Financial Wellness Program ‘Money Smart’ Returns Sept. 17

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OSWEGO, NY – We all learn the basic “reading, writing and arithmetic” in school, but when we get out on our own, these skills can still leave us wondering how to save money, what makes one loan better than another, how to use a credit card without abusing it, and what home ownership is all about.

A seven-week course entitled “Money Smart” will be offered once again starting Sept. 17, and will combine the resources and expertise of Pathfinder Bank, the Oswego Public Library and SUNY Oswego to cover a host of topics to help people better manage, plan and spend their hard-earned dollars.

The curriculum will take place in the new Erik and Emily Cole Community Room at the Oswego Public Library.

The sessions will accompany the Money Smart Computer Based Adult Education Program offered through the FDIC.

The courses are free of charge to the public and participants can attend one session or all seven sessions.

“We’re very pleased to be able to provide the Money Smart program once again this fall,” said Carol Ferlito, Oswego Public Library director. “The response we had from our previous programs has been outstanding, and we’re looking forward to strong attendance once again for this upcoming session.”

“We’ve really tried to accommodate those attending by allowing them to choose one, two or each of the seven sessions,” she added. “Some people may see a particular course that they would like to attend and are welcome to just attend that session. The curriculum structure allows for that.”

The courses that will be offered at the Oswego Public Library will include the following:

“Bank On It” – An introduction to bank services. “Check It Out” – How to choose and keep a checking account. Both Sept. 17 from 6-7:30 p.m.

“Borrowing Basics” – An introduction to credit. Sept. 24 from 6-7:30 p.m.

“Pay Yourself First” – Why you should save. Oct. 1 from 6-7:30 p.m.

“Money Matters” – Keeping track of your money. Oct. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m.

“Keep It Safe” – Your rights as a consumer. Oct. 15 from 6-7:30 p.m.

“To Your Credit” -  How your credit history affects your future. Charge it Right” – How to make a credit card work for you. Both Oct. 22 from 6-7:30 p.m.

“Loan To Own” – Know what you’re borrowing before you buy. “Your Own Home” – What homeownership is all about.” Both Oct. 29 from 6-7:30 p.m.

“In order to effectively manage your money, you have to know the basics – at any age,” said Thomas W. Schneider, president and CEO of Pathfinder Bank. “You have to know how to save, how to use credit, how to keep track of your money and what many of the basic terms in the world of finance mean. This program is designed to give you that basic knowledge and put you on a path to financial wellness.”

With more and more college students paying for cell phone bills, car maintenance and credit cards, financial literacy is a skill set that can be taught early on.

“This program is a great example of collaboration between SUNY Oswego, the Oswego Public Library and Pathfinder Bank,” said Richard Skolnik, dean, School of Business at SUNY Oswego. “The Money Smart sessions are delivered by a SUNY Oswego faculty member, a Pathfinder Bank employee and a SUNY Oswego student. The students involved last semester were excited about applying their financial knowledge to help members of the community. The program dovetails nicely with the Marcia Belmar Willock Endowed Professor of Finance.”

All programs will be taught by experts in their respective fields from Pathfinder Bank, the Oswego Public Library and SUNY Oswego.

The program is free to the public.

For more information, call Pathfinder Bank at (315) 343-0057, extension 8014.

Registration is encouraged.

Class sizes are limited. missing or outdated ad config

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