Financial Literacy Workshop

The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances in 2019 stated the average net worth in the US per household was $746,820. It also stated the median net worth was $121,760. [Both numbers include home equity.]. In understanding US Wealth, the median number is much more reflective of households in America.

There are many reasons for the disparity, but one is the lack of financial literacy in many households.

The Financial Literacy Workshop is designed to provide basic information on a number areas of personal finance. The objective is to provide a basis for making to make attendees better informed in making financial decisions going forwards.

Budget
I had many clients tell me over the years they did not know where their money meant. It was there money, why did they know where their money went. They knew how much was coming in and they also were in control of spending, so how did not they not know? The answer is easy in one sense, life and lifestyle. The best way to address this is with a detailed budget. It is very difficult to meet financial goals without a budget.

In this section we will discussed the key areas to loo for in a budget.

Debt
If you worry about your personal debt, you are not alone. An October, 2023 Forbes study found that 54% of adults often or always feel stressed about their debt.

During this section of the Workshop, we will discuss the various types of debts and strategies for paying it off.

Financial Objectives
What are your financial dreams and objectives? Most likely a comfortable retirement is one, but what else? Buying your first house or maybe a second vacation home. Extended travel, college education for children, or maybe starting your own business.

We will discuss identifying your financial objectives. Prioritizing them and listing a present value dollar amount.

Risk Management
Life can be messy with unexpected financial challenges at anytime. When thinking about risk management, we often think about a car accident or home disaster. Both can happen and need to be insured. But what about other risks? What happens if you have a major health event? Or if you have a sickness or accident and cannot work for an extended period. What happens to your financial dependents if you die? Are you worried about needing long-term care after you retire?

All the above will be discussed in the Workshop.

Retirement
When will you able to retire comfortably? What will be your sources of retirement income and will your money last throughout retirement? Both important retirement planning questions which are discussed in the Workshop.

Choose Your Employer Wisely
What does choosing an employer have to do with financial literacy? Two individuals working for the same salary may be in entirely different financial positions due to the benefits provided

Investment Strategy
Most everyone wants a high return with no risk. But what does that even mean? In this section we will discuss baseline criteria to make short and long-term investment decisions.

Estate Planning
Everyone has has an estate plan. It’s either the state’s estate plan for you or a personalized one you have developed for yourself. We will discuss the advantages of having a personalized plan.

Financial Advisor
Many individuals/households choose to work with a financial advisor which I would recommend. However, there are many types of financial advisors. We will discuss criteria which will help you select the best advisor for your circumstances.

Questions

A the end of the Presentation, there will be time for questions.