Financial Education Program
The Financial Education Program is a series of no-cost seminars designed to help you learn about the important elements of dealing with money. Knowing how to manage, save, invest, borrow and spend your money wisely will greatly improve your financial success now and in the future.

This program offers various financial education seminars for high school students, college students, and adults covering the following topics (Click on the hyperlinks below for course descriptions):

Student Sessions (45 minutes)
Student sessions are geared toward high school and college students and arrangements can be made to present the seminars on campus.

 


Adult Sessions (one hour)

Adult sessions are presented to members, as well as the general public, on the following topics:



For more information or to schedule a session, call 808-587-2725 ext. 780 or 781.


Student Sessions

Your First Checking Account

In this session, students will learn about the responsibilities and benefits that come with owning a checking account. Students will learn the essential tasks of recording transactions and balancing a checkbook. Real life lessons are used to illustrate the costs and harmful effects of “bouncing a check.” All the “do’s and don’ts” of having a checking account will be covered.

Getting Trapped by Credit Pitfalls

The availability of credit cards on college campuses often creates an environment that can lead to serious financial problems. Those who are unaware of high interest rates and numerous “pitfalls” can easily fall prey to careless spending. This session will help students understand credit and teach them to use it wisely. This “must attend” seminar may save students from the “headaches” of bad credit.

Stretching Your Dollars (Personal Budgeting)

Phrases like money doesn’t grow on trees!” are ones teens hear too often. This session takes it one step further by demonstrating how spending habits directly affect the achievement of financial goals. Students will gain valuable tips on setting financial goals, saving for the future, and budgeting. This session is a building block for future financial security and solvency. Don’t let teens miss this informative session!

How to Sell Yourself in a Job Interview

A job interview, especially your first one, can be a scary experience! If you really want the job, you must first sell yourself to the interviewer. Preparation is key when successfully selling yourself in a job interview. Helpful information is provided on what to expect in an interview, the types of questions that are asked, and appropriate responses. The session will also stress projecting a professional, business-like appearance and other important tips to make the best possible impression in selling yourself for a job!

Crash Course in Used Car Buying

Do you know how to spot a stolen or salvaged car? Would you consider buying from a private party or only from a dealership? This session will provide students with valuable information on the preparation needed before buying a used-car. Details on the options, features, and costs of owning a car, as well as the added expenses for insurance and maintenance will be covered. Students will leave knowing how to get the best possible deal!

Starting a Small Business

Many young adults dream of starting their own business and becoming their own boss! This dream requires an investment of time and money. The hopeful entrepreneur will leave this session with basic and helpful information on the basics of starting a business. Topics such as the different types of business structures, planning, setting up and operating a business are addressed in this session. If you are going to start a business, this session will help ensure you protect your investment. 


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Adult Sessions

Does it Pay to Refinance?

To refinance or not to refinance, that is the question. With the current low interest rate environment, many are curious about making the move to refinance. Which loan is best for me? Should I consolidate my high interest rate debts by refinancing my home? Keep in mind that what may have worked for your friend, may not necessarily be the best solution for you. This session will equip you with the facts you need to make a sound and beneficial financial decision for YOUR situation. If you are thinking about refinancing, this is a “must-attend” session! 

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

Did you know that identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America? You may think your good name is invaluable, but on the street it sells for as little as $25. Learn how identity thieves obtain and use your personal information to steal your money! Hear tips to safeguard your personal information and learn what to do if you become a victim. You owe it to yourself to invest a few minutes in protecting yourself and your family.

Don’t Be a Victim of Fraud and Scams
Con artists are everywhere! Could you be a target? Fraud, like pyramid schemes and chain letters, have been around for years and are still taking in new victims. Other scams like online auction fraud are relatively new but just as threatening to your pocket book. And what about those telemarketers! You can’t always avoid fraud, but the better educated you are about it, the better equipped you’ll be to steer clear of it. This informative session takes an up-to-date look at the more common types of fraud and cons and provides valuable tips on how not to get taken!

Wise Use of Credit

This seminar outlines the many types and sources of credit. It also presents the various payment options available to consumers. You will learn valuable tips that will guide you toward wise and sound credit decisions. A discussion on the misuse of credit, and its impact on your credit rating, will alert you to the dangers of overusing your personal credit.

Don’t Get Buried by Funeral Costs

Often, it is during grieving moments that we must make major financial decisions for funeral arrangements.  Funeral costs can easily run upwards of $10,000. Learning about these costs and the various mortuary services will prevent you from making costly financial mistakes in the future. You will learn about the federal regulations that guide this industry as well as your consumer rights. We’ll also provide you with valuable tips on how to avoid expensive and unnecessary charges. No one should be buried by funeral costs!

Opening the Door to Your First Home

Before you begin your search for that dream house, join us for this session on buying your first home. We’ll prepare you to attend “open houses” with the confidence that come from knowing what you can afford and what your available loan options are. This session is an absolute “must” for the first-time homebuyer.

“Crash Course” in Used Car Buying

Do you know how to spot a stolen or salvaged car? Would you consider buying from a private party or only from a dealership? This session will provide valuable information on the preparation needed and steps to take before purchasing a used-car. Details on the options, features, and costs of owning a car will be covered. You will leave knowing how to get the best possible deal!

Winning the New Car Buying Game

We think you will agree that purchasing a new car is exciting! However, dealing with automotive terminology and the financing aspects may dampen your excitement. This session will prepare you by offering valuable tips on the options, features, and costs of buying a new car. After this seminar, YOU will be in control! YOU will know how to properly finance your auto and save money! YOU will have the peace of mind knowing you got the best possible deal! Do not miss this super session!

Understanding Financial Aid & Student Loans

This session is a “don’t’ miss” for parents and students preparing for college. Learn about the different financial aid programs, student eligibility, and the details of the financial aid process. The session will provide information on grants and scholarships. Best of all, it will share helpful tools to prepare for college expenses. This session will also help to maximize your financial aid options!

Diagnosing the Financial Costs of Long Term Health Care

Are you aware of how much it costs to grow old? Today, the average life span is over 85 years. Do you think Medicare would cover long-term medical expenses for you and your family members? This session describes many of the important but little known facts about how much long-term health care costs. This seminar will provide you with information to help you plan for your future and protect your financial resources.

Weddings on a Budget

The average wedding in the United States costs $16,000 - $30,000. By learning how to prioritize, research, and apply smart shopping techniques, you can save thousands of dollars and avoid many “headaches.” This seminar will help you and your loved ones truly enjoy that very special day without breaking your bank account. The seminar is a “must” for prospective brides and grooms!

Healthy Nutrition, Healthy Finances

Few of us realize the impact of carrying around those “few extra pounds.” Even less understood is how much those “few extra pounds” can affect your pocketbook! Obesity is now the biggest health concern in America and can result in serious medical conditions. This seminar will focus on eating habits, heredity, and proactive measures that you can take to save yourself and your money!

If You Want a Loan, Think Like a Lender!

If you are looking for a loan or extending your credit limit, you should first think about how lenders make their decisions. This short informational session will guide you through the loan review and approval process. You will learn how past credit history affects future loan requests and helps determine the interest rate you are charged for a new loan. This important fundamental session will pay many dividends for years to come! 

Remodeling? Save & Don’t Get taken to the Cleaners!

If you are getting ready to remodel or rebuild, do you have the necessary information to ensure that you are not “being taken to the cleaners?” Are you thinking of doing the work yourself or getting a contractor? Is the contractor licensed? We will help you understand the costs of remodeling and give you tips on how to save hundreds of dollars protect your investment. You will leave with the self-confidence that comes from knowing what to expect and what to do.

Spend Less to be Debtless

The average person spends more than he earns and often lives from paycheck-to-paycheck. Have you ever kept track of your daily spending? Do you know exactly how much you spend each month? This session will help you see the real cost of using credit and how easily money is spent. Tips on everyday ways to save money will be provided. 

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