Here's a brief description of some of the workshops we offer:

Manage Your Money (Stop Laughing! It's Possible...)

Our most popular seminar deals with the basics of budgeting, planning your spending to realize your goals, and tracking your spending.  Suggested donation: $5.00

NEW!!!!

Buying and Keeping a Home
Learn the ins and outs of homeownership. So many questions need to be answered before you sign on the dotted line: How much house can you afford? How can a real estate professional help you make the best choice? What do you need to know about mortgages and credit? This 4-part series can help you make the best choices for your future -- homeownership IS the American Dream. Begin the road to homeownership with CCCS.


What's The Score? Understanding  Credit
Find out what you know about credit!  What is it and what does it really cost?  How do you fix your past credit mistakes?  Learn how to read your statements and credit reports; all about credit repair; government regulations on credit...and more.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Don't Shop Til You Drop - Enrich Your Holidays Insterad

How can we make memorable holiday seasons without ruining our finances?  Learn ways to enrich the holidays--make lasting memories, enjoy family fun, creating meaningful traditions and celebrate the spirit of the season--all without breaking the bank!  Suggested donation: $5.00

Credit: Getting it. Keeping it. Using it.

Find out what information appears on a credit report, the best ways to address "bad credit," how to correct errors in credit reports. Also includes information from 10 Credit Mistakes to Avoid (see below).  Suggested donation: $5.00

Honey I Shrunk the Paycheck

Surviving A Reduction in Income Discover ways to plan for lay-offs, down-sizing, and retirement, how to economize on spending during times of unemployment, and the importance of communicating with your creditors.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Raising a Money Smart Child

As a parent, what can you do now to help prepare your child for financial success? Reviews activities which are age-appropriate to encourage children to save and spend wisely.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Can't Buy Me Love

What's your money personality? What influences your spending and saving decisions? This seminar examines various money styles and includes a self-test to help you know your money triggers and how that can impact relationships.  Suggested donation: $5.00

If We Didn't Have to Eat, We'd Be Rich!

Explore ways to economize on food, and modify your shopping habits to maximize your food dollars. Includes menu planning worksheets and shopping tips.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Got Per Cap?  Get Caught Up for Good!

Does it seem the per capita money is gone long before it even arrives? Explore ways to get more from your per cap.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Manage Your Money: The Sequel

A special follow-up workshop for Manage Your Money Graduates.  Take the next steps in organizing, planning and managing your personal finances.  How to survive tough times, figure out your net worth, make longer-term money plans, increase those savings and permanently get rid of debt.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Stretch those Dollars!

Learn new ways to squeeze your dollars and cents to provide more of what your families' basic needs and even having a little left over at the end of the month!  Suggested donation: $5.00

Preventing ID Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America.  Experts estimate that one in 11 Americans will be a victim.  What exactly is identity theft?  How do you protect yourself? What should you do if you suspect you have been victimized?  Get the answers you need.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Making a New Money Start

How do you make resolutions that actually work? Learn the SMART method of goal-setting and get your plan for your financial life in place for 2005.  This is the year to do it!  Enjoy a sense of peace and freedom by making a new money start this year.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Loan to Own (making sensible borrowing choices)

An overview of borrowing basics, car loans, other secured installment loans and unsecured loans.  What does a lender look for and what should a borrower watch out for!  Learn about the terminology, benefits, and potential pitfalls of borrowing.  Is it in your best interest to sign on the bottom line?  Suggested donation: $5.00

Craving Savings???

Yearning to feel secure financially?  Tired of living on the edge?  Come catch the Savings Bug at Consumer Credit Counseling.  You'll receive tips, tricks and support to make your savings dreams a reality.  Learn about North Carolina Saves and other great ways to get the most out of your savings dollars.  Suggested donation: $5.00

If you are interested in having CCCS provide a workshop or seminar to your organization or business, please contact our Education Department at (828) 255-5166 or by e-mail:

Laurie Knowles, lauriek@cccsofwnc.org