Presentor: Valley First Credit Union      Co-Sponsor: Workplace Wellness

Financial success is not always dependent on income; in fact, many people earning an impressive salary struggle to make ends meet because they haven't followed the 10 basic steps discussed in the seminar. From developing a spending plan that works to setting goals to weighing insurance needs, this presentation covers the core concepts necessary to develop and maintain personal financial control.

 
Presentor: Valley First Credit Union      Co-Sponsor: Workplace Wellness

New vs. used.  Buy vs. lease.  0% Financing vs. rebate.  With so many choices available, buying a new car can be difficult and stressful. Participants learn how to make the best car shopping and financing decisions based on their financial situation, credit rating and goals.

Co-sponsored: Workplace Wellness & Valley First Credit Union
Co-presenters: MEMBERS Financial Services & Judy Jensen, Attorney-at-Law

The workshop covers the financial and legal issues involved with proper estate planning, such as:

• Estate planning problems with probate.
  
• Strategies to potentially reduce estate taxes and probate expenses.
  
• Estate distribution techniques.
  
• Is a will good enough?
  
• Proper beneficiary designations.
  
• Planning for minor children.
  
• The importance of trusting your estate to a Trust.  

For many, owning a home is a dream and financial goal. Preparation for homeownership begins long before the purchase actually takes place. This workshop covers budgeting, determining how much house is affordable, saving for a down payment and other costs, credit reports, and debit-to-income ratios as well as the mortgage lending process.

Co-sponsored: Workplace Wellness & Valley First Credit Union
Presenter: MEMBERS Financial Services

Many people don't believe they'll have a need for long-term care insurance, which covers the costs of nursing home care and home health care. The truth is two out of five Americans will, at some point in their lives, need long-term care. Unfortunately, this expense is rarely covered by group health insurance. Long-term medical care expenses could quickly deplete the assets you have worked so hard to build.

At the workshop, you'll learn how long-term care coverage can help protect you from the staggering costs of long-term health care from depleting your retirement fund. Some of the subjects to be covered include:

• Soaring Long-Term Costs. Currently, it costs an estimated $50,000 per year to live in a nursing home. These long-term care costs will continue to rise with the increase in the elderly population and longer life expectancies.
  
• Medicare Will Pay…Won't It? Long-term care costs are largely uncovered by Medicare, Medigap, private health insurance, and group health insurance. The same is true for HMOs and managed care plans.
  
• Better Sooner than Later. Waiting to buy a long-term care coverage can also cost you significant dollars. Premiums will increase with the age of the applicant, and most policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. The time to act is now. 

Presenter: Valley First Credit Union     Co-Sponsor: Workplace Wellness

Most consumers use credit regularly—perhaps too regularly.  While credit can be a great financial tool, if it is used unwisely, it can be disastrous.  This workshop examines the wise use of credit, warning signs of credit trouble, and the options available for getting out of debt and reconstructing existing credit to its greatest advantage.

Co-sponsored: Workplace Wellness & Valley First Credit Union
Presenter: MEMBERS Financial Services

Clear Direction for a Confident Retirement
For those approaching retirement, or even if you're already retired, you should plan to attend this special workshop on retirement income. You need to create a comprehensive retirement income plan, one that includes your financial objectives and takes into account potential obstacles like inflation and health care costs. In this no cost workshop, we'll discuss the importance of addressing questions such as:

• How do I get the most from my pension and Social Security?
  
• How should I invest to generate income during my retirement?
  
• What sources of income should I draw upon and when?
  
• How can I potentially reduce my taxes?
  
• How does estate planning affect my retirement?
  
• How much will I be spending to meet my basic needs?

You'll take a look at the big picture and scrutinize the often-overlooked details. In the end, you'll be confident about building your retirement income plan. A Stanislaus Country Employees Retirement Association (StanCERA) representative will also be present to answer questions directly relating to StanCERA benefits.

Presenter: Valley First Credit Union     Co-Sponsor: Workplace Wellness

Credit reports and credit scores, as well as the rights and responsibilities that accompany them are a concern to many consumers. This seminar provides an overview of credit bureaus, credit scoring, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act as well as specific guidance on disputing inaccuracies, improving the credit score, and dealing with identity theft and fraud.

 
Presenter: Valley First Credit Union     Co-Sponsor: Workplace Wellness

With all the advancements in technology today, Identity Theft is more widespread than ever before! In this presentation we will cover several ways of prevention, understanding the signs if you are a victim and what steps to take if you do become a ivctim. Let us ease your mind and help you be a preventative champion in this life altering scam!

 
Co-sponsored: Workplace Wellness & Valley First Credit Union
Presenter: MEMBERS Financial Services

This workshop will help navigate through the differences in the way men and women journey through their financial lives, covering topic such as:

• Planning ahead for financial freedom.
  
• Putting your money where it will work harder for you.
  
• Finding your comfort level between risk and reward.
  
• Complimentary financial planning for all attendees, by appointment with MEMBERS Financial Services.

 
Presenter: Valley First Credit Union     Co-Sponsor: Workplace Wellness

Each person has a money personality that influences attitudes about spending and saving. By recognizing the tendencies and attitudes that have shaped past decisions, participants will be ale to make the necessary adjustments to change bad financial habits into productive ones.

 
Presenter: Valley First Credit Union     Co-Sponsor: Workplace Wellness

Rising college tuition costs continue to outpace inflation. However, through a combination of long-term savings and an understanding of financial aid opportunities, participants will learn how they can make continuing education for their kids--or themselves--a reality.