​Money Matters Expo to promote financial literacy at HCC

Bridgeport, Conn. -- An expo to help the public improve their financial literacy will be hosted by Housatonic Community College on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The expo is sponsored by the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network with the aim of helping the community understand their financial options. The event is free and open to the public.

The expo brings together various financial experts to discuss important topics, no matter what your age.

Experts from the AARP, TIAA, Northwestern Mutual and the Connecticut Association for Human Services, are among the people meeting the public at the Money Matters Expo, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Beacon Hall, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport.

GBLN's leaders felt a sense of urgency to provide this information to its community because almost six out of 10 college-educated Hispanics surveyed found it hard to cover expenses and save for the future.

"Too often, we put off conversations about money and finances, but it matters -- that's why this event is called Money Matters,” said Carolyn Gonzalez, GBLN president. “We need to make sure that we aren't missing out on strategies, resources and opportunities that can help us and affect some of our biggest life decisions, like home-buying, saving and borrowing money, tax planning, insurance, paying for college, saving for retirement, elder care and learning about Social Security."

Exhibitors and speakers will address topics including:

• First-time homebuying (Q&A)
• Estate planning and living wills
• Understanding and repairing your credit report
• Filing income taxes
• Differences between annuities and 401ks.
• College savings
• Retirement savings
• How to work with a financial planner
• Disability insurance
• Social Security information
• Preplanning funerals

Visit gbln.net for more information.

About GBLN

GBLN was formed in 2004 and is a well-established community-supported and diverse network of organizations and individuals sharing news, information, ideas, opportunities and services. It has effectively utilized its Community News E-blast to serve as an informational clearinghouse and conduit to its 2,500+-plus network and Facebook friends. The e-blasts promote a variety of events, opportunities, announcements and activities sponsored by GBLN and other groups in the network.