Learn the fundamental building blocks of a solid savings and investment plan, including the financial products that are available and where they might fit into a balanced portfolio. Understand diversification and asset allocation in the context of Abbott’s own 401(k) options to help determine what’s right for you. A meal is served during this class.

If the word “budget” scares you, this class will provide an alternative, realistic system you can start using now to: 

• Establish short- and long-term financial goals 
• Create a “roadmap” for reaching your goals 
• Learn to live with the money you have now 
• Develop and follow a plan to reduce and eliminate debt

Prepare for the car-buying experience by identifying the primary steps and understanding the three most important transactions involved. You will be able to negotiate your best deal with confidence. Leasing information is also provided, including how to determine the real interest rate.

Are you the best person to be handling your investments? For many people, a professional financial adviser is a smarter, more comfortable choice. However, choosing the right financial professional — deciding with whom to trust  your money — can be an intimidating process. Learn important criteria, such as qualifications, credentials and compensation methods that will help you evaluate potential advisers, as well as how to handle ongoing monitoring of their efforts.

From estimating how much house you can really afford, to choosing the right home loan for your situation, this class prepares you to move through the process confidently and with less stress.

Gather ideas on becoming a smarter spender. This course offers advice and 101 money-saving tips for people who want to become smarter consumers. You’ll learn how to reduce utility, insurance, interest, and car related costs, as well as many other ideas including specific ways to lower your grocery store bills.

It's never too early to begin instilling money concepts whether your children are preschoolers or in their early teens. The objective of this class is to help you teach your children to become good money managers and smart consumers. You will be provided with different schools of thought regarding allowances and chores. Take the ideas tha you like and apply them to your situation.

With all of the different mortgage options available - do you know which one is right for you? Do you know what the choices mean? (fixed rate, ARM, hybrid payment, interest only, etc.) After attending this class, you will have the basic knowledge to analyze mortgage choices and select the product that fits your needs and budget.

The consequences of identity theft can be extreme, and the best way to deal with this growing threat is to be informed. Learn how to identify phishing attempts on the Internet, how to protect your privacy in your daily financial transactions and the important steps to take if you believe your financial identity has been compromised.

Getting out of debt is essential for a solid financial plan. This class teaches practical, long-term advantages of a debt-free life and shows you how you can achieve it with a step-by-step plan for debt reduction and, ultimately, debt elimination. Can be taken as Part II of Be the Boss of Your Money

Your 401(k) is an essential part of long-term financial planning, but if you want to move beyond the basics, this course will help you evaluate how well other types of investments will help you achieve the level of financial success you desire. Topics include choosing and monitoring mutual funds, and important factors to consider when you’re ready to take the plunge into buying, owning and selling individual stocks. A meal is served during this class.

Are you uncertain of the impact your IRA will have on your taxes? This course will cover investment tax basics such as capital gains and tax rates. Specific taxes relating to investments (IRA’s, bonds, mutual funds and annuities) will also be discussed. Attendees will be given strategies and 10 rules for tax-smart investing to help guide you through the investment maze.

Whether you attend this class with your teenagers or they come on their own, the lessons learned will provide an invaluable start for smart money management. Topics include controlling spending, the “rules” of plastic and how to avoid teen-targeted scams. Pizza and soda are served

Learn how to get your credit report, how to read it, and what your credit score means to you and to potential lenders. Strategies for improving your credit score are revealed, as well as how to dispute and correct credit-reporting errors.

Don’t get caught short when disaster strikes. Learn insurance terms and understand just how much coverage you really need for your home, autos and other important possessions. Identify ideas for keeping premiums under control. Because good record keeping can be critical to the insurance claim process, you will also learn basic organization skills and find out which records to keep and how long to keep them

Many people say they don't know where their money goes. Maybe it's time to find out where your money goes and create a plan to take control for a better financial future. Learn the difference between fixed, flexible and irregular expenses and how to address all of them responsibly and realistically. Can be taken as Part I of Be the Boss of Your Money.