On the Money is a series of free seminars on financial topics.  It is offered every Thursday from 1:00-2:30pm at WorkSource Whatcom, 101 Prospect Street in Bellingham.  On the Money is free and open to the public.  Registration is not required.  You can find the schedule on the “Financial Education Calendar” tab.

Below is a description of each seminar with links to resources.

Prioritizing Your Spending
How to gain control of your finances and make a spending plan.
This seminar will address how to spend and save on a limited income.  Participants will make an estimated budget for their income and expenses.  They will examine the costs of different spending habits.
Led by Laurie McClain, WABC Volunteer and Socially Responsible Financial Advisor

• Budget worksheet (.xls)

How to Avoid Banking Fees
How to open a bank account and avoid overdrafts and ATM fees.
This seminar will cover the ins and outs of payday lending and check cashing.  Participants who have never had bank accounts or who have had a bad history with banks will learn about their banking options.
Led by Anjali Englund, Opportunity Council

Unveiling the Credit Mystery
What goes on your credit report? How can you get your free credit report?
This seminar will take place in the computer lab.  We will demonstrate how to access free credit reports online.  For those participants who can’t access the report, we will give instructions for how to get a credit report by mail.  The seminar will cover what items show up on a credit report, how to dispute items on a credit report, and tips for improving your credit.
Led by Reid Frederick, WECU

• annualcreditreport.com
• creditkarma.com
• www.optoutprescreen.com

Debt & Bankruptcy
How to make a plan to get out of debt, when to consider bankruptcy.
This seminar will cover different kinds of debt, including medical debt, credit card debt, court fee debt, student loans, and other debts.  Participants will learn how to create a debt management plan.  The seminar will discuss what your rights are when dealing with creditors, and when to consider filing bankruptcy.
Led by volunteers from LAW Advocates

• CLEAR line: 1-888-201-1014 (between 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Monday – Friday) If you are low-income and live in Whatcom County, you can call to get advice and referral to volunteer legal resources.
• If you are over 60, call CLEAR Senior, 1-888-387-7111.

Finances in a Crisis
How job loss, illness, family break-ups, and other life events affect finances.
It might be easy to stick to a budget when you have a steady job and stable expenses, but challenges arise with life changes such as layoffs, illness, or a family break-up.  Participants will discuss how to anticipate and plan for changes and emergencies as well as how to deal with financial surprises.
Led by Theresa Smith, Goodwill