Most people could benefit from financial advice but, in many cases, they simply don’t know where to go to get sound advice and they don’t want to find themselves in the middle of a sales pitch. Look no further than the free 2015 Alabama Money Expo being held on Saturday, March 7th at Carver High School in Birmingham, Alabama. If you have financial questions this is a great place to get answers (no sales pitches!) on just about any topic. Financial Education Outreach, a non-profit organization, is bringing in financial experts across a wide variety of financial topics. Here are some of the highlights of the event:
- One-on-one financial advice. You’ll be able to sit down with a professional financial planner and get advice about your most important concerns. Be sure to bring any documents you’d like to discuss. Due to limited space, you must pre-register for these one-on-one sessions at AlMoneyExpo.com.
- Youth and college zone. Whether you’re in high school or college, you’ll find a whole track of programs designed just for you! Going to college? Get help filling out financial aid forms. The ‘Youth in Philanthropy’ program will show you how to create maximum impact on your community and build a potential employer eye-catching resume at the same time. Planning to start a family? Parents of young children? Come hear the expert on ‘What it Costs to Raise a Child’. There’s even an expert on ‘Women in Aviation’!
- Reality Check! Wait! You mean money doesn’t grow on trees?! ACES Reality Check is a financial education simulation that allows youth to experience the realities of budgeting in an interactive and enjoyable way. This real life simulation teaches youth the basics of money management and the benefits of making wise financial choices
- Basic workshops. There will be a series of speakers on a variety of topics including: Smart strategies for renting, buying, protecting and keeping your home; Taking control of your personal finances and launching your financial plan; Becoming a smart investor.
- Advanced workshops. In the advanced workshops experts will lead a discussion especially for women on how to ‘Close the Gap in Compensation’ (how to ask for a raise and get it!) and take control of your finances; Why you need a will and what it should say; 6 Secrets to Creating an Outstanding Retirement; Financial planning for your business.
- Personal finances can be fun. Come hear the comedy of Deno Posey or have a conversation with Ben Franklin (better than the Elvis impersonator!).
- Shredder service. It’s vitally important to destroy personal documents that thieves could use to steal your identity. Gone for Good Document Destruction (a service of United Cerebral Palsy) will be at the event from 8:30a–12:00p to shred your documents.
- BB&T Bank Bus. The BB&T bank bus will be there to pull your credit report for free. You’ll also receive advice on budgeting, credit counseling and tips on improving your credit score. This is all part of the Free Credit Café.
- There will be a number of exhibitors there to help you. Two examples include Birmingham Public Library with ideas for using the library as a resource to help you ‘Grow Your Money’; Alabama Securities Commission to help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
You can register for this free event or get more information at www.ALMoneyExpo.com. Registration is not required but it will make you eligible for some great door prizes!
Correction: In last week’s column about dying without a will, I incorrectly stated that the court would appoint a ‘guardian ad litem’ to oversee/protect the assets of a minor child. The correct term is ‘conservator’. Thanks to Huntsville attorney Jerry Barclay for alerting me to my error!