Credit Smart Strategies Focus Of ‘Webinar’

HARTFORD — Helping consumers better manage their credit is the goal of a free online “webinar” offered next week by the AARP Foundation and the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education (AFCPE).

The webinar, “Credit Smart Strategies,” is Tuesday, February 8, from 2 to 3 pm.

A webinar is a seminar held online in real time. After logging onto a website, the audience views a PowerPoint presentation via their computers while listening to a “live voice.” An additional feature is that participants are asked a series of polling questions during the webinar and are able to view immediately the money management habits of other participants. During the webinar, participants are able to type in questions and receive answers in real time. This feature helps the webinar leader understand the interests or needs of the participants during the session.

Judith Cohart, national program coordinator with AARP Foundation’s Money Management Program, said one reason for using the webinar format is its ability to reach an audience from the entire country, rather than from a single geographic area. The ability to participate in a seminar “at home” or “at the office” also may elicit greater participation among older adults, she said.

The program will focus on two essential credit strategies, according to Ms Cohart. The first is for consumers to understand why they should include their use of credit in their household budget. The second is the importance for consumers of reviewing and understanding their credit report.

“When people budget their use of credit, they determine how much they are able to pay back each month and, consequently, are less likely to get deeply in debt,” Ms Cohart said. “And by accessing their credit report, they are able to determine if it is accurate. While this has always been important, it has become more important with the growing problem of identity theft.”

The program is free, but registration is required. To register, consumers should visit www.aarp.org/money to complete the simple online form. Additional information is available by calling or emailing Ms Cohart at 202-434-6276 or jcohart@aarp.org.