Continuing Education
BUSINESS
AUTO CAD
3 weeks Nancy Auspelmyer
Learn/Review and practice basic AutoCAD commands through demonstration and class exercises for use in any discipline. Basic computer skills required and basic drawing skills highly recommended. Bring a laptop with AutoCAD LT or AutoCad2000, 14, or newer. If you need access to the program, please indicate so on the registration form.
Starts 4/12
Mondays and
Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 p.m. $15**
B110
BASIC WINDOWS
7
weeks
Bill Leakakos
This course is designed for those with very little (if any) knowledge of computers. Learn the concepts, terminology and components of the personal computer. This course teaches you the basics of using your computer including how to turn it on and turn it off. Learn to open and close software, maintain and update your computers operating system, organize your hard drive, and manage files and folders (delete, restore, copy, move and rename). Learn how to perform internet searches and how to browse the internet safely. Class size limited to 22.
Starts 2/25
Thursday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $45**
Maple Ave. O243
EXCEL: LEVEL II
7 weeks Howard Kunz
Do you know how to use Excel to perform basic calculations and want to take it to the next level? This class will help you get more out of Excel and will cover intermediate formatting techniques, using functions to create complex formulas, creating and modifying charts, and using Excel as a database. Instruction and hands on workshop sessions to practice concepts from the class will be included
Starts 2/24
Wednesday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $45**
Maple Avenue O241
INTRODUCTION TO EXCEL
7 weeks Maxine Washington
At the completion of this Excel course, you will have a strong foundation of skills in creating basic worksheets, as well as multiple worksheets that use the three-dimensional workbook environment; utilizing the auto sum and the paste function to create formulas; developing, defining, printing and deleting ranges; formatting worksheets using various techniques that will raise the level of worksheet appearance; using the auto fill, custom lists, filtering and sorting feature; moving and copying data by using shortcut menus, drag-and-drop editing and toolbar buttons; various printing options and creating charts using Excel worksheet data. A perfect class for those new to using and/or needing Excel! Join us! Handouts will be provided in each class. Class size limited to 22.
Starts 2/22
Monday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $45**
Maple Ave O241
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT ACCESS
7 weeks Howard Kunz
If you’re using Excel and Word to manage your records or business operations, you can work more efficiently using Access – the database component of the Microsoft Office Suite. Access provides a better, quicker, more versatile, and safer way to manage your lists and business. This course will teach you Access basics and how to apply them to your needs. Because Access is an advanced program, students should be comfortable using Windows based programs and have some experience with Word and Excel. Class size limited to 22.
Starts 2/25
Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $45**
Maple Ave. O241
SPECIALS FOR BUSINESS
A MUST FOR “SELLING A HOME IN A CHANGING MARKET”
One Night Bret McArthur
The days of just putting a home in the MLS and a sign in the ground are over. The agent you hire must be up-to-date with all the tools necessary so you get SOLD and for Top Dollar. Topics Covered: Understanding the Local Market Conditions, How to Sell Your Home at the Highest Possible Price, Determining Your List Price, 21 Home Selling Tips, Staging and Preparing Your Home for Sale, The 10 minute Showing drill, 7 Mistakes Sellers Make When Selling Their Home, Contract to Closing and What Is Involved, New Roof or Furnace – Which Should I Do?, The Internet’s Role in Selling Your Home, Interview Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent, Home Marketing Options and Resources, and How to Have Agent’s Lined Up and Waiting to Show Your Home Before All the Others. This class will give you the competitive edge and tools necessary to get your home Sold for the Highest possible price. The instructor is a Regional Developer and Broker for a leading International Real Estate Franchise.
Thursday, February 25 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B102
BUYING A HOME: “THE AMERICAN DREAM”
One Night Bret McArthur
First-time buyers, move-up or downsizing buyers, learn what it takes to come out on top when buying a home in today’s market. Topics covered: 6 Costly Mistakes Made by Home Buyers, How Mortgages Work, Understanding Local Market Conditions, Buying a Home with No Money Down, How Much House Can I Afford?, What To Expect Contract to Closing, Attorney & Inspectors Roles, How Seller Motivation Affects Your Offer Price, 10 Tips to Successful Real Estate Investing, and “Buyers Agent” and the Advantages of Having One. Today’s market is changing and the knowledge gained from this class can save you thousands of dollars when buying a home. Each class participant will receive valuable money-saving coupons from various professionals involved with the home buying process. The instructor is a Regional Developer and Broker for a leading International Real Estate Franchise.
Tuesday, February 23 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B102
BUYING A HOME IN A SHIFTED MARKET
One Night Cecil Provost
The real estate market has shifted – now what? Is it smart to buy real estate any more? Should I buy now, or wait? How can I get the best deal? Is mortgage financing still available? What’s happening in the local real estate market? Where are things headed? Join one of the Area’s top Realtors for a 90 minute discussion on the state of the local real estate market and how to take advantage of the opportunities that exist.
Monday, March 22 7:00-8:30 p.m. $7**
B105
ESTATE PLANNING FOR THE OVER-40 CROWD
One Night Dean Coon, Attorney at Law
"Good luck is the residue of timely planning." We will explore a variety of estate planning options suitable for singles or married couples. Topics will include revocable trusts, Medicaid eligibility, wills, probate avoidance techniques, etc. Instructor has been a certified elder law attorney for the past 10 years under the auspices of the National Elder Law Foundation, as accredited by the American Bar Association. Questions are welcome.
Wednesday, March 24 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B114
HOW TO OWN YOUR PAYCHECK AGAIN
One Night Leo Quinn
Learn how to get completely out of debt, including your mortgage in less than 10 years...sometimes as little as 5 years and get this...the more debts you have the BETTER. That's not a misprint. If you can pay all your debts and bills on time now, this will work for you and yes, the more DEBTS you have, the better it will work and the FASTER you will get out of debt! There is no magic here. You don't need to cut out all your fun or cancel your vacations. You will learn a BETTER way to pay your debts using the money you already use to pay them. HINT: Stop paying that little bit extra on all your debts. You'll learn where to put that "extra" (if you have any) and why. Five years from now, will you be deeper in debt, or will you be like Heidi who took the class in 1998? "The class has helped me to make dramatic changes to my spending habits (now being more aware of where my money goes), my debt elimination and future investment plans. In one year, I have paid off over $12,000 in debt." A $20.00 materials fee will be collected by instructor the night of class.
Wednesday, March 3 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B108
INTRODUCTION TO TAX-FREE INVESTING THROUGH MUNICIPAL BONDS
One Night Richard White
Individual investors are the largest single group which invests in municipal bonds. In part because these bonds are issued to fund vital infrastructure projects in communities ranging from construction of schools to highway and sewer systems. Most municipal bonds are exempt from federal income tax. Many bonds are also exempt from state and local tax if the investor is a resident of the issuing state. This course will highlight the different types of municipal bonds and the characteristics that an investor should look for.
Thursday, March 11 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B111
LESSONS FOR LIFE: a Money class for Teenagers and their Parents.
One Night Caryn Kennedy
It’s about time! In our session, we’ll show these young adults what it takes to be financially successful. With topics such as pay yourself first, how to start saving early, make you money work for you, needs vs. wants, understanding credit and more. (Class is taught by a mother of 3 children, including 2 teenagers).
Wednesday, March 10 6:30-8:00 p.m. $7**
B111
MODULARS MAKE SENSE
One
Night Cecil Provost
As Bob Vila says, “Modular homes are like the hybrid car of the house-building industry. They save money, they make sense, but they haven’t caught on yet.” This 90 minute workshop will explore the myths and realities of modern modular construction, discuss the modular building process and help anyone considering new home construction be a better-educated consumer. Instructor is Cecil Provost, President of Saratoga Modular Homes and one of the area’s Top Realtors.
Monday, March 15 7:00-8:30 p.m. $7**
B105
NEW FUNDING ALTERNATIVES FOR LONG-TERM CARE NOW AVAILABLE IN
NEW YORK STATE
One
Night Eileen Dunn
and Kevin Newman
The simple fact is, when you need care, it has to be paid for. The question is what’s the most effective way to fund this expense and what programs are available now to pay for it. Learn the necessary terminology to understand what Medicare covers, how Medicaid works and what services must be paid for out-of-pocket. We’ll discuss the eligibility criteria for these government programs, current changes taking place and how the future benefits will likely change. We’ll discuss the funding options available to alleviate financial burden including: life insurance with a long-term care rider now available in New York, long-term care insurance and the NYS Partnership for Long-Term Care. Eileen Dunn is a certified care manager and national presenter and speaker on long-term care. Eileen@trinityeldercare.com Kevin Newman is a certified long-term care specialist and financial advisor in the Capital District. Kevin@longtcare.com
Thursday, March 25 6:30-8:00 p.m. $7**
B114
NEW YORK STATE PARTNERSHIP
One Night Eileen Dunn and Kevin Newman
This class will explain the NYS Partnership for Long-Term Care and the plan options available. You will learn about long-term care from a health care perspective to become an educated consumer regarding long-term care plans. You will discover if the Partnership is appropriate for you, learn the terms necessary to ensure a policy will maximize home care benefits and provide flexibility of who can provide the care. Each company is different and it’s crucial that certain language be included. Also discussed is the claims process of long-term care insurance from experienced care managers in the long-term care industry. Eileen Dunn of Trinity ElderCare is a certified care manager and long-term care specialist. Eileen@trinityeldercare.com. Kevin Newman is a certified long-term care specialist and financial planner in the Capital District. Kevin@longtcare.com
Thursday, March 11 6:30-8:00 p.m. $7**
B114
REQUIRED RECORD KEEPING FOR THE TAXPAYER
One Night Nancy Dowd
Good records are imperative to protect against additional tax, penalties and interest should the IRS examine your tax return. Proper record-keeping is also the best way to ensure you’re claiming all eligible deductions. Learn what documentation is acceptable to the IRS to substantiate such itemizations as rental property expenses, self-employment deductions, stock basis, dividend and interest income, itemized deductions, unreimbursed employee business expenses, dependent care expenses, and HAS or IRA contributions or distributions.
Tuesday, February 23 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B114
ROTH IRA CONVERSION
One Night Caryn Kennedy
“A Roth IRA is worth more than a conventional IRA because withdrawals from it are forever tax-free…” Pay Now or Pay Later. Is a Roth IRA Conversion right for you? In 2010, for the first time, higher income taxpayers will be able to convert from a traditional IRA, 401(k) to a Roth IRA, which was once limited to those with AGI of under $100,000. Join us to discuss: The special features of Roth IRAs; How to Convert to a Roth IRA and Why NOW may be the time to convert – including spcial tax treatment in 2010 and 2011.
Tuesday, March 23 6:30-8:00 p.m. $7**
B111
SELLING YOUR HOME IN A SHIFTED MARKET
One Night Cecil Provost
The real estate market has shifted – now what? CAN you sell a home now, and if so, how? Should I try to sell now, or wait? What’s really happening in our local market? Where are things headed? Selling real estate in today’s market definitely requires a different approach. Join one of the area’s top Realtors, who has experienced many of these market cycles, for a 90 minute discussion on how to sell a home in this shifted market.
Wednesday, March 3 7:00-8:30 p.m. $7**
B105
“SOONER IS BETTER THAN LATER” The Do’s and Don’ts of Estate Planning
One Night Debra Verni, Esquire
This program is designed to assist you with developing an estate plan that fits your lifestyle. Issues discussed will include why everyone should have a Will, Living Will and Health Care Proxy and how to effectively use a Medicaid Trust to protect your assets. There will be ample time for questions. Debra Verni is an Elder Law Attorney.
Tuesday, March 9 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B102
TAKING CONTROL: A Financial Workshop for Women
Two Nights Tonia Kelley
Many women believe that their financial well-being is linked solely to their marital status or their ability to earn an income. True financial independence, however, has much more to do with taking control of the finances you have, setting financial goals and learning to use financial strategies that will help you meet those goals. This workshop will present the basics and teach you some sophisticated financial concepts. You’ll gain a working knowledge of the six areas every financial management program must consider – cash management, risk management, investment, tax, and retirement planning and estate conservation. We’ll discuss paying for college tuition and long-term care, saving on taxes and retiring in comfort. I’ll share special information for women who are divorced or widowed including tax implications, estate planning, investing a retirement plan distribution or property settlement, and many other concerns that directly affect your family’s future. Single, married, working or widowed, Every Woman can take control of the money she has, make it grow and plan for financial security. It’s just a matter to taking the time to learn how. A $20 materials fee payable to the instructor the night of class provides you with a financial management workbook with 120 pages of sound ideas and proven strategies. It’s an excellent resource that is filled with valuable financial information you can use again and again.
Wednesday, February 24
and March 3 6:30-8:00 p.m. $12**
B115
THE 10 BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN RETIRING & HOW YOU CAN AVOID THEM
One Night Bill Losey
You only get one shot at retirement. This is not a drill! Don’t let luck and guess work form the foundation of your financial security. At this town-hall style workshop you’ll learn the common mistakes people make when retiring and more importantly, how to avoid them. Come armed with your questions and concerns, and walk away with straight answers and sound advice. A $20 materials fee will be due and collected at the workshop. Bill Losey, CFP®, coaches women and couples (age 50-65) with their retirement planning and investment portfolios. He is the author of Retire in a Weekend! The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Making Work Optional and also publishes Retirement Intelligence, a free weekly award-winning newsletter. Bill owns Bill Losey Retirement Solutions, LLC, an independent registered investment advisory firm in Wilton and can be reached online at www.BillLosey.com.
Tuesday, March 23 6:30-8:00 p.m. $7**
B104
THE NEXT STEP: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PURCHASE A HOME
One Night Mary Beth Uebrick, Mortgage Loan Consultant
Cary Hickey, Licensed Real Estate Agent
So you’ve decided to purchase a home! Now come get the answers to all your questions from financing to your move-in day. Four professionals will guide you through the largest purchase you will probably ever make. Take advantage of this “One Stop Evening” and receive valuable information which will save you time and money. Discount coupons will be available for each class participant. Professionals include a mortgage specialist, real estate agent, attorney and home inspector.
Thursday, March 18 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B106
TIPS ON HOW TO BUY A NEW CAR
One Night Barry Levine
Learn how you can have access to accurate, unbiased information about the vehicle of your choice. Topics covered are: successful negotiation techniques, using rebates and incentives to your advantage, maximizing trade-in value, how to spot dealer questions you should never answer, how to use the dealer invoice to your advantage, the best time to buy a new car and many more.
Wednesday, February 24 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7**
B112
WOMEN & INVESTING: What You Should Be Doing Right Now
One Night Caryn Kennedy
In this interactive workshop we’ll discuss why and how men and women are different in their financial lives and how we, as women, need to organize our finances and prepare for retirement during these challenging economic times.
Tuesday, March 16 6:30-8:00 p.m. $7**B111