3 free online seminars to help residents improve money-management skills, increase savings

TAVARES — Statistics show less than half of Americans have a savings plan with specific goals, and 66 percent of Americans have sufficient emergency funds for unexpected expenses, such as car repairs. As part of “America Saves Week,” which is from Feb. 25 through March 2, the UF/Lake County Extension is offering three online seminars to help residents sharpen their skills at managing money and increase savings. The theme this year is, “Set a goal. Make a plan. Save automatically.”

• Three Keys to Successful Savings
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26
Create smart goals, find money to save, make a savings plan and choose the right savings accounts to reach your goals. Register at http://bit.ly/3KeySaves.

• Goal-Based Investing
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27
Learn to use a goal-based investment strategy to achieve financial objectives. Learn to effectively develop a financial plan and choose investment accounts that work for particular goals. Register at http://bit.ly/UFINVest.

• Tips for Tax Preparation and Filing
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28
Review options for free tax filing, tax credits and tax deductions. Receive tips to analyze returns to help with financial decisions. Register at http://bit.ly/TaxFil.

Residents also may take part in the online 2013 America Saves Challenge, to help meet financial goals and get daily encouragement. The challenge is a free five-week program from the national cooperative extension service and will take place from Sunday, Feb. 24 through Saturday, March 30. There will be weekly prizes and final challenge awards at the end of the program.

For more information on America Saves Week and to register for the online challenge, visit the Money Management section of http://lake/ifas/ufl.edu or call Julie England, family and consumer sciences agent with the UF/Lake County Extension, at 352-343-4101, ext. 2721. Lake County Extension provides research-based information and educational programs cooperatively with the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida. The foundation for the Gator Nation – An Equal Opportunity Institute.