Continuing Education
BUSINESS
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 2/28
Thursday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $45** Maple Ave. O243
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 provided in each class. Class size limited to 22.
Starts 2/25
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 2/28
Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $45** Maple Ave. O241
SPECIALS FOR BUSINESS
10 COMMON IRA MISTAKES…"PROTECT Your Valuable Retirement Assets."
One Night Robert M. Schermerhorn, CFP
You’ve worked hard to build your retirement assets and you want them to continue to work hard for you – throughout your working career and your retirement years, as well as for your family. IRA’s have plenty of benefits and flexibility, but those benefits come with certain rules and regulations you need to keep in mind. This class highlights some of the most common mistakes that people make with their IRA’s, so that you can learn to avoid them. This class is specifically designed for those planning on retiring within the next 5 years and retirees. Robert Schermerhorn, CFP, has been a local financial planner for over 24 years and operates Saratoga Financial Services on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.
Thursday, March 27 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B104
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, March 13 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B107
ADVERTISING 101 – FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
One Night Deborah Morris
Do you know the difference between a rating and a share? Banner ad and two-inch column ad? ROS and PSA? This one night class will help small business owners understand the basic concepts behind mainstream and alternative types of advertising to help determine what kind and how much promotion you need to effectively market your business. We’ll cover TV and radio advertising basics – as well as print and other out-of-the box opportunities to make the most out of your advertising budget. Deborah Morris, Owner of imMEDIAte Productions, served two terms as President of The Ad Club, and has spent over a decade in the television industry, most recently as Director of Public Affairs for WNYT, NewsChannel 13.
Tuesday, March 4 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5**
B112
BUILD WEALTH INVESTING IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
One Night Cecil Provost
In today’s world, investing for the future is a downright necessity. While there are many different investment options, the fact is that nearly 70% of millionaires made their fortune in real estate. This workshop will teach you how to get started and how to avoid the biggest mistakes that investors can make. You may not have the resources to buy a shopping center, commercial property or apartment complex, but with a little planning, anyone can start to build a stronger financial future by investing in residential real estate. Instructor is a Realtor and Financial Advisor with nearly 20 years experience.
Monday, March 31 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5**
B109
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.
Thursday, March 27 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B107
COMPUTER
MAINTENANCE, SECURITY AND UPGRADES
Two Nights
Matt Banks
This class will teach you what regular maintenance you should be doing to your computer, even if you’re just looking at your family photographs! Is your computer not running up to speed? Worried that someone might get your personal information when browsing the internet or shopping online? Are viruses, worms, spyware, or other malware bogging down your computer? This class will beach you how to remove any harmful products in your computer that may have been installed. Also covered are operating system and software updates, computer and network security, how to back up your files, and general ways to make your computer run faster, including hardware upgrades. Many people forget how valuable their computer is until something goes wrong. By performing regular maintenance and keeping your system secure, just like your car, you will keep it running its best!
Session I: Tuesday, February 26 and March 4 or
Session II: Wednesday, February 27 and March 5
7:00-9:00 p.m. $10** Maple Avenue O241
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 couples or single persons ages 40-90. Topics will include revocable trusts, life insurance trusts, medicaid eligibility, health care directives, Section 529 plans and probate avoidance techniques. Questions are welcome.
Wednesday, March 26 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B102
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS WORKSHOP
One Night Cecil Provost
If you're like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or apartment that doesn't feel like yours. Well don't feel trapped any more! This workshop has helped dozens of local renters buy a home they can truly call their own. You can make this move too by discovering the important steps to home ownership. It doesn't matter how long you've been renting, or how insurmountable your financial situation may seem. With the help of this program, it will become suddenly clear to you how you can become a homeowner and stop wasting thousands of dollars on rent. Instructor is a Realtor and Financial Advisor with nearly 20 years experience.
Tuesday, March 25 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B109
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.
Monday, March 3 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5**
B106
HOW TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE
One Night Judy Bannon
Have you ever wondered why the two-page press release that you send to your local newspaper ends up being cut down to one paragraph when it finally gets to print, or doesn’t get printed at all? Learn what type of information newspapers and other publications look for in a press release, and how to word information to get the maximum publicity for your event or organization and not end up in the pile of articles that need major revisions and often never make it into print. Judy Bannon worked at The Post-Star in Glens Falls for 10 years, including seven as hometown editor, and was also the editor of Enlightening Bolt, a monthly publication that was distributed in New York, Massachusetts and Vermont, including the Saratoga region.
Monday, March 31 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5**
B107
INTRODUCTION TO EBAY
Two nights Ron Hosford
Got some "stuff" you want to get rid of?....Looking for some particular item you can't find anywhere?...Try EBAY!...A buyer and sellers auction place right on your home computer internet. This is a basic introductory course to familiarize you with the world of auctions on line. Learn, through handouts and general conversation, of the interesting world of EBAY. Course will cover registering on EBAY in order to both buy and sell, the procedures of both buying and selling and some techniques, tid-bits and tips about the EBAY experience. Learn some bidding techniques and some selling strategies. There will be a time period at the end of each class for questions. "Meet" other people who are looking and searching for that "one-of-a-kind" program from the old American Basketball Association and strike up a lasting relationship with a person selling sports clothing that they wore for a while and that are ready to go the next wearer... Class size limited to 15.
Tuesday, April 1
and April 8 7:00-8:15 p.m. $10**
B117
LIFE & DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM
One Night Kevin J. Johnson, LTCP, CLTC
Brian M. Johnson, CLTC, MBA
No matter what age you’re at, 25 or 85, Life & Disability Insurance has its place in your overall Financial Plan. Learn why. Learn the differences among the many carriers as well as the different plans. What’s better? Term, Whole Life or Universal Life…They all have their place! Don’t need Life Insurance any longer?...you’ll learn about “Life Settlements” & how they might be able to give you a windfall of money that you never expected. Why disability insurance is so critical to have and why and how to design the right Plan of Protection for Employers, Employees & Professionals. Each attendee will receive “How much Life Insurance Should I Own?” Workshop Instructors are Kevin J. Johnson, LTCP, CLTC, President/CEO New York Long-Term Care Brokers. Ltd. Kevin is a 33 year experienced Insurance Professional who has trained and educated many insurance agents & managers across the country in the areas of Long-Term Care, Life & Disability Insurance. He has conducted many Insurance Industry workshops and has been invited to speak at numerous National Insurance Symposiums as well as many public consume seminars. Brian Johnson has become one of the most knowledgeable young Insurance Professionals in the Capital District specializing in Long-Term Care, Life & Disability Insurance. He has taught numerous classes & conducted many seminars on those insurance issues.
Wednesday, March 12 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B101
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
One Night Charles Hicks
You’re insured for auto, home, health, and even your life. But did you know the single greatest financial threat faced by those over 50 is the rising costs associated with long-term care? After the age of 65, there’s a 70% chance you’ll require this chronic custodial care; and the probability increases to 8 in 10 for those living past the age of 80. (The fastest growing age group is the 85 year old). If you think you are too young to be considering this insurance, note that 40% of all long-term care is provided for working aged adults between the ages of 18 and 64. Nursing homes now average nearly $100,000/year across the Upstate area. The average stay has reached 3.1 years, with 10% remaining five years or longer. Home care costs less starting out, but can eventually cost as much as a nursing home. Your employee Health Insurance and Medicare don’t pay for this kind of care and with the passing of the Deficit Reduction Act (Feb ’06), Medicaid is no longer possible for middle America, as in the past. Become educated now! Learn the financial, legal and health issues to be considered as well as how to compare the policies available. Presented by Charles Hicks, ranking amongst the Top-10 agents in the U.S. Admitted to more than a dozen states and having offices in Saratoga and Manhattan, more than 2/3 of his business is referred by lawyers, CPAs and Money Managers. A speaker for the NYS BAR, his company now protects nearly $1/2B in assets.
Tuesday, March 25 7:00-8:30 p.m. $5** B112
NEW YORK STATE PARTNERSHIP
One Night Eileen Dunn
This class will explain the new program initiatives by New York State to help people retain their assets when they require long-term care at home, assisted living or in a nursing home. We will discuss the changes in the Partnership and the new “dollar-for-dollar” plans now available. The Deficit Reduction Act will be discussed in detail as well as the National Partnership initiatives. Participants will discover if the Partnership is appropriate for them, learn what language they need to see in a policy to get maximum benefits and a list of criteria to use when evaluating a long-term care advisor. Also discussed is the claims process of long-term care insurance from experienced care managers in the long-term care industry. This class is presented by Eileen Dunn of Trinity ElderCare Consulting & Management, LLC, a national speaker and presenter on long-term care.
Monday, March 10 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5**
B115
PAYING FOR COLLEGE MADE EASIER
One Night Bob Shorb
Find out about how to pay for college, how financial aid works and what you can do now to plan ahead for paying for the high costs of your child’s education. Topics will include what a college looks for when giving out student scholarships, the financial aid application process, financial aid programs, college savings plans and tuition tax breaks. A sample case study will be provided to explain how an actual financial aid award is determined. Get the knowledge and information needed to be successful in using financial aid to provide more choices for your child’s college educational opportunities and to be better prepared for meeting the cost of a college education, It’s never too early to plan! Especially designed for parents of middle school children, but certainly relevant to parents of senior high school students as well. A $5 materials fee payable to the instructor the night of class will provide you with a notebook of information to take home.
Session I: Wednesday, March 19 or
Session II: Wednesday, April 9
7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B102
PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT INCOME…
One Night Robert M. Schermerhorn, CFP
5 Questions to Address… 4 Steps to Consider… *Now you’re ready to begin planning for the next big goal of your financial life…turning the assets you’ve worked so hard to accumulate into a steady income stream that will last the rest of your life. This class is designed to start you out on the right foot with planning for retirement income. We will address five key questions and review the four steps that we think are absolutely essential in structuring a sound retirement income plan – one that will include practical strategies for managing your finances throughout retirement. Robert Schermerhorn, CFP, has been a local financial planner for over 24 years and operates Saratoga Financial Services on Broadway.
Thursday, March 20 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B104
SELL YOUR HOME FAST FOR TOP DOLLAR!
One Night Cecil Provost
Traditional methods of selling homes have become less and less effective in today's market. Statistics show that 76% of home sellers don't get what they want for their home. We'll show you how to beat the odds! This workshop discusses the common mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. You'll leave the workshop with a proven system that can help you sell your home fast and for top dollar! Instructor is one of the region’s leading real estate brokers.
Monday, March 10 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5**
B109
SMART WOMEN - SMART INVESTING
One Night Bruce Morrow
Wise investing! Establishing financial goals; Gathering data for a net worth statement: Basic investments and how to read a prospectus; Implementing an investment plan; and Monitoring an investment plan will be discussed by Bruce Morrow, a Certified Financial Planner and a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).
Tuesday, March 4 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5**
B103
SO…YOU WANT TO BE A REALTOR?
One Night Cecil Provost/Nancy Dwyer
If you’re considering a career in real estate, or are having trouble getting your career off the ground, this workshop will be very helpful. How do I get started in the business? What does it take to build a profitable career? How should I select a company to work with? How much can a good Realtor REALLY make? What are the pitfalls to avoid? These issues and more will be discussed at length. Instructor is one of the region’s leading real estate brokers.
Monday, February 25 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B109
SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS INVESTING: AN INTRODUCTION
One Night Harry Moran, Cornerstone Financial Advisors
Can you align your money and your values without hurting your financial well-being? Are reaping financial profit and living by your convictions mutually exclusive? They are not, many investors now believe. These pioneers are in the forefront of a socially and environmentally responsible approach to investing that seeks to achieve financial goals while actually benefiting the world. Integrating your personal values and your money can be an immensely empowering and liberating process. This workshop will enlighten those just beginning this journey and those who have already started the process. By attending this program, you can: Learn to align your investments with your personal values while maintaining the potential for superior returns: Understand some of the underlying myths about socially responsive investing; See how YOUR beliefs and values, when strategically meshed with YOUR financial choices can support a more prosperous, peaceful and healthy world: Understand the historical context of socially responsible investing (SRI) and the strategies underpinning values based upon investing: Compare the screening techniques used by SRI mutual funds and other professional money managers. Attendees get the opportunity to create social policy profiles and find out whether existing investments are consistent or in conflict with your core values and beliefs. The instructor, Harry Moran, a Certified Financial Practitioner (CFP®) since 1991, has advised clients on a wide range of financial and life planning issues for the past 20 years. Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant and Co. Inc. Member NASD SIPC. Class size limited to 20.
Tuesday, March 25 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B101
“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.
Wednesday, March 12 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B107
THE 7 WAYS TO MAKE LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE AFFORDABLE
One Night Kevin J. Johnson, LTCP< CLTC
Brian Johnson, CLTC, MBA
Not only will you discover which LTC Insurance carrier is best for your solution…you’ll learn about what’s better. Traditional or Partnership Plans, why a Cash Plan may be more desirable than a Reimbursement program. What Tax incentives, credits or deductions are available today for individuals and business owners. “Income Option Strategies” to help you afford Long-Term Care insurance. Each attendee (or couple) will receive “The Senior Solution” a family guide to keeping seniors home for life. Workshop Instructors are Kevin J. Johnson, LTCP, CLTC, President/CEO New York Long-Term Care Brokers. Ltd. Kevin is a 33 year experienced Insurance Professional who has trained and educated many insurance agents & managers across the country in the areas of Long-Term Care, Life & Disability Insurance. He has conducted many Insurance Industry workshops and has been invited to speak at numerous National Insurance Symposiums as well as many public consume seminars. Brian Johnson has become one of the most knowledgeable young Insurance Professionals in the Capital District specializing in Long-Term Care, Life & Disability Insurance. He has taught numerous classes & conducted many seminars on those insurance issues.
Wednesday, March 19 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B101
THE 10 BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN RETIRING & HOW TO AVOID THEM
One Night Bill Losey
You only get one shot at retirement. This is not a drill! Don’t let luck and guesswork 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. Bill Losey, CFP is the author of Retire in a Weekend! The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Making Work Optional. He also publishes Retirement Intelligence, a free weekly award-winning newsletter. Bill owns and operates Bill Losey Retirement Solutions, LLC, an independent registered investment advisory firm in Wilton. He can be reached at www.myretirementsuccess.com.
Thursday, March 13 6:30-8:00 p.m. $5** B105
THE SOCIAL SECURITY DILEMMA
One Night Bill Losey
Social Security is one of the most confusing aspects of retiring. When should you take it – 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 or later? This is one of the most important decisions you need to make because the decision is irrevocable. Once you make it, you can’t change your mind. How much can you expect? Do you know that your Social security benefits can be reduced and taxed? In this 90 minute town hall style workshop, Bill Losey, CFP, will show you what you need to consider before making decisions about your Social Security. You will learn how to calculate your NRA (Normal Retirement Age) and how this affects your monthly check. Bill will also show you some Social Security maximization strategies for couples. Bill Losey, CFP is the author of Retire in a Weekend! The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Making Work Optional. He also publishes Retirement Intelligence, a free weekly award-winning newsletter. Bill owns and operates Bill Losey Retirement Solutions, LLC, an independent registered investment advisory firm in Wilton. He can be reached at www.myretirementsuccess.com.
Thursday, March 6 6:30-8:00 p.m. $5** B105
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, March 5 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B112