Community Corner
Free Financial Literacy Workshops Offered
In partnership with Bank On Gaithersburg and Maryland CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope), Family Services, Inc. is offering a series of free financial education workshops at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. The workshops will be conducted in both English and Spanish.
Lasting approximately two hours each, the five workshops are designed to help individuals strengthen their financial skills and make informed financial decisions. The workshops are taught by professionals representing the public, private and nonprofit sectors. While admission is free, registration is required. Call Ruth Rivas at 301-840-3218, e-mail rivasr@fs-inc.org, or register at the beginning of each class.
Banking 101 – Wednesday, January 26, 2011 – 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn why and how to have a checking or savings account, differences between a credit union and a bank, how to select a location to open an account, what other services are offered by a bank or credit union, and how to manage a checking account.
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Money Is Not a Four-Letter Word – Wednesday, February 2, 2011 – 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn how to create a spending plan, set financial goals, manage banking accounts with financial institutions, financial records organization, and tips to save money.
Credit Reports/Scores – Wednesday, February 16, 2011 – 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn how and why to get their credit report, what a credit score is, how to rebuild their credit, and how to choose a credit counseling service.
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Smart Consumer – Wednesday, February 23, 2011 – 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn ways to be smart shoppers, whether buying at thrift stores, shopping for a car, household items, or groceries, as well as how to avoid common consumer scams such as ID Theft, Work at Home scams, Credit Repair scams, and more.
Choosing and Using Credit Wisely – Wednesday, March 2, 2011 – 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn the different types of loan products, places to shop for loans, ways to avoid predatory loans, and how to use credit wisely and manage debt.
For additional information or a copy of the Financial Literacy Workshops flier in English or Spanish, please contact the Gaithersburg Community Services Division at 301-258-6395 x2 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/bankon.
