In addition to our Financial Household Resiliency workshops, Innovative Changes offers monthly seminars that cover special topics of interest to our clients and the community. See the schedule below for past and upcoming seminars.
To register please contact Talia at talia@innovativechanges.org or call 503-249-5205. Seminars are $5 and fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
*We are always looking for new ideas, suggestions and teachers for these seminars. To request a topic, receive more information, volunteer to teach/co-teach a seminar please contact us at talia@innovativechanges.org.
Upcoming Seminars:
Tax Time 101: Be Prepared!
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012, 5:30-6:30pm, Lloyd Center Mall, Suite 2011
Monday, March 5th 2012, 6:30-7:30, Midland Library
Wednesday, March 7th 2012, 6:30-7:30, Kenton Library
Please join Maggie Starr of CASH Oregon, Rebecca Flanagan, tax attorney and tax site manager and Talia Kahn-Kravis of IC$ for an hour packed full of information to get you ready to do taxes and ensure you are making informed choices when you are filing for and receiving your refund. Topics will include: An overview of taxes and the mechanics of filing your taxes, available tax credits, what documents you will need when filing, where to do your taxes for free or low cost and how to stay in control of your paycheck, refund and expenses throughout the year!
Past Seminars:
Teaching Your Kids About Money, Tuesday, February 7th 2012, 6pm-7pm, Lloyd Center Mall, Suite 2011
One of the best gifts you can give your children is teaching them the skills to manage money. Passing on good money management habits is a concrete way that you can set your children up for a successful future; even if you are living on a tight budget. In this workshop we’ll discuss key ways to get your finances in order so you can serve as a model for your children. We will also cover activities and tips for teaching your kids about money and ways to save for all the extra expenses that come with having a kid (back to school, birthdays, college, etc.). It’s never too early to start learning and never too late to start teaching! Now’s the time to start your kids on a path to success!
Holiday Finances 101, Kenton Library on Saturday, November 19th from 4:00-5:30pm, Midland Library on Monday, December 5 from 6:30-8pm, Troutdale Library on Wednesday, November 30 from 6-7:30pm
The holiday season is a stressful time. In collaboration with Multnomah County Libraries, this seminar will equip interested individuals, with tools and resources to minimize stress during through the holiday season. The first part of the seminar will be facilitated by a professional shopper who will give insider tips on shopping for the holidays. Then, we will discuss topics such as: managing holiday stress, saving and budgeting for the holidays, figuring out what the holidays mean to you and how to bring your family together during the holidays in a low cost way. We will also have information from other organizations in the community that provide specific holiday resources (food, gifts, clothes…etc) for individuals and families during this time. So come, bring your family and start taking steps to get through the holiday season in an enjoyable way!
Student Loan Consolidation and Repayment Plans, Tuesday, October 25th 2011, 5:30-6:30pm, Lloyd Center Mall, 3rd Floor
In this workshop participants will learn how to take an inventory of outstanding student loans, keep student loans in good standing, and create a manageable plan for repayment. Other topics of interest will include: the consequences of student loan default, how to rehabilitate student loans that are in default, the Income Based Repayment plan and its benefits, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Collections Seminar, September 13th, 5:30-6:30pm, (2011 Lloyd Center Mall, 3rd Floor)
Baffled by the world of collections?
Do you get frequent calls from collectors and not know how to deal with them?
Interested in finding out what your rights are as a debtor?
Come to our seminar that will break down the often haunting world of collections! Learn what collectors are allowed and not allowed to do, how to work with collections strategically and more about the system of collections in general.
Predatory Lending, July 19th, 5:30-6:30pm, (2011 Lloyd Center Mall, 3rd Floor)
Our very own Program Director, Sarah Chenven, will lead an enlightening seminar on predatory lending: How does it work?, What are the attractions?What’s legal? And, what are all these fees that draw people into a never-ending cycle of debt? What are alternatives to the reckless lending system?
New Banking Regulations and How They Impact You!, June 7th, 2011 5-6:30pm, Lloyd Center
Scott R. Hartley, Branch Manager at Sterling Savings Bank, a partner of IC$ will discuss new banking regulations and how these effect you as a banked or prospective banked person. He will go into consumer rights and more. This seminar will be great for service providers and anyone interested in learning more about how to use the banking system to your advantage and avoid extra fees.
Saving, Investing and Risk Management, Wednesday, April 6th 2011, Lloyd Center
Investing can be intimidating if you don’t have enough information, but with time, it can be very rewarding. Join Innovative Changes and financial advisor, Chris Kiichle of Pacific Capital Resource Inc. to gain tools to responsibly plan ahead for a successful financial future. This seminar is for those who have taken some steps to create a longer term budget and are interested in leveraging their money to make the most out of their savings. Chris will give us insight on how to save and invest in a sound and informed way.
Making the Most of Tax Time, Monday, March 7th 2011, Lloyd Center
Tax time brings a window of opportunity. With the added boost to your budget from a tax return you can start paying off some debts that you’ve been worrying about, check off items from your wish list, or set up a savings account for your child’s college education….the possibilities are endless! However, it’s important to remember, even with this extra money, planning is key to using it effectively. In this monthly seminar, we will cover topics such as the mechanics of getting a tax return, how to wisely budget and save your tax return, Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs), Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) and more!
Student Loan Consolidation and Repayment Plans, Tuesday, February 8th 2011, New Columbia Opportunity Center
In this workshop participants will learn how to take an inventory of outstanding student loans, keep student loans in good standing, and create a manageable plan for repayment. Other topics of interest will include: the consequences of student loan default, how to rehabilitate student loans that are in default, the Income Based Repayment plan and its benefits, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Holiday Finances 101, December 1st, 2010, New Columbia Opportunity Center
This seminar will equip interested individuals, with tools and resources to minimize stress during through the holiday season. During the first part, we will discuss topics such as: managing holiday stress, saving and budgeting for the holidays, figuring out what the holidays mean to you and how to bring your family together during the holidays in a low cost way. The seminar will be followed by a resource fair at which we will have representation from other organizations in the community that provide specific holiday resources (food, gifts, clothes…etc) for individuals and families during this time. So come, bring your family and start taking steps to get through the holiday season in an enjoyable way!
