The Portage County University of Wisconsin-Extension office is offering five financial management classes this fall. All classes are free and open to the public and will be held in Conference Room 2 of the Portage County Courthouse Annex Building, 1462 Strongs Ave., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pat Rychter, Portage County UW-Extension family living educator, teaches the programs.
The programs will be offered on four Thursdays and one Tuesday.
The first class, "The Time Value of Money," was held Thursday, Sept. 16, and was about using the time value of money to substantially reduce credit card interest, save thousands of dollars on a home mortgage, increase savings dramatically and put more money aside for retirement and other financial goals.
"Developing A Savings/Spending Plan" on Thursday, Sept. 30, covers the steps to use in knowing where money goes, preparing a spending/savings plan, guidelines for wise consumer buying within all areas of the budget, tips on balancing a budget and how to deal with budget deficits.
"Making Housing And Automobile Decisions" on Thursday, Oct. 14, deals with saving thousands of dollars in interest with a home mortgage, steps to consider when buying/renting or remodeling and considerations when buying or leasing an automobile.
"Managing Your Cash/Savings/Credit Card Debt And Home Equity Line Of Credit" on Thursday, Oct. 21, covers how to avoid credit problems with credit cards, home equity lines of credit and other types of credit use. The class covers managing cash and savings and learning how to spend less for credit.
The final class, "Investment Strategies," on Tuesday, Nov. 9, provides information to deal with the multitude of investment opportunities available, develop strategies for assessing different types of risks, gain ideas on how to have more money for college education, buying a home and retirement.
To register or for more information, please call the Portage County UW-Extension office at 346-1316.