PORTLAND, Maine–Town & Country’s 5th Annual Money Conference was held at USM in Portland. This year’s Conference featured a diverse range of topics focused on providing learning opportunities for nearly all demographics, all at no charge to attend.
Nearly 250 attendees registered for the 2019 Conference, and feedback from attendees on the value of the workshops was “overwhelmingly positive,” the credit union said. One attendee called it “one of the best conferences focused on personal finance and money management that I’ve ever attended.” Another remarked, “I was so impressed with your commitment to educating consumers on financial planning and managing money.”
A number of new workshops were held this year including Finances and Separation and Divorce; Discussing the psychology about how and why people spend and save; and Aging Parents and Finances. Some of the other workshops covered were on home buying, Millennials and finances, credit basics, paying for college, estate planning and car buying.
“It’s about sharing information, expertise and knowledge on financial topics that impact our everyday lives,” said CEO David Libby. “Nothing like this event is held in Maine, so we are proud to be a leader in financial wellness education in our state. October is National Co-Op month, and we can’t think of much else that highlights the spirit of cooperation any more than offering a Conference at no charge that can help people learn about financial issues that can have a positive impact on their financial wellness for years to come. This Conference is open to anyone because we want as many people as possible to benefit from the knowledge, expertise and discussion that our workshops and speakers will offer.”
The conference’s purpose and need is reinforced by strong evidence of the need for learning opportunities related to finances, with research indicating that 40% of Mainers don’t have money on hand to cover a $400 emergency, and 78% of Mainers live paycheck to paycheck.
“This conference was about sharing knowledge and information to help people better understand important financial issues that impact their lives today and in the future,” added Libby.
At right, from left: David Libby, president and CEO of Town & Country FCU, Linda Halleran, Community Engagement Manager at Town & Country FCU, and Chris Fraenza, VP of Partnership Marketing at SavvyMoney.