Penn State Cooperative Extension is offering a Four Steps to a Secure Financial Future class in Clinton County.

Taught by highly qualified Extension educators, the two-hour course provides practical, unbiased strategies to help you reduce spending, manage credit wisely, and increase savings. Workshop topics include:

Develop a spending plan

Where does your money go and where do you want it to go? We’ll teach you how to track spending and develop a plan to achieve your future goals.

Set SMART financial goals

There are goals and then there are SMARTgoals. Develop financial goals for your family hat are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.

Follow the rule of 3

Use this strategy to make the most of comparison-shopping. When considering a purchase, determine the most important qualities you require, and compare those qualities in at least three products or services.

Use credit wisely

Credit is a useful tool when you use it to your advantage. Discover the difference between interest rate and APR. What is universal default? Find out. Stretch your income. Avoid unscrupulous lenders and credit card traps. Manage cash flow.

Understand your credit history

Learn how and why you should check your credit history annually. Understand the difference between your credit history and your credit score.

Let consumer resources help

Learn about consumer protection laws and additional sources of information to help you improve your financial management practices.

Extension educational advantages

• Unbiased, practical advice
• Face-to-face instruction
• Easy-to-understand strategies
• Resources, information, and special calculators for you to use at home

To find a class near you go to the Four Steps to a Secure Financial Future course calendar or contact Laurie Welch at 570-726-0022 ext 132 or law27@psu.edu. The cost of this class is $40 per person or $50 per married couple.

Scholarships are available for those unable to pay. Registration, scholarship, and disclosure forms can be printed from the Web site. Registrations should be received by mail at least one week prior to the start of the class you plan to attend. A picture ID must be presented for class admittance. Participants who complete this class and the required course evaluation form will receive a certificate of completion that satisfies the personal education requirement of the Chapters 7 or 13 bankruptcy filing process. Penn State Extension does not pay or receive fees or other consideration for the referral of debtor students to the course. The sponsor is approved to issue certificates evidencing completion of a personal financial management course in compliance with the Bankruptcy code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of a Provider's services.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Laurie Welch at 570-726-0022 ext 132 in advance of your participation or visit.