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BROWSE BY LOCATION
BROWSE BY TOPIC

CT Money School (CMS) classes are for Connecticut adults who want to learn more about managing their money and their assets.  We offer a wide range of classes targeted at people who are interested in opening a bank account, clearing up debt, saving for a home, or planning for their future or their children’s future.

You must complete our free registration on the site in order to be able to sign-up for one of our classes.

Upcoming events

    • March 10, 2010
    • 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Green Street Art Center: 51 Green Street, Middletown CT
    This workshop is geared toward people who are interested in purchasing their first home and what lenders look at during the homebuying process.  
    • March 11, 2010
    • 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
    • Westport Center for Senior Activities 21 Imperial Avenue Westport, CT 36880

    What happened to the stock market in 2008 and 2009? Did you experience a large loss in your portfolio?  This class will address more advanced topics in retirement, including recommendations and strategies on safe investing in the future.

    • March 11, 2010
    • 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Norwalk Housing Authority, 20 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854

    The central part of money management is how you handle money when you get it. This session will look at a range of topics from how to understand a pay stub, how to prioritize spending on bills and other necessities, and, how to know how much money you will have by the end of the pay period.  Finally, you will leave with tips on how to make large and small purchases wisely, avoiding predatory lending, and unnecessary expenses.

    • March 12, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Wallingford Senior Center, 238 Washington Ave, Wallingford, CT 06492

    Divorce and losing a spouse are very emotionally trying.  Even under the best circumstances, certain financial steps need to be taken.  This class explores the financial issues you need to consider if you find yourself suddenly single due to divorce or widowhood.

    • March 16, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Norwalk Housing Authority, 20 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
    This class is geared toward students who have completed "Basic Budgeting," "Managing Your Budget," "How to be a Wise Consumer," and "Money Saving Strategies". The instructor will review basic money management skills from earlier courses and provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about the topics that may still be confusing.  Other areas covered may include:
    • Filing Your Income Taxes
    • Saving and borrowing for a large purchase
    • Matched Savings Programs
    • Where to find further help with your finances

    • March 16, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield, Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06605

    Do you have a checking or savings account?  Are you saving regularly?  Learn about different ways to save using alternative accounts to grow your money. One such account is an Individual Development Account or IDA, which provides a match on every dollar you save!

    • March 17, 2010
    • 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Green Street Art Center: 51 Green Street, Middletown CT
    This workshop is geared toward explaining the role of the realtor in the homeowner's process and what you should expect from the realtor.
    • March 18, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Fairfield Senior Center 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824

    Explore strategies for making the most out of your retirement savings accounts.  Gain a better grasp on how federal income tax is calculated in order to plan for retirement.  The instructor will cover basic tax credits and how to plan for taxes in your budget and savings plan.

    • March 22, 2010
    • 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
    • Darien Senior Center 30 Edgarton Street, Darien, CT 06820

    In Part 1 of our Money Talks series, an instructor will discuss the basics of budgeting, with the goal of providing innovative ways to stretch the ever shrinking dollar.

    • March 23, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Burroughs Community Center, 2740 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605

    Buying a home is often the largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime. Therefore, it is important to look at the benefits and risks of owning a home. This class will help prepare you by: calculating how much home you can afford, how much you need to save in order to buy, and provide insight into what lenders look for during the mortgage application process.  Finally, the instructor will review the many kinds of mortgages available, and which may be right for you.

    • March 23, 2010
    • 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
    • John S. Martinez School, 100 James Street, New Haven, CT
    The following class will offer information on the following and more:
    • How to obtain a copy of your credit report
    • Building & Maintaining a satisfactory credit history
    • Identity theft, fraud, and scams
    • Important credit facts
    Take this class if you are unsure of what credit means, if you have bad credit and want to improve your score, or if you are not sure if you are taking the right steps toward healthy credit.
    • March 24, 2010
    • 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Green Street Art Center: 51 Green Street, Middletown CT
    This workshop is geared toward answering questions such as: Why hire a home inspector and how is that different from the inspector's role?
    • March 25, 2010
    • 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
    • Agency on Aging of South Central Ct, One Long Wharf Dr, New Haven, CT 06511

    This class is designed for everyone living on a fixed income.  Learn to "stretch" your income by setting priorities, establishing a budget, planning and saving.

    • March 25, 2010
    • 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Norwalk Housing Authority, 20 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
    Do you have a checking account, with a debit card, or do you use a credit card? This class will give you information on the many types of bank accounts and products available (including checking and savings accounts, and debit cards).  It will also cover how to establish a credit rating by properly using a credit card, how to improve a low credit rating, and when to use a credit card versus a debit card.
    • March 27, 2010
    • 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
    • Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, 240 Fairfield Avenue, 3rd Floor, Bridgeport, CT
    This class is geared toward people who are interested in purchasing their first home.  If the course is completed you will receive a pre-purchase certificate, which may help you find a lower interest rate loan. Instructors will cover the following topics:

    • Advantages & Disadvantages of Homeownership
    • The extended First Time Homebuyer Federal Tax Credit
    • How to establish and maintain a spending plan
    • How to maintain a good credit score
    • How to shop for a home, negotiate the purchase contract, home inspections, and appraisals
    • Overview of a mortgage application, the approval, and closing process
    • Type of home insurance
    • How to protect your home once you make the purchase
    • Foreclosure prevention and avoiding predatory lenders
    Complimentary breakfast and lunch are provided.
    • March 27, 2010
    • 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
    • Co-opportunity, 20 - 28 Sergeant Street Hartford, CT 06105
    Instructors in this workshop will review the pros and cons of homeownership and provide an overview of the homebuying process.  Participants learn about the key players in the process and the true costs of a mortgage payment.  The workshop begins with a 10 question assessment to determine the participant’s knowledge of homeownership.  This course is open to all.

    The course covers the following topics:
    • Shopping for a Home
    • Getting a Loan
    • Keeping Your Home and Managing Your Finances

    • March 27, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Westport Center for Senior Activities 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880
    This is a casual session, where participants will have the opportunity to raise questions and concerns about the current economic climate.  A financial expert will be on hand to answer questions that arise, as well as lead the discussion about becoming financially secure in uncertain times. This will also be an opportunity to answer any questions from previous seminars.
    • March 30, 2010
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
    • Branford Senior Center, 11 Cherry Hill Rd, Branford, CT 06405

    Divorce and losing a spouse are very emotionally trying.  Even under the best circumstances, certain financial steps need to be taken.  This class explores the financial issues you need to consider if you find yourself suddenly single due to divorce or widowhood.

    • April 01, 2010
    • 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
    • Derby Senior Center, 293 Main St, Derby CT 06418

    This class is designed for everyone living on a fixed income.  Learn to "stretch" your income by setting priorities, establishing a budget, planning and saving.

    • April 01, 2010
    • 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Norwalk Housing Authority, 20 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
    This class is geared toward students who have completed "Basic Budgeting," "Managing Your Budget," "How to be a Wise Consumer," and "Money Saving Strategies". The instructor will review basic money management skills from earlier courses and provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about the topics that may still be confusing.  Other areas covered may include:
    • Filing Your Income Taxes
    • Saving and borrowing for a large purchase
    • Matched Savings Programs
    • Where to find further help with your finances
    • April 05, 2010
    • 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Milford Library, 57 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT 06460


    Your home is your largest single investment.  It is smart to know as much as you can about reverse mortgages so that you can make an informed decision if one is right for you and your circumstances.  This course will cover the basics, important terminology, and the advantages and disadvantages of the reverse mortgage.

    • April 06, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605
    Learn what identity theft is and how you can protect your identity.We will discuss ways your identity could be stolen, the signs of identity theft, and steps to take if you become a victim of identity theft.
    • April 06, 2010
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • North Branford Senior Center, 1675 Foxon Rd, North Branford, CT 06471
    Protecting your personal information is the best line of defense against scams and identity theft costing seniors millions of dollars each year.  This course will discuss the types of scams that are used to obtain personal information and why many scams target the senior population. Students will gain a better understanding how to prevent, detect, and report suspicious activity saving themselves money and protecting their credit.  
    • April 06, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • New Life Corporation, 540 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., Bldg. #2, New Haven, CT
    • 8
    Do you have difficulty budgeting?  This class will teach you the benefits of having a savings plan or budget when trying to figure out how to pay your monthly bills.  Also, the instructor will provide useful budgeting tools, which will make this process easier!
    • April 06, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 066605
    It is easy to become overwhelmed by debt.  This class will help you recognize different kinds of debt, such as a mortgage, credit card debt, and student loans.  After figuring out what you owe, it is important to set up a plan to pay off your debt in a timely and affordable way. The instructor will also help you identify how much debt you are able to afford and whether bankruptcy is an option.
    • April 07, 2010
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
    • Branford Senior Center, 11 Cherry Hill Rd, Branford, CT 06405

    90% of all women will have sole responsibilty for their finances in their lifetime..... yet 79% of all women have not planned for this.  Women actually make most of the decisions and investments.  Are you ready to take control of your financial life?  Learn how.... the payoff is big!

    • April 08, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Fairfield Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824
    Learn what identity theft is and how you can protect your identity.We will discuss ways your identity could be stolen, the signs of identity theft, and steps to take if you become a victim of identity theft.
    • April 13, 2010
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
    • North Branford Senior Center, 1675 Foxon Rd, North Branford, CT 06471

    Divorce and losing a spouse are very emotionally trying.  Even under the best circumstances, certain financial steps need to be taken.  This class explores the financial issues you need to consider if you find yourself suddenly single due to divorce or widowhood.

    • April 13, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
    • NHS of Waterbury: 161 North Main Street, Waterbury CT

    Topics Include:

    • Building and repairing credit
    • Finding your financial personality
    • Increasing savings- what, when and where
    • Borrowing basics
    • Making a plan
    • April 15, 2010
    • 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
    • Agency on Aging of South Central Ct, One Long Wharf Dr, New Haven, CT 06511

    When your debt is out of control, the road to your financial security may take a detour.  This class will show the warning signs of a credit crisis and let you know your options if you are already in a crisis. 
     

    • April 15, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, 240 Fairfield Avenue, 3rd Floor, Bridgeport, CT
    This class is geared toward people who have just purchased a home and need to take a look at their household budget.  Topics covered will include:
    • Financial Planning 101 for the New Home Owner
    • Maintaining a Workable Household Budget
    • Planning for Your Mortgage
    • Tax Deductions & Estate Planning
    • Insurance Options
    • Record Keeping
    Questions about this course should be directed to Beverly Hoppie at 203-332-7977.
    • April 19, 2010
    • 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
    • Darien Senior Center, 30 Edgarton Street, Darien, CT 06820
    In Part 2 of our Money Talks series we will cover definitions of financial terms that some may have heard of but are not quite sure what they mean.
    • April 20, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Burroughs Community Center, 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Ct 06605

    It is difficult to get ahead if you never seem to have enough money!  This class will help you understand your cash flow (how much money do you make vs. how much money you spend) and explore ways to take control of your money.  The two goals of this course are:

    1. Learning how to set up and follow a budget
    2. Establishing strategies to increase savings for large purchases
    • April 20, 2010
    • 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
    • North Haven Senior Center, 189 Pool Rd, North Haven, CT 06473

    This class is designed for everyone living on a fixed income.  Learn to "stretch" your income by setting priorities, establishing a budget, planning and saving.

    • April 22, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Fairfield Senior Center 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824

    Although often overlooked, estate planning is an important part of your financial health.  This class will assist you in putting together an action plan to ensure  your personal affairs will be managed efficiently and your loved ones will be financially secure. Learn about wills, trusts, tax strategies, how to find an estate planning attorney, an executor, and more.

    • April 22, 2010
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main St, Meriden, CT 06451

    This class is designed for everyone living on a fixed income.  Learn to "stretch" your income by setting priorities, planning and saving.  Attention will also be paid to the importance of establishing a budget and the positive impact it has when living on a fixed income.

    • April 24, 2010
    • 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
    • Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, 240 Fairfield Avenue, 3rd Floor, Bridgeport, CT
    This class is geared toward people who are interested in purchasing their first home.  If the course is completed you will receive a pre-purchase certificate, which may help you find a lower interest rate loan. Instructors will cover the following topics:

    • Advantages & disadvantages of home ownership
    • Budgeting and understanding credit
    • Different types of mortgages including CHFA & FHA
    • Overview of a mortgage application, the approval, and closing process
    • Keeping your home
    • Basic home maintenance tips
    • Managing your finances 
    Complimentary breakfast and lunch are provided.
    • April 27, 2010
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
    • North Branford Senior Center, 1675 Foxon Rd, North Branford, CT 06471

    As the title suggest, this course will offer ideas on how to best manage your money when living on a fixed income.  It will also cover concepts on what it means to "Pay Yourself First", the importance of budgeting, and taking control of your money.

      

    • April 27, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • New Life Corporation, 540 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., Bldg. #2, New Haven, CT
    • 10

    It is difficult to get ahead if you never seem to have enough money!  This class will help you understand your cash flow (how much money do you make vs. how much money you spend) and explore ways to take control of your money.  The two goals of this course are:

    1. Learning how to set up and follow a budget
    2. Establishing strategies to increase savings for large purchases
    • May 03, 2010
    • 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
    • Darien Senior Center 30 Edgarton Street, Darien, CT 06820

    Many investors experienced large losses in their portfolio in the last few years. The key to making money is "preservation of capital". Portfolio performance is a balancing act between participation in a rising market and preservation of capital in a declining market. In this seminar, we will examine:

    • Strategies for investing in a recession
    • How to protect yourself in the future against significant losses
    • Trends in the market (current, past)
    • May 04, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Wallingford Senior Center, 238 Washington St, Wallingford, CT 06492

    90% of all women have sole responsibility for their finances in their lifetime... Yet 79% of all women have not planned for this.  Women actually make most of the money-based decisions in the world today.  They make most of the choices about purchases, and most decisions about investments.  Are you ready to take control of your financial life?  Learn how... The payoff is big.

      

    • May 04, 2010
    • 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM
    • New Life Corporation, 540 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., Bldg. #2, New Haven, CT
    • 10
    Pursuit of the Dream: Building Credit for Life tells the stories of several families who struggled to establish good credit or to overcome the debt and bad financial decisions that left them wit low scores.  This film will be followed by a brief discussion period moderated by the instructor.
    • May 04, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06605
    Learn how to order, read, and repair your credit report.  Also learn what it means to build a good credit history and how to do it.  The instructor will cover how opening credit card accounts can work for and against you.
    • May 10, 2010
    • 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
    • Darien Senior Center 30 Edgarton Street, Darien, CT 06820

    Americans are living longer these days than in the times past. As a result, many people's retirement portfolios will need to stretch farther then they once did. Learn retirement planning strategies, how to maximize your returns and where to invest in 2010 to earn higher income and potentially higher returns. In this seminar, we will examine:

    • Making sure you don't outlive your income
    • Offset inflation by considering some growth-oriented investments
    • To help minimize the impact of a market downturn in any one asset class, diversify your assets
    • The best investment instruments and different asset mixes: tax free bonds, corporate bonds, preferred stock and dividend paying companies
    • Learn how to increase your investment returns by reducing fees associated with financial products, including mutual funds, individual stocks, and bonds
    • May 10, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • NHS of Waterbury: 161 North Main Street, Waterbury CT

    Topics Include:

    • Leases - Oral vs. Written
    • Collecting Rent
    • Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
    • Deposits
    • May 11, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Burroughs Community Center, 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605
    In this basic retirement planning course learn how much you will need to save to reach your retirement goals. Also learn the best way to draw down your retirement accounts in order to make the most out of your savings.
    • May 11, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
    • Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, 240 Fairfield Avenue, 3rd Floor, Bridgeport, CT
    This pre-purchase home owner class is a great resource for first-time home buyers as they navigate the field of financing a mortgage. Topics covered will include:
    • Basic Financial Education
    • Budgeting & Credit Repair
    • How to Design & Maintain a Realistic Family Budget
    • Types of Credit (Unsecured & Secured)
    • How to compare costs when shopping for credit (such as APR)
    Questions about this course should be directed to Beverly Hoppie at 203-332-7977.
    • May 13, 2010
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Fairfield Senior Center 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824
    Do you have adequate protection for your income and assets? An instructor will review common insurance protections offered and evaluate whether you have the right type and amount of insurance to manage your "risk level". 
    • May 13, 2010
    • 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
    • NHS of Waterbury: 161 North Main Street, Waterbury CT

    Topics Include:

    • Building and repairing credit
    • Finding your financial personality
    • Increasing savings- what, when and where
    • Borrowing basics
    • Making a plan
    • May 15, 2010
    • 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
    • NHS of Waterbury: 161 North Main Street, Waterbury CT