Free Financial Literacy Month Programs Offered At Bernards Township Library

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township Library in Basking Ridge is marking Financial Literacy Month in April with a series of free programs for teens and adults focused on college costs, investing and retirement planning.

The library said the programs are part of a broader "Money Smart for Life" initiative inspired by statewide efforts to promote financial education in libraries.

The first program, "VIRTUAL - Making Sense of Your Financial Aid Package," is scheduled for Monday, April 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. Presented by Chris Corrato of College Bound Citizens, the webinar is intended for college-bound seniors and their parents or guardians and will focus on understanding a financial aid offer, evaluating free options and reviewing gap financing.

A second college planning session, "VIRTUAL - Cracking the Code: Affordable College Solutions," will be held Wednesday, April 8 from 7 to 8 p.m. Presented by Cornerstone College Solutions, the webinar will examine the real costs of college, how financial aid profiles affect aid, tips to maximize scholarships and grants, how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affects financial aid and college funding, and strategies for families who will and will not qualify for financial aid. The program is designed for parents of college-bound students of all ages.

Later in the month, the library will offer "VIRTUAL - The Power of Investing Over Time" on Wednesday, April 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. Presented by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the webinar is open to teens and adults ages 16 and older. According to the program description, attendees will learn about compound interest, discuss money management and investing challenges for young adults, and review strategies for building and protecting wealth.

The final session, "IN PERSON - Planning Your Retirement," is set for Wednesday, April 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the library, 32 South Maple Avenue. Presented by Rob Mammana of Gladstone Wealth Partners, the workshop for adults 18 and older will cover longevity, inflation, taxes and market risk, along with a case study showing how retirement planning strategies can work in practice.

Patrons with a library card can access Morningstar Investing Center, which offers information on mutual funds and stocks, along with investment tutorials and training programs.

During Financial Literacy Month, the library will also hold a giveaway of "The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life" by Morgan Housel. Visitors can enter the raffle by stopping at the personal finance and investing book display near the Reference Desk.

Registration is required for all programs. More information and registration are available through the Bernards Township Library event calendar at BernardsLibrary.org or by calling 908-204-3031 ext. 4.

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