Workshops

• Paying Down Debt?
• Developing a Spending Plan?
• Establishing Credit?
• Managing a Bank Account?
• Saving for Retirement?
• Reducing Energy Costs?

The following 2-hour workshops are offered regularly. Workshops are free and are open to the public. Check the Calendar of Events for current listings.

Making Ends Meet
This workshop provides an overview of the process for developing and using a household spending plan. We also explore ways to maximize resources and reduce energy use.

Exploring Credit Issues
Topics discussed include: ways to establish or re-establish good credit, understanding credit reports, ways to pay-down debt, and how to use credit wisely.

Give Yourself A Raise! NEW!
Taking advantage of employer-provided benefits, paying with pre-tax dollars and using programs available to Tompkins County households can be as good as getting a pay increase.

Saving Strategies
Participants explore ways to find even small amounts to save, and to maximize the return on savings.

Used Car Buying
Participants explore strategies used by successful car buyers, sources of reliable information, cost factors to consider, and consumer protection.

Home Study Packets
Can’t fit a workshop into your schedule? Our materials on developing a spending plan are in a series of 4 Home Study Packets. Each one guides you through the steps necessary for developing goals and a spending plan for your household.

Other Programs

One-on-One Financial Management Education Program
This program is for individuals and households who are interested in receiving individualized instruction and coaching on setting goals, tracking spending, developing and using a spending plan, and making the most of their resources. Participants set their own pace and meet individually with a trained Financial Teaching Assistant for 6-to-10 sessions over several months. A strength-based approach is used as participants identify their personal goals and strategies for accomplishing them.

Money Talks
Participants in the One-on-One program are invited to meet with others to share ideas, successes, and frustrations. Group meets twice monthly and participants choose a topic as the focus for each 2-hour session.

Money Work$
This 8-hour course (usually done in four 2-hour classes but other formats are available) is designed to help participants explore low- or no- cost options available at local financial institutions, enhance money management skills, and learn how to successfully manage a new account. Participants who complete the course receive a certificate. Those interested also have the option of meeting individually with a Financial Teaching Assistant for follow-up.

Financial Security Later in Life (FSLL)
FSLL is a national Cooperative Extension Intiative designed to help individuals and households develop the skills and knowledge to increase their financial well being throughout their lives. It includes information on investing and retirement planning. For more information, visit: www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/economics/fsll/cons_intro.html

America Saves
This program encourages participants to set a specific dollar amount by which to increase their savings or decrease their debt. Participants receive a free quarterly money mangement newsletter. AmericaSaves.org

Power Partner Financial Management & Energy Education Program
Cooperative Extension provides financial management and energy education for income-eligible households enrolled in NYSEG’s Power Partner Program. For further information, call NYSEG at 1-800-284-7988

Other Resources

Investing For Your Future
This site is hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Money 2000
This site is hosted by Utah State University Extension.

Financial Literacy for Youth
Young people can learn about personal financial management through the NEFE High School Financial Planning Program sponsored by the National Endowment for Financial Education®, or Adding It Up, a site for middle and high schoolers.

Financial Security Later in Life (FSLL)
FSLL is a national Cooperative Extension Intiative designed to help individuals and households develop the skills and knowledge to increase their financial well being throughout their lives. It includes information on investing and retirement planning. For more information, visit: www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/economics/fsll/cons_intro.html

New York State Saves
Wealth-building campaign in conjunction with America Saves and the Consumer Federation of America

Consumer Education

Monthly Consumer Issues Programs
On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, CCE-TC in conjunction with the NYS Attorney General’s Office, offers a one-hour program on current consumer topics, rebroadcast on Mondays on Channel 15 at 7AM, 1PM & 7 PM.

Energy Education
The best way to reduce household energy costs is to reduce the amount of energy used. Participants explore ways to conserve energy, and information is provided on low- or no-cost measures that can reduce energy usage as well as on how to decide what measures will provide a reasonable pay-back.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County offers workshops and other educational programs free-of-charge for individuals and households that want to learn more about how to manage personal finances and make informed consumer choices.

Please call us at (607) 272-2292 to find out when the next sessions begin!

For information on additional educational efforts, contact CCE-TC staff. Programs can easily be adapted to meet a variety of delivery modes, locations and time frames.

Consumer & Financial Management Staff:

Ann Gifford

Carole Fisher