Business & Finance - Spring 2014 Courses |
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S14BF01 - 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 work-shops taught by successful business executives from SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business.
Some topics to be covered in class include 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, the importance of learning to read and use financial information, the growing importance of e-commerce and social media and legal entity structures, among others.
SCORE counseling is available to you free of charge, in a one-on-one meeting, on any aspect of opening and managing your business. (SCORE has offices in Worcester, Westborough, Fitchburg, Devens, Marlboro, Southbridge, and Whitinsville.) $20 fee for textbook will be collected at the first class.
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. “Before the class, I had no idea what it
would really take to start a business.” ...
“All the instructors gave me a lot of info that
I never would have thought about.”
February 25 - April 15 7 weeks/17.5 hours Tuesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM (No class March 25) Course Fee: $175
S14BF03 - Corporations and LLCs
re you running your own business or are you thinking about it? Are you worried about the risk?
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 but are not limited to advantages of forming a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC) and how to decide between them, protecting your personal and business assets, how each entity is taxed and what a Subchapter S corp really is and how it differs from an LLC.
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 and regularly counsels clients on starting and operating businesses.
“Structured, energetic, informative,
interesting.” ... “I got details about things you could (will) miss if you try writing legal documents yourself!”
March 11 1 night/3 hours Tuesday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF04 - Starting Your Own Import Business
hether 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, and about thousands of products from around the world, many of which are not currently on the U.S. market
John Curran has been in the importing and exporting business for over ten years.
“I liked learning the practical details of starting an import
business.” ... “The instructor covered a lot in four hours and
his experience showed.”
March 5 1 night/4 hours
Wednesday, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Course Fee: $99
S14BF06 - How to Get Debt Free!
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. See how you can achieve true financial freedom by first investing in your debt.
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.
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. Note: Course fee includes a 16 page workbook ($8 value). An optional text is available in class for $44.
Blanchard Warren is a former management consultant and Certified Financial Seminar Leader.
“I look at debt differently now. I am now
considering it an investment.” ...
“This class challenged me to make some changes to become debt free.”
March 12 1 night/3 hours Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF07 - 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, how to predict your financial aid package even before you apply, the number one question to ask colleges that may save you thousands, how to find the right balance between your college and retirement goals, and the best financial aid and admissions strategy - bar none.
Tim Higgins is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified College Planning Specialist. He manages his own financial planning practice in Southboro, MA and has appeared on many television shows and in many articles.
March 24 1 night/2.5 hours
Monday, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF08 - Accounting and Bookkeeping Basics
This course will examine basic accounting theory and application from the first transaction through the post-closing trial balance. Some of the topics included are business transactions and changes, debits and credits, posting to a general ledger, financial statements, etc. We will 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. We suggest people take a basic accounting course before taking a computer course like QuickBooks.
Textbook required. Title - Glencoe Accounting First Year Course Student Edition (Hardcover), Author - McGraw-Hill, Publisher - Glencoe/McGraw-Hill; 5 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; 5 edition, ISBN - 0078461006. Title - Glencoe Accounting: 1st Year Course, Adventure Travels (Paperback), Author - McGraw-Hill, Publisher - Glencoe/McGraw-Hill; 4 edition, ISBN - 002643976X.
Susan Hawk earned her B.A. in Accounting from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. She has been working in accounting for the past ten years in both public and private corporations.
February 25 - May 13 10 weeks/25 hours
Tuesdays, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
(No class March 25 and April 22) Course Fee: $299
S14BF09 - How to Get Published - Hardcopy, eBook and Self Publishing
This class will help all authors - professionals, aspirants, or hobbyists - stack the deck a little more in their favor by learning about the whole process from traditional publishing to eBooks and self-publishing. The first night will include the basics of getting published; the pros and cons of agents and traditional publishers versus the growing field of independent publishers and self-publishing; the difference between self-publishing and subsidy publishing: whether they are right for you; and using internet tools to evaluate publishers, agents and review all the publishing options.
The second night will include differences and options between eBooks and print books; the new eBook options from traditional publishers and self-publishers; different types of self-publishing; choosing the one that’s right for you; marketing, promotion, how to get readings, speaking engagements and book signings; and using the marketing and promotion tools available to authors online.
Ric Wasley is a published author of eight books and has a 40 year professional career history in advertising, publishing, and marketing in Boston, New York and San Francisco.
“I learned a lot from the instructor’s real life experiences with publishing books.” ...
“The links and other technical details were invaluable.”
April 1 - April 8 2 weeks/5 hours
Tuesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $150
S14BF10 - 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; restraining orders; irretrievable breakdown; fault grounds, choosing a lawyer or mediator; alternative dispute resolution and the pros and cons of mediation and collaborative law, among other subjects. The course will also 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.
Carolyn M. Mitchell, Esq.’s practice includes family law, mediation, and collaborative law.
“Instructor made a tough topic easy to follow and comfortable
to talk about.” ... “Carolyn is so knowledgeable about the
topic and approached it with humor and sensitivity.”
March 26 1 night/3 hours
Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF12 - 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. Note: Students should create free Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts before coming to class.
Erin Howard, MBA, is the owner of Streamline which provides online marketing support to small businesses. She has over fifteen years’ experience in marketing and communications.
March 19 1 night/3 hours
Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $99
S14BF15 - Essential Practices for the Successful Landlord
Owning and managing residential properties can be financially rewarding but 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. It will include almost every step, procedure, and situation you may encounter such as rental applications; fair housing laws; screening prospective tenants; maintenance and repairs; proper rent increase notices; security deposits vs. last month’s rent; Chapter 93A - MA Consumer Protection Law; responsibility for utilities; and rent escrowing, non-payment of rent, and evictions. The course will also teach the “Income Approach” to evaluate and determine the value of rental properties that you are considering purchasing or selling.
JoAnn Szymczak, GRI, CRS, SRES, earned a B.S. in Education and is a graduate of Realtor® Institute. JoAnn is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advantage 1. She has 36 years of experience as a practicing Real Estate Broker and has worked as an appraiser and as an appraisal instructor.
March 5 - March 12 2 weeks/6 hours
Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $99
S14BF16 - Buying Foreclosed Properties, Part One: Classroom Session
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.
This 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; contacting the trustee of the foreclosure sale to ask questions; and meeting with a team of experts including a realtor, attorney, auctioneer, and mortgage broker.
JoAnn Szymczak, GRI, CRS, SRES, earned a B.S. in Education and is a graduate of Realtor® Institute. JoAnn is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advantage 1. She has 36 years of experience as a practicing Real Estate Broker and has worked as an appraiser and as an appraisal instructor.
March 19 1 night/3 hours Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF17 - Buying Foreclosed Properties, Part Two: Foreclosure Tour
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.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get an expert’s opinion on your future dream house.
Part Two: Foreclosure Tour includes previewing listing information from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM; reviewing sales data to understand house values; and traveling by bus from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to view four to eight foreclosed properties in the greater Marlborough area.
JoAnn Szymczak, GRI, CRS, SRES, earned a B.S. in Education and is a graduate of Realtor® Institute. JoAnn is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advantage 1. She has 36 years of experience as a practicing Real Estate Broker and has worked as an appraiser and as an appraisal instructor.
March 22 1 week/6 hours
Saturday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF18 - 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. Four specialists - a loan officer, home inspector, real estate agent, and attorney - will be available to take questions. Topics include but are not limited to down payment requirements; applying and qualifying for a mortgage; the importance of a home inspection; how property value is determined; when and why an attorney should be contacted; the negotiation process; why a purchase and sales agreement is never standard; title examination; and what to expect at closing.
Martin O’Sullivan is a Community Development Officer with Marlborough Savings Bank.
March 19 1 night/3 hours
Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $39
S14BF19, S14BF20 - 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, 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. Couples welcome at no extra charge.
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 – S14BF19:
April 1 - April 15 3 weeks/7.5 hours
Tuesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $79
SESSION B – S14BF20:
April 3 - April 17 3 weeks/7.5 hours
Thursdays, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $79
S14BF21 - 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. Some of the topics discussed include who will get your property if you die without a will; who you should name as executor, guardian, and trustee and what their responsibilities are; how you should address blended family issues; how you can save estate taxes and administration costs for your heirs, and what the new Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code means for you.
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.
March 6 1 night/3 hours Thursday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF23 - The ABCs of Eldercare Planning
Do you know what to do when your family member needs care? Learn to understand the long-term care planning process in Massachusetts. We will discuss the differences between Medicare and Medicaid; the critical questions you need to ask about nursing homes, home care options, and assisted living; how to assess facilities or know if your loved one is safe at home; what scams to look out for; what to do if you are overwhelmed caring for a loved one; updated laws and regulations; how to know when you need to take over someone’s care and other relevant topics. Get the right information now.
Debbie Gitner, L.C.S.W., and Linda Sullivan, R.N., L.N.C. are partners in Eldercare Resource Services. 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 certified in Alzheimer’s Care.
“The class covered the many facets of eldercare I needed to
start thinking about. Planning ahead is the key.” ... “The class
provided an abundance of information and
related resources.”
April 2 1 night/2 hours
Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF24 - 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. 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?
Daniel R. Williams, CLU, CHFC, and CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner and was named one of Boston’s top financial planners.
March 17 1 night/2 hours
Monday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF25 - Understanding Medicare - What It Means to You
If you are close to being eligible for Medicare, or already on it, this class will fully enlighten you on how Medicare works and the different health care choices available to those 65+. Just a few of the questions which will be addressed are how parts A, B, C, and D are integrated; what a Medicare Advantage Plan is; the pros and cons of HMOs, PPOs, and Medigap plans; whether you should take Medicare if you are still employed; how Health Care Reform impacts Medicare; and if any part of Medicare covers long-term care expenses.
Daniel R. Williams, CLU, CHFC, and CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner and was named one of Boston’s top financial planners.
March 24 1 night/2 hours Monday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF28 - Build and Maintain Positive Credit
Your credit impacts everything involving your finances including obtaining credit cards, car, home or student loans, making larger purchases, etc. Obtaining and maintaining positive credit is crucial for your and your family’s financial outlook and this class will discuss how to reach that goal.
We will give you the learning tools you need to understand the basic credit rules of everyday life. We will discuss how to read and understand credit reports. We will also show you the steps you should take before you try to obtain credit cards, or car or home loans, as well as how to avoid scams. We will teach you how to maintain positive credit, what is necessary for a consistently high credit score, and how to access your credit reports safely. Discover why Massachusetts is the best state to live in for all your credit needs.
Casey Chaffin has worked in major credit consulting companies and recently opened her own business offering credit consulting and adult credit education classes.
February 26 1 night/2.5 hours Wednesday, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $49
S14BF30 - Social Security: More Than Meets the Eye
Learn key facts about the Social Security program including how benefits are calculated; full retirement age and choosing the right time to file; receiving benefits while working; provisional income and tax implications; and options for spouses and ex-spouses. There will be plenty of time for questions.
Michael Lashua, MBA from Fitchburg State University, is a Financial Advisor and office manager with Edward Jones Investments in Marlboro.
March 18 1 night/2 hours
Tuesday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $35
S14BF31 - Foundations of Investing
This is an informational class for people who are either new to investing or who need a refresher. Participants will learn the key features of bonds, stocks and mutual funds; the importance of asset allocation; and the impact of inflation on your longterm goals. There will be plenty of time for questions.
Michael Lashua, MBA from Fitchburg State University, is a Financial Advisor and office manager with Edward Jones Investments in Marlboro.
March 6 1 night/2 hours
Thursday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $35
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