FAME provides FREE webinars on a variety of financial topics, including how to prepare and pay for training beyond high school, become financially savvy, and repay student loans. These webinars are held the first Friday of most months at noon and are recorded for later viewing. While these events are free, we do ask that participants register for the webinars they wish to attend.
July 11
Raising Financially Savvy Kids
During this workshop, we’ll share key strategies for supporting your child on a path toward lifelong financial wellness, including free resources and tools to support you on your journey. Whether your child is seven or 17, it’s never too early (or too late) to begin talking with your child about money.
July 31
Managing YOUR Student Loan Debt Crisis: What’s at Stake When You Ignore Your Student Loans
Things aren’t getting any cheaper, including student loans. If you are one of many borrowers who feel that student loan repayment is a can of worms, and are unsure what to do, then this session is for you. Join FAME and national student loan expert, Betsy Mayotte, for free advice and options for getting back on track with your student loans. Reclaim your financial future by letting us help you decipher the confusing and often vague information regarding federal student loan repayment.
August 1
Who’s Keeping Score? Understanding Your Credit Score and Why It Matters
We all know that credit scores are important, especially when it comes to buying a car or purchasing a home. However, many consumers are unsure what is included in a credit report, how it all comes together to calculate a score, and the many ways that our credit scores are used. During this workshop, Rod Griffin, Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian, will join FAME to share the factors that impact a credit score and how to strengthen your credit history and improve your scores.
September 5
FREE Online Financial Wellness for Maine People: A Tour of Enrich®
It’s never too late (or too early) to build your financial knowledge, skills, and behavior. During this session, we’ll introduce you to FAME’s free online financial wellness tool, Enrich. Through Enrich, you’ll find easy to use, engaging, and fully customized tools and resources to help you strengthen your money skills. You’ll also have immediate access to free courses, articles, videos, calculators, and an interactive Money Personality tool. Learning about money doesn’t have to be boring or time consuming, and this session will help you find a path toward success.
October 3
Oh No, My Budget is Leaking! Top 10 Areas Where Our Budgets Leak
Whether trying to save more, pay down debt, fight inflation, or just make ends meet, it’s important to get the most out of a budget. But money has a way of leaking out of our pots of gold, and in this session, we will look at some of the most likely areas where you can button up and redirect your financial resources.
November 7
Getting the Most for Your Money: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and the Return on Investment of Higher Education
Join FAME to learn about financial aid for Maine students, tools for evaluating college affordability, the return on investment of education, and the keys to unlocking free money and scholarships. We’ll bust some myths about saving for college and the impact on financial aid, along with strategies that will help you feel more confident and prepared to develop a plan to pay for education beyond high school.
December 5
Understanding Multiple Pathways to Education and Training
There are more options than ever to help Maine people gain the essential education and skills needed to prepare for a future career, or to level up skills for an existing career. From apprenticeships to bachelor’s degrees, there are numerous education and training options across the state. During this informative session, we’ll provide an overview of the latest options, funding available, and how both traditional and non-traditional students can find alternative pathways to achieve their higher education goals.
January 9
A Most Important Lesson: Financial Wellness for Children and Teens
Studies show that parents and caregivers are the number one influence when it comes to building a child’s lifelong financial skills. However, many of us didn’t receive financial education at home or at school and are unsure where to begin. The good news is you don’t have to be an expert, and you don’t have to go it alone – FAME is here to help! Join us for easy-to-use tips and conversation starters and learn about free resources and tools to help your entire family build financial wellness.
February 6
Tax Benefits for Education and Student Loan Repayment
There are two things in life that you can’t control – death and taxes. Wait, is that always true? Maybe not. If you are saving for college, have education expenses, or are repaying student loans, you may be able to affect your tax obligations. Join FAME and Allison Bishop, CPA and financial coach, to learn about tax credits here in Maine and at the federal level that will help you offset the costs associated with education and training.
March 6
One of These Things is Not Like the Other: Understanding the Differences Between the Alfond Grant and NextGen 529®
Maine people have access to two unique programs created to help save and pay for education after high school. However, understanding how each program works can sometimes be confusing. During this session, we’ll provide an overview of Maine’s college savings program, including the $500 Alfond Grant. We’ll explain how the programs differ, how they can help raise post-secondary aspirations, share tools for evaluation, and demonstrate ways that families can maximize their savings.
April 3
Investing for Beginners
Investing means putting your money to work for you, which sounds like a good thing, right? Yes, but even though we are living in a time when investing is easily accessible to all, it remains intimidating and leaves many unsure as to how to start or whether they should begin to invest. In this educational session, FAME will provide the basics and open a window into the world of stocks, bonds, compound interest, and more.
May 1
Understanding and Comparing Federal and Private Student Loans
Most students, and often their families, find themselves having to borrow student loans to cover the cost of education. However, understanding the features, costs, and application process for various loans can be a daunting task. During this session, FAME’s student loan experts will provide an overview of student loans, including the differences between federal and private loans, the application process, tips for comparing loans, and other important considerations.
June 5
FAME Programs and Resources: Tools to Help You Succeed
During this webinar, members of FAME’s education team will provide an overview of the free programs, tools, resources, and counseling available to you from FAME. Whether you’re a parent of a young child, a high school student, a teacher, or an employer hoping to build financial wellness in the workplace, FAME has something for you!
July 10
FAME Business Programs
You’ve heard all about FAME’s college savings and education financing programs, but what about our economic development and business financing programs? Join Jennifer Cummings, FAME’s Director of Business, to learn about all the programs and the services that we provide to help expand business opportunities in Maine.
Past Webinars
Explore our Financial Check-in with FAME playlist on our YouTube channel for videos covering a variety of timely financial wellness topics.
Informational Videos
Watch FAME videos and recorded presentations to help you understand the financial aid process.