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Grand Ballroom A

Grand Ballroom B

9:00 AM Making a Usable Budget & Getting Out of Debt
Facilitated by Brad Barnett, JMU
Course# TD1219
Have you ever felt like there was too much month left at the end of the money? Do you have debt that you wish you could dump? If so, you are not alone. In fact, the Wall Street Journal reported that 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. This two-hour interactive class will guide participants in developing a budget (case study provided), discuss the issues that go into creating and maintaining a usable budget, review societal shifts that have gotten us to this point, and give you some techniques to help eliminate your debt. Oh yea…and you will have fun doing it!

9:00 AM Planning Your VRS Retirement
Facilitated by Wanda Layman and Julie Byers, JMU HR
Course# TD1225
Learn about your retirement options through the VA Retirement System. Discuss effects on benefits when you retire. Learn how MyVRS can aid in retirement planning.

10:10 AM Surviving Today's Economy
Facilitated by Glenda Harris, Virginia Credit Union
Course# TD1342
Discuss raising one's value as an employee, spending, cutting expenses, saving in spite of the economy and recommendations related to dealing with debt. Discuss why consumers need financial education and self-discipline to survive today's challenging economy.

11:20 AM Investments for Dummies: What to Do with Your Money without Having to Worry Much about It
Dr. Pamela Drake, JMU
Course# TD1340
Learn about the different types of investments (i.e., stocks, bonds, mutual funds) and how a little common sense will go a long way in managing-and enhancing-your wealth.

11:20 AM Health Insurance and Retirement - What Can You Expect?
Facilitated by Susan Jones, Department of Human Resource Management
Course# TD1221
Overview of the current retiree program including costs, available plans and program revisions.

12:40 PM 457 Accounts--A Number $$Worth$$ Remembering
Facilitated by Kelly Hiers, ING
Course# TD1226
Topics will include budgeting, retirement basics, investing, and information regarding 457 accounts.

12:40 PM Virginia 529 College Savings Programs
Facilitated by Becky Robinson, VA College Savings Plan
Course# TD1228
Discuss both the Virginia "Pre-Pay" 529 and the Virginia "College America" 529. Discuss different ways to approach college funding and what you'll need to save on an annual basis.

1:50 PM What You Need to Know Now About Social Security
Facilitated by John Held, Social Security Administration
Course# TD1223
Review of the basic social security program. Considerations regarding the future of social security. Question-and-answer session.

1:50 PM Estate Planning
Facilitated by Norman Stern & Steve Hess, Stern & Heatwole
Course# TD1222
Discuss the importance of having a will and the role of Trusts, a Power of Attorney, and an Advanced Medical Directive. Discuss estate taxes and how they can affect you. Discuss when insurance should be used in an estate plan.

3:00 PM Take Charge: Wise Use of Credit Cards
Facilitated by Commonwealth One
Course# TD1341
Learn valuable tips about how to use credit cards to your advantage. You'll learn the benefits-and costs-of credit cards, how to build a good credit history, the warning signs of having too much debt, how to avoid credit card fraud, and how to get and read your credit report and credit score.

3:00 PM Planning for Your Retirement
Facilitated by Norman Stern & Steve Hess, Stern & Heatwole
Course# TD1343
Discuss how much you need to retire and how to get there. Learn what you need to consider 10 years, 1-5 years, or just before retirement. Discuss a successful retirement strategy.