Do you hate the word "BUDGET" but know you need one? This session will change the way you think about making and keeping a budget. It is for people who don't have a budget or have a tough time keeping one. We will discuss setting goals, items that are always needs, and creative ways to save. This session will empower you to take control of your money and achieve your financial goals!

Working people can get their taxes done for free at one of the over 80 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Sites in Massachusetts. These are run by volunteers trained by the IRS to help working people access important tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which can provide individuals and families with up to $6000 (depending on income) - money they can use to pay bills, save, or plan for the future. This session will help folks interested in the EITC to learn where to go for free tax prep and the kind of information to bring to the VITA site. Participants will also learn about the other services such as food stamps or financial education they can access at a VITA site.

In these trying economic times, it is particularly important to limit and control the amount of debt you have. This session will help offer you steps to controlling, prioritizing and reducing your debts. You will learn how to avoid acquiring future debts and recommended debt limits for living within your means. Surviving with debt would not be complete without some tips on how to avoid credit relief scams and important questions to ask when choosing a credit counselor!

Your credit score and report can affect your ability to obtain credit, housing, and employment. Your financial future is greatly affected by what your credit reports contains, the factors affecting your credit score, how you follow the basic principles of credit repair.

Do you want to earn a living doing a job that you love?

Are you thinking about going to college or getting your G.E.D. but don't know where to start?

Would you like to overcome financial barriers and further your education?

Join us to learn about the resources available:

• Simplify the application process for the educational program that is right for you.
• Offer "Action Recommendations" to help you plan to afford an education to expand your employment options and earning potential.
• Help individuals 18 years old and older to address the financial complexities of obtaining a G.E.D., developing professional skills, or attending college.

Helpful organizations, worksheets and links to additional resources will be provided to help you follow a new educational path.

In difficult economic times it is easy to become overwhelmed by how to tackle financial obstacles and finding the path to financial independence. This session shares advice on accessing and managing your public assistance in the forms of cash, housing, food, and fuel assistance. Learn about the organizations in your community that will help you to reach your full potential, provide continued support and empower your economic well-being.

This session is based upon the principle that caseworkers and front-line direct service providers can play an important and beneficial role in helping low-income clients take control of their money and navigate the complex financial services system. This session will provide on research based-evidence tools and models that provide non-profit employees and direct service providers with effective skills to work with individuals and families to be financially stable and to achieve long-term economic independence.

Specific areas discussed through this two-day training will include the following:

• Money Attitudes
• Financial Social work
• Principles
• Avoid Being Judgmental
• The Psycho-Social Connections
• The Emotional Connections
• Losing and regaining control
• Stages of Change Model

Participants must have supporting documentation that he/she is employed by or works with a non-profit entity that services a low-income population.

Do you hate the word "BUDGET" but know you need one? This session will change the way you think about making and keeping a budget. It is for people who don't have a budget or have a tough time keeping one. We will discuss setting goals, items that are always needs, and creative ways to save. This session will empower you to take control of your money and achieve your financial goals!

Working people can get their taxes done for free at one of the over 80 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Sites in Massachusetts. These are run by volunteers trained by the IRS to help working people access important tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which can provide individuals and families with up to $6000 (depending on income) - money they can use to pay bills, save, or plan for the future. This session will help folks interested in the EITC to learn where to go for free tax prep and the kind of information to bring to the VITA site. Participants will also learn about the other services such as food stamps or financial education they can access at a VITA site.

In these trying economic times, it is particularly important to limit and control the amount of debt you have. This session will help offer you steps to controlling, prioritizing and reducing your debts. You will learn how to avoid acquiring future debts and recommended debt limits for living within your means. Surviving with debt would not be complete without some tips on how to avoid credit relief scams and important questions to ask when choosing a credit counselor!

Your credit score and report can affect your ability to obtain credit, housing, and employment. Your financial future is greatly affected by what your credit reports contains, the factors affecting your credit score, how you follow the basic principles of credit repair.

College may be a long way off for your children or grandchildren, but the prospect of paying for it can still be intimidating, particularly in the recent economic downturn. This session will discuss the importance of saving and the savings options available to you. You will learn about MEFA's UPlan, a prepaid tuition program that allows participants to lock in tuition rates at 80 Massachusetts colleges and universities, and MEFA's UFund, a market-based 529 investment plan that lets families invest in portfolios of mutual funds. You will leave the session with tips for saving that have worked for others and an increased knowledge to answer questions such as:

• What is the best way to save for college?
• How much should I save?
• If I can't save enough, should I bother saving at all?
• How can I start saving?
• Will saving hurt my chances of receiving financial aid?

In difficult economic times it is easy to become overwhelmed by how to tackle financial obstacles and finding the path to financial independence. This session shares advice on accessing and managing your public assistance in the forms of cash, housing, food, and fuel assistance. Learn about the organizations in your community that will help you to reach your full potential, provide continued support and empower your economic well-being.

This session is based upon the principle that caseworkers and front-line direct service providers can play an important and beneficial role in helping low-income clients take control of their money and navigate the complex financial services system. This session will provide on research based-evidence tools and models that provide non-profit employees and direct service providers with effective skills to work with individuals and families to be financially stable and to achieve long-term economic independence.

Specific areas discussed through this two-day training will include the following:

• Money Attitudes
• Financial Social work
• Principles
• Avoid Being Judgmental
• The Psycho-Social Connections
• The Emotional Connections
• Losing and regaining control
• Stages of Change Model

Participants must have supporting documentation that he/she is employed by or works with a non-profit entity that services a low-income population.