Upcoming Programs

Some programs are in-person only, some are webinar-only, and some are hybrid, as noted right below the date and time for each program. If I’ve listed an address, you can attend in person. If there’s no address, it’s webinar-only.

Whether you’re already suffering financial hardship or you are afraid that hardship is ahead, join us to learn:

  • Tips for reducing expenses and setting up a budget.
  • Do’s and don’ts when you can’t pay all your bills.
  • Who qualifies and how to apply for assistance programs including unemployment, SNAP aka Food Stamps, Medicaid, and more.
  • Why tapping your retirement account should be your last resort.
  • Investment strategies for managing risk.

Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Hybrid: attend either in person or via Zoom
Elk Grove Public Library
1001 Wellington Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL
Registration is required only if you plan to attend virtually. Go to https://egvpl.libnet.info/event/15082178

Monday, March 30 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
In person
Carol Stream Public Library
616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL
Register at https://www.cslibrary.org/event/financial-strategies-uncertain-times-77572

Tuesday, April 14 from 7:00 to 8:30 
In-person
Indian Trails Public Library
355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling, IL
Register at https://indiantrails.libnet.info/events?

Tuesday, June 2 from 7:00 to 8:30
In person
Mount Prospect Public Library
10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect, IL
Register at https://mppl.libnet.info/events. Registration should open a month before the event.

Get your financial house in order by focusing on one part of your financial life each month. Personal finance educator Karen Chan will introduce you to her Money Calendar. Following the calendar, you’ll do just a few tasks each month. Before you know it, you’ll learn where your money goes, evaluate your debt, estimate your income in retirement, know where to get help when you need it, and more. Bring a friend so that you can team up and support each other as you take charge of your finances.

Wednesday, March. 18 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
In Person
Elk Grove Public Library
1001 Wellington Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL
Registration is required only if you plan to attend virtually. Go to https://egvpl.libnet.info/event/15640766

Instead of just “doing” your taxes, take steps to manage your tax bill now and in the future. Learn to make smart choices about when and how you save for retirement or college, use employer benefits, pay taxes on your investments, manage the tax hit of being a widow or widower, or take advantage of lower income years at the beginning or end of your career.

Wednesday, March 25 6:30 to 8:00 pm
In person
St. Charles Public Library
1 S. 6th Ave, St. Charles
Register at https://scpld.libnet.info/event/15365816

Wednesday, June 10 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
In person
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
500 N. Dunton Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL
Register at https://www.ahml.info/attend/events If the event is not yet listed, please try again closer to the date of the program.

“If I could do the calculations, I’d know what to do.” If you’ve ever felt that way about a financial decision, this class is for you. It will introduce you to free and affordable tools to help with questions like, Should I convert my retirement account to a Roth? Should I save this money or pay down debt? When should I claim Social Security? Am I withholding enough for taxes this year?

Monday, May 4 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
In person
Carol Stream Public Library
616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL
Register at https://www.cslibrary.org/event/diy-financial-planning-77573

Starting your Social Security benefits may be as simple as filling out a form. But there are many choices to make. Learn rules and strategies for singles and married couples, how other income can affect your Social Security benefits, and special options available to widows and widowers. We will also cover the impact of the FAIR Act on government workers receiving pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security.

Thursday, June 4 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
In person
St. Charles Public Library
1 S. 6th Ave, St. Charles
Register at https://scpld.libnet.info/events Registration will open in March.

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