Building Strong and Vibrant New York Communities

Consumer and Financial Literacy

  At no point in their lives can individuals and families, regardless of income, afford to be uninformed about financial matters.  Local residents need to increase their consumer and financial knowledge and skills in light of the expanded availability of consumer credit, far greater options for home buying and retirement, and the complex financial and consumer market system in which they live. 

  Cornell Cooperative Extension offers a variety of educational programs for the general public as well as those specially arranged for groups and organizations including basic budgeting classes, credit and debt management workshops, and seminars about ways to reduce home energy bills.  Lessons delivered in school classrooms and after-school settings aim to help youth become financially competent and responsible caretakers of their financial resources.

  During tax season, trained volunteers including partners from area agencies and the community are available to provide free income tax preparation for the income qualified through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

  Energy programming geared toward helping area residents reduce their home heating and electricity bills is also available.  Youth increase their awareness of both the cost of using energy around the home and the environmental impact of energy consumption by participating in Extension energy lessons.

Current Workshops:

  • Making Ends Meet: This two-hour money management workshop explores techniques and tools that can help save money and enhance your financial situation. This workshop explores such concepts as financial goal setting, budget development and methods to track spending. Free financial management kits are distributed to each participant.

  • Exploring Credit/Debt Management Issues: This two-hour workshop provides information on selecting and using credit wisely, strategies for paying down debt, obtaining and reviewing a credit report, and understanding a credit score. This eye-opening workshop is beneficial even for those who don't have a credit card.

  • Save Energy, Save Dollars: This two-hour workshop explores ways to reduce electricity and home heating bills through no-cost/low-cost means. Participants identify specific action plans that will work for them and save money. Free energy saving kits containing caulk, thermometers, plastic window insulation and more are distributed free to each participating household.

  • Home Buying Basics: How to Buy a Home Without Going to the Poor House! This workshop is designed to help potential home buyers decide if they are ready to buy a home, help them decide how much house they can afford, explain down payments and closing costs, discuss loan and assistance programs. A panel of local field experts answer questions workshop participants may have.


A variety of other workshops and programs on consumer, financial and energy-saving topics can also be made available. To check on the availability of workshops, or to schedule a workshop for your community group, clients or coworkers please call our office and ask to speak with our consumer and financial literacy community educator. Lessons for youth audiences focused on improving consumer and financial literacy are listed in our CCE School Enrichment Brochure and After-School Program Brochure, both published annually.
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You can reach us at:
The Johnstown Hotel, 55 East Main Street, Suite 210, Johnstown, NY 12095
Telephone: 518-762-3909, Toll Free: 866-762-3909, Fax: 518-762-8155
E-mail: fultonmontgomery@cornell.edu
or: mastergardenerccefm@cornell.edu

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton & Montgomery Counties provides equal program and employment opportunities.
The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cooperative Extension is implied.

© 2009 Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton & Montgomery Counties. All rights reserved.
This page was most recently updated on June 22, 2009.