How You Can Be Financially "Fit" in 2009

According to personal financial expert Suze Orman, 2009 is the year that could make or break you financially. With job layoffs, foreclosed homes and down investments, now is the time to take control of your finances. The Scott County Community Foundation will host a financial fitness seminar on how you can be “fit” in 2009.

What is your long-term investment strategy and how can you weather the storm? Syd Whitlock, the President/CEO of Scott County State Bank, will present “Retirement Investing” from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Syd has been in the banking industry for 10 years, and has served as the President/CEO at Scott County State Bank for two years.

How important is health and life insurance? What do you do if you’re laid off from your job? How important are the liability limits on your personal insurance? Richie Buchanan of ISU Insurance and Investment Group (formerly Marley Insurance Agency) will talk about “Protecting your family and yourself” from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Richie is part-owner of ISU Insurance and Investment Group and has worked in the insurance industry for 7 ½ years. He helps with home, auto, business, life, and health insurance, and much more.

Is your credit card debt mounting? Do you want to raise your FICO score? What do you need to know about interest rates? Syd Whitlock will lead a discussion on “Credit” from 12:30-1 p.m.

How are you going to pay for your child’s education and what is the best way to save? Amberley Kendall, the branch manager of New Washington State Bank, will present creative methods of “Paying for College” from 12:30-1 p.m. Amberley has been in the banking industry for 11 years. She has her insurance license and specializes in promoting products and services for loans, new accounts, training, and referrals to investment advisors.

How can you be financially fit and still continue with your charitable giving? The lunch keynote speaker will be Brad Bumgardner, the Executive Director of the Parke County Community Foundation. He will discuss how the Scott County Community Foundation can work with you to fulfill your philanthropic goals from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The informational meetings will be held Friday, April 3, with your choice of a morning session and an afternoon session. Participants have the option of having lunch provided. All attendees will receive Suze Orman’s paperback book, “2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe and Sound” valued at $10.

Registration for the seminar is $5, which includes a copy of the book. You may choose to have lunch provided for an additional $5. Registration is due by Wednesday, March 5. Checks may be made payable to the Scott County Community Foundation.