| Business & Finance - Spring 2013 Courses |
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 13SBF08 - Accounting and Bookkeeping Basics
Better skills equal better pay. Whether you are an entrepreneur or someone looking for an office position, basic accounting and bookkeeping translates into higher pay, more responsibility, and job promotion. There are always openings for people with accounting and bookkeeping skills.
We suggest people take a basic accounting course before taking a computer course like QuickBooks.
This course will examine basic accounting theory and application from the first transaction through the post-closing trial balance.
Topics include:
- business transactions and changes
- debits and credits
- journalizing business transactions
- posting to a general ledger
- worksheets
- financial statements
- closing entries
- checking accounts and bank statements
Try our no-stress, fail-safe approach to accounting. We begin each class by explaining a new accounting theory or rule. Students then complete review exercises and problems in their workbook. Finally, students reinforce concepts and accounting procedures by keeping the books for a simulated business. The instructor is sensitive to the homework capabilities of working adults.
Textbooks required.
Title: Glencoe Accounting First Year Course Student Edition (hardcover); Author: McGraw-Hill; Publisher: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 5th edition; ISBN: 0078456703
Title: Glencoe Accounting First Year Course Chapter Reviews and Working Papers, Chapters 1-13, with Peachtree Guides (paperback); Author: McGraw-Hill; Publisher: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 5th edition; ISBN: 0078461006
Title: Glencoe Accounting: 1st Year Course, Adventure Travels (paperback); Author: McGraw-Hill; Publisher: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 4th edition; ISBN: 002643976X
10 weeks/25 hours
Linda Campbell has over 20 years of accounting and operations management experience in both public and private accounting environments.
Mondays, February 25 - May 6
(No class April 15)
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $299
 13SBF01 - Successful Small Business Start-Up and Management by SCORE™
This course is primarily for people who are contemplating starting a business, have begun the planning process, or who recently started a business and are looking to sharpen their skills, investigate new tools, or expand their knowledge. The course consists of seven tested and acclaimed weekly workshops taught by successful business executives from SCORE™, Counselors to America’s Small Business. You’ll find this course a tremendous opportunity not to be missed.
Topics include:
- how SCORE™ functions
- how to get organized
- why businesses succeed or fail
- how to prepare a crucial business plan and communicate your strategy for achieving objectives
- how to create an effective marketing plan
- essential decisions to make when starting a business
- useful tips and tools for managing a successful operation
- an overview of financial documents as part of creating a business plan
- the importance of learning to read and use financial information to run your business better
- the growing importance of e-commerce and social media
- legal entity structures and tax-related issues important to the small business owner
Once you finish the course, SCORE™ counseling is available to you free of charge, in a one-on-one meeting, on any aspect of opening and managing your business, from your initial business plan to specific marketing or financing questions. (SCORE™ has offices in Worcester, Westborough, Fitchburg, Devens, Marlboro, Southbridge, and Whitinsville.)
7 weeks/17.5 hours
This course will be taught by various business executives from the Worcester chapter of SCORE™. Each instructor has a wealth of personal experience in the evening’s topic.
Tuesdays, February 26 - April 23 (NOTE NEW END DATE) Class WILL BE HELD on April 16
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $175 (Couples: $299)
“The things I learned in this course will stop me from making expensive mistakes.” ... “I appreciated how each instructor brought his real life experience to the classroom. They were generous with their knowledge.” ... “I thought the series of classes was a great value.”
Comments from students in Successful Small Business Start-Up and Management by SCORE™ taught by SCORE™ instructors
 13SBF02 - Project Management Professional (PMP): Training & Exam Prep Course
Are you a project manager looking to further your career? Do you support projects at work and want to understand more about project management? Are you preparing to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam? If you said yes to any of the above, then this course is for you!
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the demand for project professionals is staggering, with an average of 1.2 million projected new jobs needing to be filled each year for the next decade and an anticipated $4.5 trillion of U.S. GDP to be spent on projects through 2016. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to take advantage of new opportunities in project management.
Why should you invest in PMP certification? PMP Certification is widely recognized by major companies and governmental agencies as the standard qualification for the role of project manager. Workplace surveys demonstrate that Certified PMPs earn 15% more than their non-certified counterparts. This course will serve as an excellent exam prep course that will reinforce concepts and increase your chances of passing on the first try.
This course will cover the 35 contact hours required to take the exam. For other exam requirements, visit PMI.org.
The course is taught using a combination of lectures with actual project examples and hands-on class exercises. You’ll learn about each step in project management from start to finish: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. You will use real-world templates for managing a project’s schedule, cost, and risk and be able to immediately apply what you learn to your job. Previous knowledge of project management is not required.
You’ll find this course a tremendous value. Most training institutions and colleges charge between $2,400 to $4,500 for a PMP Exam Certification course. Don’t let your skills and qualifications become dated. Invest in your future, make yourself more valuable to your employer, and get that raise and promotion you deserve!
Note: Cost of course materials is $25, payable to the instructor on the first night. Recommended (but not required) study material: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide - Fifth Edition) (Note: 4th or 5th edition is okay) and The PMP Exam - How to Pass on Your First Try (Fourth Edition) by Andy Crowe.
6 weeks/36 hours
Bob Lane is a certified PMP with five years of project management experience. He has a B.A. in Electronic Imaging and a Certificate in Project Management from UMass. Bob is currently working as a project manager for a local medical device company.
Saturdays, March 2 - April 20 NOTE NEW END DATE
(No class March 9 and March 30)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Course Fee: $799
 13SBF03 - Corporations and LLCs
Are you running your own business or are you thinking about it? Are you worried about the risk: losing your assets? losing your shirt? If so, you might benefit from incorporating or becoming a limited liability company (LLC). Small or big, a corporation or LLC can provide plenty of protection, peace of mind, and other benefits. This seminar will help you decide whether Corporation or LLC is right for you.
Topics include:
- advantages of forming a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC)
- protecting your personal assets
- protecting your business assets
- how to decide between a corporation and an LLC
- how corporations and LLCs are taxed
- what a Subchapter S corp really is and how it differs from an LLC
1 night/3 hours
Pamela H. Sager, Esq. is a business attorney with Sager & Schaffer LLP in Westborough. She has over twenty-five years’ experience handling diverse business law issues. She regularly counsels clients on starting and operating businesses.
Tuesday, March 12
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49 (Couples: $65)
“This class was fantastic. It went past
my expectations. I feel very comfortable now making a decision on my business venture.” ...“This class answered the questions about entities that I was hoping for.”
Student comments on Pamela Sager’s class Corporations and LLCs
 13SBF04 - Starting Your Own Import Business
This informative seminar will introduce you to the lucrative business of importing. Whether you currently own a small business and are looking for new product ideas or want to explore different businesses, this course will cover the basics of importing at minimal cost. This course has been designed for first time importers with no experience. Reference material will be provided.
Learn about:
- locating overseas suppliers and paying foreign suppliers without financial risk
- setting up international transportation, documentation, and U.S. Customs regulations
1 night/4 hours
John Curran has been in the importing and exporting business for over ten years. He has taught this course at the University of Massachusetts, the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, and several other locations.
Wednesday, March 27
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Course Fee: $99
“I liked the step-by-step process to get started in the import business.” … “This is a very good class which I will recommend.” … “Lots of material and simple illustrations given out.”
Student comments about John Curran’s class Starting Your Own Import Business
 13SBF05 - Stock Trading Secrets
Learn top secrets that professional traders use to read the market and trade stocks. Join Jay DeVincentis, editor of Stockbarometer.com, as he teaches you how to time the market, read a chart, and profit in stock trading. Learn the secrets of the trade and how to avoid pitfalls that cause some new traders to fail.
Note: Once you sign up, email one stock pick to jay@stockbarometer.com and he’ll incorporate current daily and weekly charts into his presentation.
Topics include:
- how to read a stock chart using Japanese Candlesticks
- how to know when to buy and when to sell
- how to use technical analysis to get in and out of a trade
- how to read the market using sentiment and technical analysis
1 Saturday/3 hours
Jay DeVincentis is a President of Investment Research Group and editor of Stockbarometer.com. Jay has over twelve years of trading experience and issues a daily market outlook.
Saturday, March 16
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Course Fee: $49
“I was pleased with everything about the class and it was great to meet Jay, as I have read his weekly email.” ... “Jay is a very knowledgeable and professional presenter and lecturer.” ...
“I learned more than advertised.”
Students’ comments about Stock Trading Secrets taught by Jay DeVincentis
 13SBF06 - How to Get Debt Free!
“Make no mistake: Paying off the balance on a credit card is just about the best investment you can ever make,” says Andrew Tobias, financial planner, who writes for Forbes magazine. Paying off a 15% credit card is equivalent to getting a 15% return on an investment. See how you can achieve true financial freedom by first investing in your debt.
This class is not just for those with a debt problem; it is for anyone who wants to build real wealth and achieve true financial freedom. If you have debt payments of any kind - mortgage, credit cards, car loans, etc. - you should attend.
You can pay off your credit cards in one to four years. Then eliminate your 30-year mortgage in another three to six years. You will also understand why the mortgage tax deduction is a fraud.
Learn a simple, guaranteed system to eliminate all of your debts so that you can operate on 100% cash. You can do this with your current income without sacrificing your lifestyle.
Note: Bring your list of debts and a calculator to class. You will develop your own debt elimination plan that you can implement immediately into your lifestyle.
Course fee includes a 16 page workbook ($8 value). An optional text is available in class for $44.
1 night/3 hours
Blanchard Warren is a former management consultant and Certified Financial Seminar Leader.
Wednesday, March 13
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49 (Couples: $70)
“Step-by-step debt elimination plan.
Very encouraging and most helpful.” …
“I enjoyed finding out that getting debt free is doable.” … “I can’t wait to go home and set up my financial plan to
become debt free!”
Student comments from How to Get Debt Free! Taught by Blanchard Warren
 13SBF07 - How to Pay for College Without Sacrificing Your Retirement
Parents with children of all ages: Come hear college planning observations and strategies that you will not hear from your local high school. Author of Pay for College Without Sacrificing Your Retirement, Tim Higgins will discuss the most efficient ways to address the high cost of college.
Topics include, but are not limited to, learning:
- how every family, regardless of children’s ages or household income, can more efficiently plan for future college expenses
- why families who make $400,000 get financial aid
- why choosing a “reach” school may be dangerous
- how to predict your financial aid package even before you apply
- the best financial aid and admissions strategy - bar none
- the #1 question to ask colleges that may save you thousands off the total cost
- why 529 plans should be the fourth place you look to save
- how to find the right balance between your college and retirement goals
1 night/2.5 hours
Tim Higgins, who has appeared on The Lou Dobbs Show, MSNMoney, CNN Money, and in SmartMoney, Money, and U.S. News magazines, was named FIVE STAR Wealth Manager in Boston Magazine. Tim is a Certified Financial Planner™ and a Certified College Planning Specialist. He manages his own financial planning practice in Southboro, MA.
Monday, March 25
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $49 (Couples: $70)
“We thought the class was fabulous and would highly recommend it!” ... “I gained an understanding of how different colleges’ financial aid works.” … “I feel better about my grandchildren being able to go to college after taking this course.”
Comments from students of Tim Higgins’ course How to Pay for College Without Sacrificing
Your Retirement
 13SBF09 - Getting Published in Hardcopy and E-Book
Writing the book may actually be the easiest part of getting it published. It’s not enough to have a good idea; you’ve also got to find a way to get someone to listen to it.
This class will help authors of both fiction and non-fiction - professionals, aspirants, or hobbyists - stack the deck a little more in their favor by learning about how the new wave of e-publishing is sparking a revolution in publishing unseen since Gutenberg invented the printing press. The changes occurring right now are that profound!
This class will cover:
- how e-publishing and internet marketing are completely changing the rules of the game
- how the new e-book revolution is making it easier than ever for authors to get published and how you can use the new digital delivery systems such as Kindle and Nook
- how the author can gain the attention of bookstores, libraries, agents, and publishers, including boutique and genre publishers, plus new self-publishing options, to get publishing opportunities in tough economic times
- how to structure your book to appeal to both publishers and readers in your target market
- whether you need an agent
- the pros and cons of big or small publishers
- whether you should self-publish and what the options are
- practical issues like getting book signings and author events
- the importance of the internet and social media to writers
1 night/3 hours
Ric Wasley is a published author whose works include two new books: Echoes Down a Dark Well and Candle in the Wind, along with numerous articles and short stories. Ric has a 40 year professional career history in advertising, publishing, and marketing in Boston, New York and San Francisco.
Tuesday, March 26
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $85
“Mr. Wasley was inspiring and encouraging. He gave us very useful steps in writing query letters. The online stuff he told us blew my mind.” … “Ric dispelled
many misconceptions.”
Comments from students of Ric Wasley’s class Getting Published in Hardcopy and E-Book
 13SBF10 - Everything You Wanted to Know About Divorce But Were Afraid to Ask
Considering, contemplating, or decided on divorce? Educate yourself about the process of litigation and the option of alternative dispute resolution.
Topics that will be discussed include:
- child support guidelines
- financial statements
- temporary orders
- discovery
- restraining orders
- irretrievable breakdown
- fault grounds
- choosing a lawyer or mediator
- changing your name
- Judgment Nisi
- Judgment Absolute
- alternative dispute resolution and the pros and cons of mediation and collaborative law
The course will cover how you can save money, avoid lengthy court proceedings, and be an active participant in reaching an agreement and establishing your parenting plan. There will be some discussion of the social and psychological issues associated with divorce.
1 night/3 hours
Carolyn M. Mitchell, Esq.’s practice in Worcester includes family law, mediation, and collaborative law. She is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and the Bar Association Family Law Section, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Probate Court Committee, and Women’s Bar Association of Central Massachusetts. Carolyn is also a member of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, Inc., the Association for Conflict Resolution, and is Secretary of the Clinton Bar Association.
Wednesday, March 27
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49
“Carolyn is tremendously well-spoken! This class really answered most of my questions about divorce.” ... “I received a detailed list of requirements for filing, issues to think about, costs, and miscellaneous details I wouldn’t have
known about.”
Student comments from Carolyn Mitchell’s class Everything You Wanted to Know About Divorce But Were Afraid to Ask
 13SBF11 - Babysitting for Preteens - Saturday Workshop
Good babysitters can be hard to find. If your son or daughter is looking to start earning money by babysitting, we strongly recommend he/she take this workshop first. Babysitting can give your son or daughter responsibility, self-esteem, and the opportunity to earn and manage his/her own money. Siblings who watch over younger brothers and sisters will also benefit from this workshop. This course, taught by a licensed nurse, is tailored for kids age 11 to 15 and will follow guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Topics include:
- babysitting do’s and don’ts
- holding, feeding, and diapering an infant
- playing with children of different ages
- safe toys for children and home safety tips
- infant equipment (baby carriers, walkers, back packs, cribs, high chairs, playpens, strollers)
- basic first aid including the Heimlich maneuver
- police and fire safety
- babysitting etiquette
- babysitter check lists (questions and information babysitters need to get from parents)
- unexpected situations (power outages, strangers, etc.)
- problem solving and discipline strategies
Note: Please bring a bag lunch with a beverage.
1 Saturday/4 hours
Kathryn Antonucci is a licensed practical nurse who has taught this workshop to many babysitters. One of her former students saved someone’s life with the Heimlich maneuver.
Saturday, April 6
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Course Fee: $49
 13SBF13 - Mystery/Secret Shopping: How to Earn Extra Cash
Mystery or Secret Shopping is a tool used by market research companies to measure quality of service and gather specific information about products and services. Mystery Shopping is a $700 million dollar business and growing. One reason? Customer/patient satisfaction is being incorporated more frequently into executive pay.
The establishment being evaluated does not know the Mystery Shopper’s specific identity. Mystery Shoppers perform specific tasks such as purchasing a product, asking questions, registering complaints, or behaving in a certain way. The Mystery Shopper provides detailed reports about their experiences and receives compensation.
Mystery Shopping is a good way to supplement income for seniors, students, or anyone with extra time. Some assignments are as simple as a drive-through visit to a fast food restaurant while others require several weekends of work shopping every store at a major shopping mall. The opportunities are as varied as the compensation. There are also freelance work opportunities; for example, replenishing displays at retailers and big box stores.
This one evening workshop will explain the following:
- standards, rules, and responsibilities of a Mystery Shopper
- examples of Secret Shopper assignments and payments
- how to “claim” an assignment
- examples of “reports” or “feedback forms” required by the Mystery Shopper company
- how payment is made to the Mystery Shopper and how long payment takes
- how to search the internet for reviews about Mystery Shopper companies
- how to avoid Mystery Shopper scams
1 night/3 hours
Paula Pogorzelski, a self-confessed black belt shopper, was introduced to mystery/secret shopping several decades ago in a class similar to this one and has been supplementing her income with shops of all sorts ever since.
Wednesday, March 13
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Course Fee: $45
“Now I know where to legitimately search for these opportunities.” ... “Learned how to differentiate “real” from “scam” opportunities.”
Comments from students of Paula Pogorzelski’s Mystery/Secret Shopping:
How to Earn Extra Cash
 13SBF14 - Extreme Couponing Workshop
Extreme couponing isn’t as crazy as it may sound. You don’t have to let coupons dominate your life, and you don’t have to be embarrassed at the cash register. You just need the right strategies to use coupons in conjunction with store sales and promotions, and then enjoy the satisfaction of getting items for free or close to free. It’s about timing, and not necessarily using a particular coupon just because you found it in that week’s Sunday paper. Instead of using it immediately, you’ll hold onto coupons until items go on sale, maximizing your savings without sacrificing quality.
This course will break down the couponing process into manageable and easy-to-follow steps to get you on your way to saving at least 50% off your grocery bill. You’ll come to realize how many items you should never pay full price for again.
Topics include:
- what extreme couponing is and how it differs from regular coupon clipping
- how to get started saving money on groceries and household items
- “extreme couponing” strategies
- where to look online for coupons
- how you can save more per year using coupons than you can earn having a part-time job
1 night/2.5 hours
Elizabeth Lahens is an Extreme Couponer from Massachusetts and owner of www.extremecoupontoday.com. She teaches couponing throughout New England and has reduced a $375 grocery bill to ZERO with coupons. Elizabeth enjoys teaching others how they can do it too!
Thursday, March 21
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $45 (Couples: $75)
“Loved how well Elizabeth spoke about couponing and how she was able to help me learn to start saving for my family.” ... “Liz helped me look at couponing
differently, not just for myself but to
help others.”
Comments from students of Elizabeth Lahens’ Extreme Couponing Workshop
 13SBF12 - Using Social Media to Grow Your Business or Non-Profit
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to grow your business or organization by connecting with customers through social media. We’ll explore the most popular social media tools including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You’ll learn to create profiles and pages, attract fans and followers, what to post to encourage conversations with your audience, and how to measure the success of your social media efforts. We’ll also touch on other social media sites such as YouTube, Yelp, Pinterest, and blogs. All students will have the opportunity to explore various social media during class and receive feedback from the instructor.
2 weeks/6 hours
Erin Howard, MBA in Marketing, is the owner of Streamline which provides online marketing support to small businesses. She has over fifteen years’ experience in marketing and communications at both large and small companies including Staples and EMC.
Wednesdays, March 20 and March 27
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $195
“Erin is very good at weaving in how the subject matter related to each of our particular goals for taking this class.” … “The class gave a good initial overview
of a very broad, detailed subject.”
Comments from students in Erin Howard’s
class Using Social Media to Grow Your
Business or Non-Profit
 13SBF18 - First-Time Home Buyer Workshop
Are you thinking of leaving renting behind and becoming a homeowner? Buying a house is probably the largest, most important, and most expensive transaction you’ll ever make. This one night seminar will arm you with valuable information you’ll need during your real estate journey. Four specialists - a loan officer, home inspector, real estate agent, and attorney - will take questions.
Topics include:
- down payment requirements
- applying and qualifying for a mortgage
- looking for a home
- the importance of a home inspection
- what is covered during a home inspection
- reading a home inspection report
- how property value is determined
- appreciation and depreciation
- information the bank appraiser provides
- when and why an attorney should be contacted
- the negotiation process
- simple terms to add to an offer to purchase
- protecting your deposit
- why a purchase and sales agreement is never standard
- title examination
- what to expect at closing
1 night/3 hours
Martin O’Sullivan is a Community Development Officer with Marlborough Savings Bank.
Wednesday, March 20
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $39 (Couples: $44)
 13SBF15 - Essential Practices for the Successful Landlord
Owning and managing residential properties can be a financially rewarding opportunity to create personal wealth. It can also become very challenging and stressful if not run and handled properly like the business that it is. Being an informed and knowledgeable landlord will increase your chances of success.
This course will guide you through the entire rental process from advertising an apartment to tenant selection to sending the final report after the termination of tenancy. It will include almost every step, procedure, and situation you may encounter in the interim.
Topics include:
- rental applications
- fair housing laws
- screening prospective tenants
- types of tenancies
- maintenance and repairs
- lead paint law
- proper rent increase notices
- terminating a tenancy
- security deposits vs. last month’s rent
- Chapter 93A - MA Consumer Protection Law
- responsibility for utilities
- rent escrowing, non-payment of rent, and evictions
In addition, the course will also teach the “Income Approach” to evaluate and determine the value of rental properties that you are considering purchasing or selling.
2 weeks/6 hours
JoAnn Szymczak, GRI, CRS, earned a B.S. in Education and is a graduate of Realtor® Institute. JoAnn is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advantage 1.
Wednesdays, March 6 and March 13
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $99
 13SBF16 - Buying Foreclosed Properties, Part One: Classroom Session
Lenders/banks will ramp up their foreclosures in mid-2013. Bank of America alone has one million customers who are past 60 days late on their mortgage. Interest rates are projected to stay low, which will cause home prices to slowly increase. Lenders need cheap mortgage rates to push prices back up near the peak to allow those who are currently underwater the ability to escape without a short sale. If you are looking for real estate bargains, consider buying foreclosed property. Purchasing a foreclosed property need not be risky if you are an informed consumer. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about purchasing these one-of-a-kind homes.
Sign up for Part Two to view actual foreclosed properties.
Part One - Classroom Session - includes:
- understanding pre-foreclosures, notice of default listings, as-is sales, bank-owned sales, public auctions, non-refundable deposits
- learning how to avoid bidding more than the house is worth
- identifying potential problems
- dealing with unpaid taxes and liens
- reading foreclosure listings
- contacting the trustee of the foreclosure sale to ask questions
- meeting with a team of experts including a realtor, attorney, auctioneer, and mortgage broker
1 night/3 hours
JoAnn Szymczak, GRI, CRS, earned a B.S. in Education and is a graduate of Realtor® Institute. JoAnn is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advantage 1.
Wednesday, March 20
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49
13SBF17 - Buying Foreclosed Properties, Part Two: Foreclosure Tour
Lenders/banks will ramp up their foreclosures in mid-2013. Bank of America alone has one million customers who are past 60 days late on their mortgage. Interest rates are projected to stay low, which will cause home prices to slowly increase. Lenders need cheap mortgage rates to push prices back up near the peak to allow those who are currently underwater the ability to escape without a short sale. If you are looking for real estate bargains, consider buying foreclosed property. Purchasing a foreclosed property need not be risky if you are an informed consumer. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about purchasing these one-of-a-kind homes.
Note: We recommend you take Part One: Classroom Session before taking Part Two.
Part Two - Foreclosure Tour - includes:
- previewing listing information from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- reviewing sales data to understand house values
- traveling by bus from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to view four to eight foreclosed properties in the greater Marlborough area
Don’t miss this chance to get an expert’s opinion on your future dream house.
1 Saturday/6 hours
JoAnn Szymczak, GRI, CRS, earned a B.S. in Education and is a graduate of Realtor® Institute. JoAnn is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advantage 1.
Saturday, March 23
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Course Fee: $49
“The class covered financing as well as risks in buying foreclosed properties.” ... “I liked the information and the war
stories.” ... “Multiple perspectives from three different instructors.”
Students’ comments from JoAnn Szymczak’s Buying Foreclosed Properties class
 13SBF19, 13SBF20 - Passport to Retirement
Learn how to avoid the ten biggest retirement planning mistakes! Whether your objective is to build a nest egg, protect your assets, or preserve your lifestyle throughout retirement, this course helps you plan your future with confidence.
Due to recent tax law changes, an uncertain future for Social Security, and the shift toward employee-directed retirement plans, the need for sound financial strategies has never been greater. In this course, you’ll learn how to: create a plan to retire early; manage investment risks; use new tax laws to your advantage; make informed decisions about your company retirement plan; and adjust your estate plan to function properly under the new laws. This course includes a 135-page illustrated textbook.
Class size is limited, so register today!
3 weeks/7.5 hours
Joseph C. Connolly, CLU, CHFC, CFS and RFC, of Connolly & Associates, Inc., an independent firm with Securities offered through Summit Brokerage Services, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory services offered through Summit Financial Group, Inc., a registered investment advisor.
SESSION A - 13SBF19:
Tuesdays, March 26 - April 9
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $79
SESSION B - 13SBF20:
Thursdays, March 21 - April 4
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $79
 13SBF21 - Wills, Estate, and Gift Tax Planning
This workshop will provide you with practical advice about wills, trusts and other estate planning strategies, including tax savings techniques. We will discuss the estate administration process and ways to simplify that process under the new Massachusetts Probate Code. This class will demystify the subject of wills, estate planning and gift tax planning and give you practical advice about planning your own estate.
Topics include:
- do you need a will?
- who will get your property if you die without a will?
- who should you name as executor, guardian, and trustee and what are their responsibilities?
- should you have a Health Care Proxy and a Durable Power of Attorney?
- how should you address blended family issues?
- is a Living Trust right for you?
- how will the new Massachusetts Trust Code impact the terms of your trust?
- how can you save estate taxes and administration costs for your heirs?
- does the new Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code mean the end of “probate” for many estates?
- where is the Federal estate and gift tax system headed after 2012 and how will potential changes impact your estate?
1 night/3 hours
Andrew B. O’Donnell, Esq. is a partner in the Worcester law firm of Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie & Lougee where he concentrates in tax and estate planning matters.
Thursday, March 14 (NEW CLASS DATE DUE TO 3/7/13 SNOW DAY)
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49 (Couples: $75)
 13SBF22 - Financial, Retirement, and Estate Planning for Women*
*Ladies: You are welcome to bring along your guy.
If you are a woman who feels intimidated by money issues, estate planning, or retirement planning, or who wants to know more about them but doesn’t know who to ask, this course will answer your questions in an easy, understandable, informal way.
Taught by two experts in their fields, this course will cover the basics, including:
- budgeting
- insurance
- investing
- retirement planning
- estate planning
- explanation of terms and examples in understandable language
1 night/3 hours
Carolyn Spring, Esq. has been an attorney in her own law firm for over 28 years, specializing in estate and retirement planning.
Barbara Cantwell, AAMS, is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. and has over 20 years of industry experience specializing in financial and retirement planning.
Tuesday, April 2
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49
“Very informative class, especially the explanation on legal details.” … “This class gave me a starting point for my situation and gave me so much to think about.”
Student comments from Carolyn Spring’s class Financial, Retirement, and
Estate Planning for Women
 13SBF23 - The ABCs of Eldercare Planning
Do you know what to do when your family member needs care? In this seminar, you will learn how to simplify the long-term care planning process in Massachusetts. You will be given a variety of information to assist you in better navigating the health care system so you can feel comfortable with your choices for your family member(s).
Topics include:
- Medicare vs. Medicaid - what are the differences?
- critical questions you need to ask about nursing homes, home care options, and
assisted living.
- assessing facilities - do you know what to look for?
- safety - is your loved one safe at home?
- scams - buyer beware!
- when do you need to take over?
- are you overwhelmed caring for a loved one?
- what do you need to do in an acute care situation?
- updated laws and regulations.
1 night/2 hours
Debbie Gitner, L.C.S.W., and Linda Sullivan, R.N., L.N.C., are partners in Eldercare Resource Services and team teachers for this seminar. Each partner has over 35 years of experience working with the geriatric population in acute and long-term care settings. Both are also professional geriatric care managers, certified court mediators, and are certificated in Alzheimer’s Care.
Wednesday, April 24
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $49 (Couples: $75)
“Debbie and Linda provided a vast amount of information which is very
difficult to get all in one place.”
Comments from a student in
The ABCs of Eldercare Planning taught by
Debbie Gitner and Linda Sullivan
 13SBF24 - The Latest Long-Term Care Asset Protection Strategies
The high cost of long-term care can wipe out a family’s life savings in a short period of time. Unfortunately, many families are faced with this situation, finding themselves at the mercy of an under-funded government Medicaid system with limited choices.
Recent legislative changes have created many questions surrounding planning techniques, including these questions and many more which will be answered in this important class:
- how can I protect my home?
- what is the penalty for giving assets away?
- are my assets protected if I put them in a trust?
- when is long-term care insurance worthwhile to consider?
- if my loved one is already in a nursing home, can they protect their assets?
1 night/2 hours
Daniel R. Williams, CLU, CHFC, and CFP, is a Certified Financial Planner and was named one of Boston’s Top Financial Planners in Boston Magazine.
Monday, March 18
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $49 (Couples: $75)
 13SBF25 - Understanding Medicare - What It Means to You
If you are close to age 65 - or already on Medicare - this class is for you! The class is designed to fully enlighten you on how Medicare works and the different health care choices available to those 65+.
These questions and many more will be answered in this important class:
- how are parts A, B, C, and D integrated?
- what is the Medicare Advantage Plan?
- what are the pros and cons of HMOs, PPOs, and Medigap plans?
- should I take Medicare if I am still employed?
- how will health care reform impact Medicare?
- does any part of Medicare cover long-term care expenses?
1 night/2 hours
Daniel R. Williams, CLU, CHFC, and CFP, is a Certified Financial Planner and was named one of Boston’s Top Financial Planners in Boston Magazine.
Monday, March 25
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $49 (Couples: $75)
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