Workshops & Other Educational Programs

What would you like to learn about managing your money effectively? Paying down debt? Developing a spending plan? Establishing credit?  Managing a bank account?  Saving for retirement?  Reducing energy costs?

The following free, 2-hour workshops are offered regularly at the Cooperative Extension Education Center in Ithaca, and at other sites around Tompkins County.  Check our Upcoming Events for the latest schedule.  Workshops are free and are open to the public, but we do ask that you call to sign-up in advance so that we may provide sufficient handouts and other materials.

Making Ends Meet

This workshop provides an overview of the process for developing and using a household spending plan. We also explore ways to maximize resources and reduce energy use.

Exploring Credit Issues

Topics discussed include: ways to establish or re-establish good credit, understanding credit reports, ways to pay down debt, and how to use credit wisely.

One-on-One Financial Education Program

This FREE program is for individuals and households who would like individualized instruction and coaching on setting goals, tracking spending, developing and using a spending plan, and making the most of their resources. Participants may also choose to explore strategies for improving their credit and ways to manage debt, among other topics. Participants set their own pace and meet individually with a trained volunteer Financial Management Educator for a minimum of 4 sessions over several months. A strength-based approach is used as participants identify their personal goals and strategies for accomplishing them.  For more information about this program contact Helen Ranck, Financial Management Educator,  at (607) 272-2292.

Save Energy, Save Dollars

Learn about low-cost and no-cost ways to reduce your home energy usage and programs that can help you afford energy-efficiency improvements to your home. Each participating household receives a free kit of energy-saving items worth $15.