Financial Handbook - Smart Investing

Financial Planning Opportunities For People of All Incomes

"Managing my money gives me a sense of pride"

"I need information on money management that is realistic for someone who is working, but not earning a lot. Someone like me."

Consumer Focus Group Multnomah County CCFC

T his handbook is filled with information about financial education and opportunities to create a savings or checking account. You can also find contact information for ordering your credit reports and debt management assistance. The handbook is organized by major topic with specific contact information below each topic heading. All phone numbers, addresses, names and websites are accurate as of February 1, 2012.

Being informed about your money and committed to a savings plan is the first step towards your financial success. Whether you have always kept to a tight budget or you are just starting out, congratulations on taking charge of your future. Everyone can begin with a few simple steps for saving and spending:

? Make money ? Don't spend it all ? Pay off debts ? Start saving as soon as you pay off debts

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 2007

Keeping track of your money can be easier when you have information to help you begin to make plans for your money. Financial education can encourage you to be honest about your budget, set goals for spending plans and save more money. Whether you want to get out of debt, open a new checking account, create and stick to a budget or create a spending plan for future dreams you can begin with tips and tools to help with your personal needs.

Financial Literacy/Education 99 Web-Based Education 99 Coaching/Counseling/Classes 99 Credit Reports/Debt Counseling 99 Free Tax Assistance 99 Help with Tax Problems & Issues 99 Knowing Your Banking Options

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Web-Based & Community

Education

If you don't have your own

computer to access the

Internet, use the library's

for free. Call 503-988-5402

to find the Multnomah County library branch near you.

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Smart Saving

? The Smart Saving web site is Multnomah County Library's hub for personal finance information, with links to on-line education and resources on many money management topics. Visit smartsaving

? From the Smart Saving page, you can also explore books, DVDs, and other library resources about financial topics

? Free community programs are offered at library branches--see the events link on the Smart Saving site, or visit Events. Facebook and Twitter

360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

? This website is sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. It has 33 different calculator tools that provide information on calculating car or mortgage loans, saving for retirement, and financing higher education

? The site provides detailed information on financial planning for people in different life stages: Young families, student years, mid-life workers, retirement planning, and so forth

? Visit Facebook and Twitter

AARP

? Offers tips and strategies for successful savings, money management, addressing debt, and avoiding credit card fraud

? Provides updates on tax law changes and advice on different issues related to taxes

? AARP's Tax Aide Program provides face-to-face tax assistance and preparation. The site can also help consumers locate free tax preparation sites

? ? choose Money topic Facebook and Twitter

America Saves

? Provides savings strategies and resources that provide a wide range of information, including savings on common household expenses such as food purchases, transportation, banking costs, and entertainment

? Facebook and Twitter

"It's never too early or too late to start planning. You can take action today to ensure your financial security in later life."

OSU Extension

Beehive

? Resource website provides useful information for individuals and families

? The Money topic provides links to local banks and credit unions as well as information on how to open accounts, obtain loans, pay bills and obtain free credit reports

? Contains the "Money Made Easy" online course for family budgeting and budgeting worksheets

? Supplies link to free online tax preparation, forms, and electronic filing services

? ? choose the Portland version from the main page for local information and select the Money tab Facebook and Twitter

Federal Reserve Education

? Education in financial subjects such as banking basics, consumer protection, establishing credit, consumer guide to credit cards, and mortgage lending

? Youth-oriented financial education activities for K?12 students

? Teachers' resources with lesson plans by topic and grade level

?

FINRA

? Provides comprehensive resources to get started with learning to invest and to protect yourself against fraud

? investors

Jumpstart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy

? Dedicated to improving the financial literacy of pre-K children through college-age adults

? "How to Raise a Money Smart Child" ? a parent's guide to teaching children about finances is available through the resource/clearinghouse link

? "12 Principles Every Young Person Should Know" provides a 2-page, 12-month calendar with tips highlighted each month

? Contains content and resources for teachers to prepare lesson plans about financial education

? Visit Facebook and Twitter

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