A Money Matters Expo sponsored by the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network will be held at Housatonic Community College's Beacon Hall on Saturday, Sept. 16.
An expo to help the public improve their financial literacy will be hosted by Housatonic Community College. The Money Matters Expo is Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beacon Hall, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport.
The expo is sponsored by the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network with the aim of helping the community understand their financial options. The event is free and open to the public.
GBLN's leaders felt a sense of urgency to provide this information to its community because almost six out of 10 college-educated Hispanics surveyed found it hard to cover expenses and save for the future.
"Too often, we put off conversations about money and finances, but it matters -- that's why this event is called Money Matters,” said Carolyn Gonzalez, GBLN president. “We need to make sure that we aren't missing out on strategies, resources and opportunities that can help us and affect some of our biggest life decisions, like home-buying, saving and borrowing money, tax planning, insurance, paying for college, saving for retirement, elder care and learning about Social Security."
Here is our tentative schedule of presentations, which is subject to change at any time. Each session will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
10-10:20 a.m. AARP of Connecticut
Topic: New retirement savings law in CT that will impact employees and employers.
10:25-10:45 a.m. TIAA/CHET (CT Higher Education Trust)
Topic: It’s never too late to start saving for college. This presentation will inform parents and individuals of ways to save for college for their children or themselves through payroll deduction or direct savings.
10:50-11:10 a.m. Northwestern Mutual - Financial Planning
Topic: Protecting Family and Lifestyle through financial planning. This session will cover why it is important to have life insurance, living will and a last will, as well as other matters that provide financial security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
11:15-11:35 a.m. CAHS (Connecticut Association of Human Services)
Topic: What you should know before filing your income taxes this year. This presentation will also provide information about the Connecticut Money School (CMS) led by CAHS, which provides financial empowerment services for individuals and families across Connecticut.
12:05-12:25 p.m. Housatonic Community College
Topic: FAFSA/Financial Aid – Are you a parent of a child in their teens? Learn the important of FAFSA, how to complete it, and how to apply for financial aid at colleges/universities. Encourage your high school senior to come with you.
12:05-12:25 p.m. Financial Education Services, Steve Dixon
Topic: Monitoring and repairing your credit report score so you are in a position to pursue homeownership and employment opportunities in the future. Talk to a credit repair specialist about your options.
12:30-12:50 p.m. Primerica
Topic: Difference between annuities, Roth IRAs and 401Ks. Ever wonder the difference between annuities, Roth IRAs and 401Ks and which is best for you? This presentation will help you understand the difference to enable you to make the best choice in savings for your future. Also discussed: understanding and buying term insurance for families.
In addition, information on Social Security and down-payment assistance through the City of Bridgeport's First-Time Home Buyer program will be available at the expo.
Beacon Hall's Broad Street entrance.
