The Financial Check-in with FAME workshop series was created to help Maine people strengthen their money-management skills and confidence, empower them to plan for education costs, reduce financial barriers, and support long-term education affordability. While these events are free, we do ask that participants register for the sessions they wish to attend.
Miss an event you wanted to attend? Session recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
2026 Events
Need Help Choosing a Student Loan Repayment Plan? Start Here with Betsy Mayotte
August 7, 2026 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Student loan repayment can feel complicated and overwhelming, especially for recent graduates and borrowers in the SAVE forbearance. Starting on or after July 1, borrowers in SAVE forbearance will be notified by their servicer that they’ll have a 90-day window to choose a new repayment plan. If you are unsure how to pick a repayment plan, join us for this session with student loan expert Betsy Mayotte. Betsy will share the latest federal repayment updates and provide practical guidance on choosing the plan that is best for you.
School is in Session: Digital Financial Wellness for Real Life
September 4, 2026 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Affording higher education starts with building strong financial habits. In this session, we’ll introduce a free online financial wellness platform with resources for budgeting, saving, and future planning that can help you make informed decisions about higher education, training, and other educational opportunities.
The Surprising Ways That FAME Can Help
September 8, 2026 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
FAME offers more than you might expect. Learn about the wide range of programs, tools, and resources available to support Maine families with education planning, college savings, financial aid, and financial wellness.
BOOK CLUB: Putting the Literacy in Financial Literacy
September 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 2026 • 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Join FAME’s Education Affordability and Financial Wellness Counselor, Maire Pelletier, for a four-part discussion of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni. Discover practical, values-based approaches to spending, saving, and managing debt that can help reduce financial stress and create opportunities invest in your future education and career advancement. Participants must attend all sessions and purchase their own copy of the book. For general education purposes only.
Yes, You Can Save for College (and Still Get Financial Aid)
October 2, 2026 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Explore easy‑to‑use digital tools that help you build everyday money skills. This session introduces an online financial wellness platform with resources for budgeting, saving, credit, and planning, designed to meet you wherever you are.
Financial Aid Made Simple
October 13, 2026 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Financial aid doesn’t have to be complicated. This session walks through the basics, from the FAFSA to financial aid offers, so students and families understand what to expect and how to navigate the process with confidence.
The Student Loan Repayment Survival Guide
November 6, 2026 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Repayment can feel daunting, but you have options. Learn about current repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and strategies to manage student loans realistically and responsibly after graduation or leaving school.
Saving for Education: How Your Money Habits Add Up
November 10, 2026 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Small financial choices can make a big difference over time. This session explores how everyday money habits, like budgeting and saving, can support short‑ and long‑term education goals.
More Than Just College: Exploring Education and Training Pathways
December 4, 2026 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
College isn’t the only path to success. Learn about alternative education and training options, including certificates, apprenticeships, and workforce programs, along with how to pay for them.
Personal Finance Boot Camp
December 8, 2026 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Planning, saving and paying for college starts with strong financial habits. This practical session covers budgeting, saving, and planning strategies that can help you prepare for education expenses, make the most of your financial resources, and reduce the need for borrowing. Whether you’re saving for college, supporting a student’s education, or planning for future training opportunities, you’ll gain tools and strategies to help make higher education more affordable.
2027 Events
Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Understanding Maine’s Education Savings Programs
January 8, 2027 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Maine families have access to valuable education savings benefits. Learn how education savings accounts and the $500 Alfond Grant work, and how to maximize their value for future education costs.
Scholarships: Finding Free Money for School
January 12, 2027 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Scholarships aren’t just for straight‑A students. This session shares tips on where to find scholarships, how to apply, and how to improve your chances of landing a scholarship.
Education Tax Breaks: What Families Should Know
February 5, 2027 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Education expenses may come with tax benefits. Learn about common education‑related tax credits and deductions, and how families can plan ahead to take advantage of them.
Let’s Make a Plan to Pay for Higher Education
February 9, 2027 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
College costs can be stressful—but a plan helps. This session walks through the key pieces of paying for college, including savings, financial aid, and borrowing, so families can approach costs calmly and confidently.
Money Safe: Outsmarting Fraud in Everyday Life
March 5, 2027 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Learn how to recognize common scams, safeguard personal information, and avoid costly fraud, including student loan scams, scholarship scams, and other schemes that target students and families.
Credit Scores Explained (and Why Yours Matters)
March 9, 2027 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Whether you’re considering student loans, financing a training program, or preparing for future financial opportunities, understanding credit is essential. This session explains what influences your credit score, why it matters, and steps you can take to build and maintain healthy credit, helping you borrow responsibly and make informed decisions about financing your education.
The Personal Finance Quiz Show Where Everyone Wins!
April 2, 2027 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
In this fun interactive session, we’ll explore practical financial strategies and real-world examples, and tips for budgeting, saving, borrowing wisely, and planning ahead for college and other education expenses. Everyone leaves with new insights and tools they can use to support their education and financial goals.
The $500 Alfond Grant: How to Claim It for Education
April 6, 2027 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Many Maine students have an Alfond Grant, but they may not understand how it works. This session explains eligibility, what the grant funds can be used for, and how to access the money when the time comes.
Paying for College Without the Panic
May 7, 2027 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
College costs can feel overwhelming, but a plan helps. This session breaks down saving, financial aid, scholarships, and borrowing so you can understand how the pieces fit together and move forward with confidence.
Making Informed Choices About College Loans
May 11, 2027 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Before borrowing, it pays to understand your options. Learn how different loan types work, how much is reasonable to borrow, and how today’s decisions affect tomorrow’s finances.
Summer Reads for Money Savvy Kids
June 4, 2027 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Discover age-appropriate books that spark conversations about money, saving, and goal setting while encouraging educational aspirations. Early financial literacy can help children build the skills and confidence needed to plan, save, and prepare for future college and career opportunities.
FAME’s Financial Wellness Greatest Hits (Panel)
June 8, 2027 • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Hear from financial wellness experts as they share practical tips and proven strategies for managing money, reducing financial stress, and planning for the cost of college. Gain tools to help make higher education more affordable while supporting your long-term financial goals.
Money Tips for Your College Student (and You)
July 13, 2027 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
College brings new financial responsibilities for students and families. Learn practical tips to help your student manage money wisely.
Informational Videos
Watch FAME videos and recorded presentations to help you understand the financial aid process.
