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First State Saves Week Celebration March 4, 2013

On Thursday, Delaware Financial Literacy Institute (DFLI) celebrated “America Saves Week” with an Awards luncheon held at the Junior Achievement building in Wilmington. Board members, business owners, volunteers, and politicians were invited to attend in honoring Debra Forbes, RN, BSN, MS from Governor Bacon Health Center and Jim Godfrey, President/CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling Services of MD & DE, Inc.

The Money School of Delaware

The Honorable Robert Glen, State Bank Commissioner presented the awards and spoke about the First State Saving’s Bank At School programs. With each new branch opening the ribbon cutting ceremony includes entertaining plays that shows students the importance of saving money.

Debra Forbes was honored for creating onsite financial training programs. These United Way sponsored events are held during normal business hours making it convenient for attendees. Jim Godfrey was honored for partnering with The Money School in assisting consumers with debt reduction and credit counseling. Arming consumers with important financial tools has a positive impact on the community as a whole.

Kamysha Martin, representing Theatrical Fusion, presented a DVD entitled “Shopaholics”, designed upon the reality TV concept but with a twist. These free web based videos were created for teens and young adults to educate them about finances. As an introduction to the world of budgeting, debt management, smart spending, and debit vs credit card usage. Financial management is something that either parents or schools should teach but when it’s not, by the time they enter college it’s possibly too late, something I can personally relate to!

The unique concept of this program is that it gives the viewers the ability to choose the ending scene which is then played out accordingly. The DVD also featured Intervention classes as a follow up, these web based video can be seen here.

The Honorable Governor Jack Markell gave a brief history about The Money School of Delaware.

In 1999, The Money School launched it’s first 1 day conference with few attendees, but today has over 600 programs within the state of Delaware. Instructors are all volunteers, and a small staff of 6 operates the main office. Ronni Cohen, Executive Director of DFLI works diligently with the Governor to ensure the successful growth of these programs in the state.

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From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money October 30, 2012

“For Women, About Women, & By Women and the Men in their lives!”

From Purses to Portfolios was a free conference presented by the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and supported by Citi Foundation. This was the 5th year of the conference which empowers women to take charge of their financial future. Several years ago hubby and I attended a free financial program sponsored by The Money School of Delaware and the presenter was Alisha Adams, from Primerica Financial Services. She later became our financial adviser and I attended other free events, however, this was the first time at the all-day conference.

The 2012 Conference was sponsored by numerous companies including Citizens Bank, The News Journal, State Farm Insurance, United Way, Wells Fargo and others. This year’s theme was FAB – FOR women ABOUT women BY women. Women of all ages, young and old, black and white as well as more than 60 Exhibitors filled the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Some of the FAB Exhibitors included AIDS Delaware; Ardyss; Bank of America; City of Wilmington; Declutter Enterprise, LLC; Delaware Hospice; Easter Seals; Dollar Build; Garages Aux Trois; Goodwill of DE; Mary Kay; SCORE Delaware; Primerica Financial Services; Senior Helpers; Stop The Violence; Wilmington Women in Business;Tastefully Simple and YWCA DE Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship.

Arriving early Saturday morning waiting outside for the 8:30 opening, I stood in line and socialized with a variety of women all there with a common goal – to become more financially literate. Upon entering we received a program, a name badge, two tickets for lunch/beverages and a cute pink leopard print tote in exchange for completing a demographics survey form. After having a cup of coffee and muffin, I walked up and down “Women’s Biz Boulevard” checking out the vendors, filling out forms, taking pictures and exchanging business cards. Later on I met up with my girlfriends and we walked, talked, and then attended the opening session with the key note speaker Mary Caraccioli, The Money Confidante. State Treasure, Chip Flowers and New Castle County President, Tom Kovach spoke for a few minutes as did Governor Jack Markell who almost didn’t make it due to state preparations for Hurricane Sandy.

There were four seminars from which to choose for the morning and afternoon sessions. We chose, Perfect Credit:7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, a personal financial expert and a NY Times bestseller talked about credit; credit repair; credit scores; rules and regulations; how credit scores affect interest rates on loans as well as insurance rates; jobs and employment. The seminar was very informative and there was ample time for audience questions.

For perfect credit follow these 7 rules:

PULL your credit report regularly
EXAMINE your credit report carefully
REDUCE debt and manage bills wisely
FIX errors to protect your credit
ENHANCE credit file regularly
CONTACT creditors and negotiate
TAKE time educate yourself and reevaluate

For more information check out her blog at @askthemoneycoach.com

Bag lunches were provided and the choices were either a Turkey Sandwich or Vegetarian Wrap, both included a packaged cookie and apple, I chose the wrap which was fresh and delicious!

After lunch we walked “Women’s Biz Boulevard” gathering information from the FAB exhibitors, stopping to test products, enter drawings and purchase raffle tickets.

The afternoon session began at 2:00, and we chose to attend “Retirement:Never Too Early, Never Too Late” sponsored by AARP, and presented by Jean Setzfand, VP of Financial Security. I learned more about retirement funds as well as Social Security benefits and of making wise financial decisions that will affect me in my golden years. I also learned that AARP uses Linkedin to identify and promote the best companies for it’s members, currently at 152. I will definitely enroll the next time I get the application in the mail – lol!

The day ended with a Recognition Ceremony, Closing Remarks and Door Prizes which included items donated by Big Fish Grill; Brew HaHa; Citi; Delaware Art Museum; Hagley Museum; Star Nails & Spa; Trader Joe’s and WAWA as well as new Michael Kors and Coach purses provided by Mrs. Carper and First Lady Markell. None of us won a door prize, however, we did win additional knowledge that will assist in making wise financial decisions and having me think twice before purchasing that next pair of shoes!

Thank you Delaware for a great “Girlfriend Day Out” and I look forward to the 2013 Conference.