Money Smart Program
"Money Smart" is an a la carte program being offered through the expertise of Pathfinder Bank to cover a host of topics to help people better manage, plan and spend their hard-earned dollars.The curriculum will accompany the Money Smart Education Program offered through the FDIC. You can customize your education!
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Understanding Credit
This course will explain how using credit can be both convenient and necessary. We will discuss how the decision to extend credit is made and what you can do to establish credit for yourself. This course will also show you the cost and the benefits of making regular payments, along with being able to recognize and avoid identity theft.
Banking 101
This course will discuss the benefits of having a bank account, the information needed to open a bank account, and the various types of accounts available. The course will also cover keeping a register, writing out a check, the benefits of having a debit card, debit card usage, ATM safety, online banking and bill pay.
Keeping Safe in an Electronic World
This course will discuss and present information on the following topics: online purchasing, online auctions, online banking, mobile banking, computer security baseline and online identity fundamentals and access controls.
Budgeting Basics
This course shows attendees how to manage their money by preparing a personal spending plan (budget). We will identify ways to prepare a budget, decrease spending and increase income. A personal spending plan is the first step in taking control of your finances. Budgeting tools will be provided to help you manage your money and meet your goals.
How to Pay for College
This presentation will focus on identifying and calculating college expenses. Attendees will learn to identify costs associated with books, college fees, housing, and other types of costs not included with tuition. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), loan repayment, scholarships and grants will also be discussed. Presented in Partnership with State University of New York at Oswego.
Pay Yourself First
This course will be geared toward saving for retirement. Attendees will learn the different types of retirement options, as well as the impact of saving. A basic understanding and description of stocks, bonds and mutual funds will be presented, along with the value of an "emergency fund" to an individual's overall portfolio.
Financial Health and Wellness for Seniors
This course will discuss how to recognize and reduce the risk of elder financial exploitation, guard against identity theft and plan for an unexpected loss of the ability to manage your finances.
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For more information regarding Money Smart.
Please contact Amy Shaw, PathFinder Bank at (315) 343-0057 ext. 8166.
All programs will be taught by experts in their respective fields from Pathfinder Bank and SUNY Oswego. The program is free to the public.Please call if you are interested in any of our offered courses.
If you'd like to take the classes online at your own pace in either Spanish or English please click here.