Personal Finance Education

New to the U.S. banking system? Or just want to make sure you’re using your bank accounts wisely?

Learn the basics of how banking works in the United States and how to choose and use the accounts that fit your needs. We’ll cover checking and savings accounts, debit cards, bank fees,

ATMs, direct deposit, checks, and transferring money—plus important things to know about

keeping your money safe.

You’ll leave with a better understanding of:

• Checking vs. savings accounts
• Common banking fees and how to avoid them
• Debit cards, ATMs, and direct deposit
• Checks and other ways to access your money
• Sending and receiving money in the U.S. and internationally
• Questions to ask when choosing a bank or credit union

40 minutes of practical information + Q&A

Session 1: Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. via Zoom

Session 2: Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. via Zoom

Where does your money go—and how can you make it work harder for you?

Whether you’re living on financial aid, a paycheck, an assistantship, family support, or a combination of income sources, knowing what comes in and what goes out is an essential part of financial independence. This workshop will help you build a realistic budget that works with your actual student life—not an imaginary one.

We’ll cover:

• Understanding your income and expenses
• Separating needs, wants, and financial goals
• Managing irregular income and expenses
• Creating a spending plan you can actually follow
• Preparing for unexpected expenses
• Finding room to save while still enjoying life

40 minutes of practical information + Q&A

Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. via Zoom

Think you need to make a lot of money before you can start saving or investing? Think again.

The earlier you understand saving and investing, the more time your money has to work for you.

This workshop will break down the basics in straightforward language and help you understand where to begin—even if you’re starting with a small amount.

We’ll explore:

• Why saving and investing are different
• Building an emergency fund
• Short-term vs. long-term financial goals
• How compound growth works
• The basics of investment accounts and retirement accounts
• Asset classes (cash, bonds, stocks, and real estate)
• Risk, diversification, and why they matter
• How to get started when you don’t have much money

40 minutes of practical information + Q&A

November 17 at 6 p.m. via Zoom

Taxes can feel complicated. They don’t have to be intimidating.

Whether you’re filing your first tax return, working while in school, completing an internship, or balancing multiple sources of income, this workshop will help you understand the basics of the U.S. tax system and what you need to know when tax season arrives.

We’ll cover:

• How the U.S. tax system works
• What a W-2, W-4, and 1099 are
• The difference between income and taxable income
• Federal vs. state taxes
• Tax withholding and why it matters
• Common tax forms students may encounter
• What to expect when filing your tax return

40 minutes of practical information + Q&A

February 4 at 6 p.m. via Zoom

Your credit history can affect much more than your ability to get a credit card.

Learn how credit works, what goes into your credit score, and how to use credit cards responsibly. Whether you’re building credit for the first time or already have a card in your wallet, you’ll learn strategies that can help you establish a strong credit history and avoid costly mistakes.

We’ll cover:

• What a credit score is—and why it matters
• How credit scores are calculated
• Building credit from scratch
• Debit cards versus credit cards
• Choosing and using a credit card
• Interest rates, minimum payments, and fees
• Credit utilization and payment history
• Common credit mistakes and how to avoid them

40 minutes of practical information + Q&A

March 8 at 6 p.m. via Zoom