding of where all your hard-earned money goes.
Tuesday, October 30, 7pm
Presenter: Marion Cicolello and Jill Foster, Women's Business Development Council (WBDC)
Session 13 of 25: Basics of an Investment Portfolio
Podcast & presentation available now.
Do you want to manage your different assets as a comprehensive financial portfolio? We will discuss the critical components of a carefully conceived portfolio designed for your needs at various stages of life.
Thursday, October 25, 7pm
Presenter: Rick Bolton, Vice President, North America at Tycoon Systems, a leading developer of business simulations for executive education
Session 12 of 25: Navigating the Medicare Plan Finder
Podcast & presentation available now.
This workshop will cover Medicare.gov's Plan Finder Tool. Learn how to navigate the plan finder and to do a personalized search to find the best Medicare plans for you. With 30 Part D plans and over a dozen Medicare Advantage Plans to choose from, how do you pick? This workshop will teach you what you need to know and what to look for in choosing a plan.
Tuesday, October 23, 7pm
Presenter: Chris Crain, Director of Programs, Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA)
Session 11 of 25: Budget Planning Using Excel (Limited to 18)
Having a hard time putting together a budget you can live by? Not sure how to plan or forecast your income and expenses? Learn how to use Microsoft Office Excel 2010 to set up a budget plan you can see clearly. We will use some of Excel's available templates and build a budget from scratch. Bring a flash drive with you if you would like to take your work home with you.
Saturday, October 20, 1:15pm - 3pm
Presenter: Jan Byrnes, an employee of the Fairfield Public Schools, Central Office
Session 10 of 25: Choosing a Financial Planner
Podcast available now.
In these tough economic times, how can you be sure your money is working for you? Should you get money management help from a financial planner, and, if so, how do you choose? Learn important tips on how to select the right financial planner. Find out how to check a planner's licensing status and disciplinary history and how to protect yourself from investment scams and fraud.
Wednesday, October 17, 7pm
Presenter: A Representative from the Securities Division of the CT Department of Banking
Session 9 of 25: Where There's a Will (or Trust) There's a Way: Estate Planning Basics
Podcast & presentation available now.
Estate planning is an important part of any financial plan. For many people, it is more about your wishes for the distribution and protection of property than it is about the value of the assets. This program will cover the basics of an estate plan; the coordination of probate assets and non-probate assets; current state and federal tax laws; the importance of lifetime planning in case of future diminished capacity; and debunking estate planning myths.
Tuesday, October 16, Noon
Presenter: Heather Lange, serves as counsel to Brody Wilkinson PC and is a member of the firm's Trusts & Estates Group
Session 8 of 25: Quicken - What's in Your Wallet?
Podcast available now.
Use Quicken Home & Business software to get a handle on where your money is going. Learn how to use Quicken for tracking your home-based or small business and/or for management of your personal finances. Building a budget and tracking spending is a snap in Quicken.
Tuesday, October 9, 7pm
Presenter: Susan McAteer, CPA, a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor who specializes in bookkeeping, payroll and tax
Session 7 of 25: Fundamentals of Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds
Podcast available now.
Learn about different investment vehicles to consider from a beginner's perspective. Stocks, bonds and mutual funds will be the primary focus. How to understand the financial information available on the radio, TV and Internet, and in the paper every day, and how to make investment decisions using this information, will be discussed.
Thursday, October 4, 7pm
Presenter: Rick Bolton, Vice President, North America at Tycoon Systems, a leading developer of business simulations for executive education
Session 6 of 25: Long Term Care Planning: The Missing Link in Retirement Planning
Podcast & presentation available now.
Even if you've put aside money for your retirement, through a 401(k), for example, these assets are vulnerable should you need long-term care. Just one year in a Connecticut nursing home can cost more than $127,000. Medicare and health insurance may only cover a fraction of these costs. Learn how to protect your assets. Inform yourself about long-term care insurance approved by the Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care.
Tuesday, October 2, Noon
Presenter: Aldo Pantano, Connecticut Partnership Training Program Specialist, Connecticut partnership for Long-Term Care Office of Policy and Management
Session 5 of 25: ABCs of Estate Planning and Wills
Podcast available now.
This program will cover the basics of estate planning and wills. Attorney Greta Solomon will explain why a will is needed, what is required under the law to have a valid will, how living trusts are used and why living trusts are recommended. In addition, we will describe the probate process once someone has died and what fees might be applied at that time. We will define words and phrases which will assist in the understanding of the basics of estate planning, wills and the probate process.
Thursday, September 27, 7pm
Presenter: Greta E. Solomon, a principal and chair of Cohen and Wolf's Trusts & Estates, Elder Law, and Tax Groups
Session 4 of 25: Medicare/Medicaid
Presentation available now.
Learn about Medicare and Medicaid programs including Medicare Part A & B, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Supplemental Plans and the Medicare Advantage Plans. Find out the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and how one qualifies for either program. Learn about changes in Medicare under the Affordable Care Act.
Monday, September 24, noon
Presenter: Chris Crain, Director of Programs, Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA)
Session 3 of 25: Suddenly Single for Widowed and Divorced
Podcast & presentation available now.
When a marriage ends, whether by divorce or death of a spouse, there can be a tremendous financial impact. Rushed decisions may have long lasting financial implications. With less money to live on how can you protect your financial well-being? The first step is getting your finances organized.
Thursday, September 20, 7pm
Presenter: Sheryle McMillan, Regional Director of Education & Community Relations, Money Management International (MMI)
Session 2 of 25: Social Security
Podcast available now.
Retirement, Medicare, spouse's benefits, and online resources and services will be discussed with a Social Security Administration specialist. Bring your questions about Social Security and Medicare.
Wednesday, September 19, Noon
Presenter: Maria Grice, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration (SSA)
Session 1 of 25: KICKOFF EVENT - Master Your Money: Activate a 5-Step Formula to Build Wealth and Achieve Financial Security
Podcast & presentation available now.
Join us as we launch our SECOND SESSION of our financial series with keynote speaker, Laura Adams. Take control of your financial life by following 5 concrete steps. Know exactly what to do, why to do it, and in what order. Having a clear financial path allows you to make the most of your money, gain confidence, and build lasting wealth. Join us and receive "Bonus Bucks" - attendance at the financial programs earns you bucks redeemable for prizes. Publisher's Weekly said, "Adam's peppy tone and highly organized, sensible advice deliver a clear-cut plan for financial literacy."
Thursday, September 13, 7pm
Presenter: Laura Adams is a personal finance expert and author of the award-winning book Money Girl's Smart Moves to Grow Rich. She hosts the top-rated Money Girl podcast on iTunes and QuickandDirtyTips.com with over 36 million downloads.
FINRA Session 1: April 2012 - July 2012
Session 21 of 21: Boston College Game
Come and join us for a fun and friendly game where you can apply your knowledge of personal finance while you compete for prizes. You will see how decisions you make at different junctures of your life have far reaching effects. And because it is a game you will walk away smarter having lost nothing! Playing the Boston College Game promises to be a rewarding experience.
Saturday, July 21, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Presenter: Rick Bolton, Vice President, North America at Tycoon Systems, a leading developer of business simulations for executive education
Session 20 of 21: Budget Planning Using Excel
Having a hard time putting together a budget you can really live by? Not sure how to plan or forecast your income and expenses? Learn how to use Microsoft Office Excel 2010 to set-up a budget plan you can see clearly and stick by it! We will use some of Excel’s available templates and build a budget from scratch.
Tuesday, July 17, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Jan Byrnes, an employee of the Fairfield Public Schools, Central Office
Session 19 of 21: Medicare/Medicaid
PDF Presentation by Chris Crain available now.
Learn about Medicare and Medicaid Programs including Medicare Part A & B, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Supplemental Plans and the Medicare Advantage Plans. Find out the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and how one qualifies for either program. Inform yourself about what is being proposed in Congress right now regarding the future of Medicare.
Tuesday, July 10, Noon
Presenter: Chris Crain, Director of Programs, Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA)
Session 18 of 21: Long Term Planning: The Missing Link in Retirement Planning
Even if you’ve put aside money for your retirement, through a 401(k), for example, these assets are vulnerable should you need long-term care. Just one year in a Connecticut nursing home can cost more than $127,000. Medicare and health insurance may only cover a fraction of these costs. Learn how to protect your assets. Inform yourself about long-term care insurance approved by the Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care.
Monday, July 9, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Aldo Pantano, Connecticut Partnership Training Program Specialist, Connecticut partnership for Long-Term Care Office of Policy and Management
Session 17 of 21: Budgeting 101: Learning to Face Your Finances Using the Envelope System
If you find yourself wondering, “Where did all my money go?” then you need a budget. Learn the no-nonsense reason why having a budget eliminates day-to-day worries. Find out about the three vital, simple budget documents that you’ll need to dig you out of your financial hole. Learn about the tried and true cash-only envelope system endorsed by popular personal finance authors Dave Ramsey and Gail Vaz Oxlade. Learn about the “Bonus Bucks” program offered throughout this new series.
Wednesday, June 27, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto, Journalist /Consumer Expert
Session 16 of 21: Avoiding Identity Theft
PDF Presentation by Sheryle McMillan available now.
The fastest growing crime in America is identity theft. Learn how to protect yourself and your assets from thieves who want to steal your information. Find out how to recognize the tricks of a con artist and the tell-tale warning signs of a scam. Learn about the “Bonus Bucks” program offered throughout this new series.
Monday, June 25, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Sheryle McMillan, Regional Director of Education & Community Relations, Money Management International (MMI)
Session 15 of 21: Shopping Smart - Advanced Couponing
Podcast available now.
Sort out some of the confusion of most beginner couponers. Learn how to put deals together, coupon at retail outlets, dollar stores, and discount retailers. Find out how to take advantage of the holiday seasons. Apply your new knowledge and find out how to set up a coupon exchange and a coupon train. Learn about the “Bonus Bucks” program offered throughout this new series.
Saturday, June 23, 11:00 am
Presenter: Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto, Journalist /Consumer Expert
Session 14 of 21: Library Tools
Join Dawn LaValle, Assistant Director and Susan Zuckerman, Head of Library Reference Services, as they explore new Personal Finance resources in the Library. See how to access and effectively use the Library’s online financial databases. Find out what community resources are available in Fairfield and beyond.
Wednesday, June 20, Noon
Presenter: Dawn LaValle, Assistant Director and Susan Zuckerman, Head, Reference Services
Session 13 of 21: Beginner Portfolio Management
Podcast available now.
Considering starting to manage your different assets as a comprehensive financial portfolio? Then join us to find out the critical components of a carefully conceived portfolio designed for your personal future needs at various stages of life.
Monday, June 18, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Rick Bolton, Vice President, North America at Tycoon Systems, a leading developer of business simulations for executive education
Session 12 of 21: Using Credit Wisely to Keep Debt Under Control
Podcast available now.
One of the essential tools that can help you reach your financial goals is your credit management. Using credit wisely is essential to your plan to reach major long-term goals. Learn how to avoid overwhelming debt by recognizing signs of a credit crisis.
Saturday, June 16, 11:00 am
Presenter: Sheryle McMillan, Regional Director of Education & Community Relations, Money Management International (MMI)
Session 11 of 21: Choosing a Financial Planner
In these tough economic times, how can you be sure your money is working for you? Should you get money management help from a financial planner, and, if so, who do you choose? Find out important tips on selecting the right financial planner. Learn how to check a planner's licensing status and disciplinary history and how to protect yourself from investment scams and fraud.
Thursday, June 14, Noon
Presenter: Susan Nadimi, Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities and Business Investments Division
Session 10 of 21: Where Does Your Money Go: Creating a Personal Budget
Podcast available now.
Does it seem like you never know where your money goes? Learn how to set personal goals, prioritize spending and develop realistic spending plans. Work on a personal budget and action plan. Start to gain control and an understanding of where all your hard earned money goes.
Wednesday, June 13, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Marion Cicolello and Jill Foster, Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)
Session 9 of 21: Stock Market Basics
Podcast available now.
Come and learn about the different vehicles in which to consider investing from a beginner’s perspective. We'll cover primarily stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Focus will be on how to understand the financial information available on the radio, TV and Internet and in the paper every day and how to make investment decisions using the information.
Wednesday, June 6, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Rick Bolton, Vice President, North America at Tycoon Systems, a leading developer of business simulations for executive education
Session 8 of 21: Social Security
We will discuss retirement, Medicare, spouse’s benefits, and online resources and services. Bring your questions about Social Security and Medicare.
Tuesday, June 5, Noon
Presenter: Maria Grice, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration (SSA)
Session 7 of 21: Shopping Smart - Online Couponing
Podcast available now.
Explore the new world of online couponing. Attend this hands-on workshop and learn about Coupons.com, and a host of other online couponing sites such as Groupon, LivingSocial, Retail-Me-Not, Amazon’s Subscribe-and-Save and Fairfield Coupon. Discover the savings benefits and pitfalls of using each site.
Saturday, June 2, 11:00 am
Presenter: Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto, Journalist /Consumer Expert
Session 6 of 21: Banking Basics
Podcast available now.
Join this important discussion about new banking rules; availability of funds from deposited checks; FDIC coverage; overdraft rules for debit and ATM cards; gift cards; credit cards and much more.
Tuesday, May 29, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Deborah Buckley, Associate Financial Examiner, Consumer Affairs Unit, Connecticut Department of Banking
Session 5 of 21: Medicare/Medicaid
Podcast available now.
Learn about Medicare and Medicaid Programs including Medicare Part A & B, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Supplemental Plans and the Medicare Advantage Plans. Find out the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and how one qualifies for either program. Inform yourself about what is being proposed in Congress right now regarding the future of Medicare.
Tuesday, May 22, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Chris Crain, Director of Programs, Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA)
Session 4 of 21: Long Term Planning: The Missing Link in Retirement Planning
Podcast available now.
Even if you’ve put aside money for your retirement, through a 401(k), for example, these assets are vulnerable should you need long-term care. Just one year in a Connecticut nursing home can cost more than $127,000. Medicare and health insurance may only cover a fraction of these costs. Learn how to protect your assets. Inform yourself about long-term care insurance approved by the Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care.
Monday, May 21, Noon
Presenter: Aldo Pantano, Connecticut Partnership Training Program Specialist, Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care Office of Policy and Management
Session 3 of 21: Payroll Deductions
Understanding your paycheck....where does my money go? Learn how to "read" and understand a pay check along with its deductions. While some deductions are mandatory like Social Security and Medicare, others are voluntary like contributions to a qualified deferred compensation plan. Explore how payroll-related decisions, such as federal and state withholding amounts, effect take-home pay and others like deferred compensation deductions impact current and future taxable income.
Monday, May 14, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Susan McAteer, CPA
Session 2 of 21: Choosing a Financial Planner
Podcast available now.
In these tough economic times, how can you be sure your money is working for you? Should you get money management help from a financial planner, and, if so, who do you choose? Learn important tips on how to select the right financial planner. Find out how to check a planner's licensing status and disciplinary history and how to protect yourself from investment scams and fraud.
Monday, May 7, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Cesar Garcia, Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities and Business Investments Division
Session 1 of 21: Hungry for Financial Smarts?
Join us as we launch our NEW Reinvent Your Financial Future series with our keynote speaker, Susan Hirshman! Feed your desire for financial empowerment and success with a unique way of looking at the fundamentals of sound investing. You will gain confidence in your investing ability without having to memorize complex formulas, read financial statements or follow the markets on a daily basis. By attending this upbeat and informative session you will leave knowing how to be more intentional about your financial decisions and conscious of how the choices you make today will impact the financial life you’ll have tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 25, 7:00 pm
Presenter: Susan Hirshman, CFA, CPA, CFP, author of Does This Make My Assets Look Fat?
Mission: “The Fairfield Public Library, our community’s gateway to the world of information and discovery, inspires the lifelong love of reading and learning. It offers free access to varied collections, stimulating programs, leading-edge technology, and a responsive staff in a welcoming environment.”
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