Event at YSU offers financial advice

June 5, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By GRACE WYLER

youngstown

Local residents looking for guidance in managing their finances in a difficult economy got some answers during an all-day “Smart Money Choices” conference at Youngstown State University.

The annual series — hosted by the Ohio treasurer’s office at nine locations across the state — aims to give Ohio consumers resources to help plan for their financial futures and ease the stress of economic difficulties.

The conference Friday featured a panel discussion from financial experts, followed by breakout sessions on topics such as budgeting, investments, credit management, Social Security and estate planning.

“Good things can happen when you take the information and use it,” said panelist Eddie Moore, a representative from Trinity Debt Management, a nonprofit credit-counseling agency. “I would encourage starting a budget, taking small steps to help you gain some momentum.”

Many consumers with low credit scores think that they have no future because of their debt, Moore said. But by taking steps to prioritize one’s time and money, it is possible to improve credit within a year, he said.

Like many of the other conference attendees, Marian Wilson of Youngstown came to pick up new money-management tips and make sure her financial-planning strategy was on the right track.

“I want to reinforce what I already know and make sure I am making good decisions,” Wilson said.

Wilson began attending the conference in 2006, as she approached retirement after 30 years as a manager for the U.S. Postal Service. Wilson, who retired in 2008 and is now a sales director for Mary Kay in Youngstown, attends the conference every year to pick up new information that she can pass along to her family, friends and colleagues, she said.

“It has been a wealth of information,” Wilson said. “Every time I come, I learn something new.”

The conference is particularly helpful for women because it helps them to be informed and independent, she said.

“I am independent, and I want other women to see that they can do it, too,” Wilson said. “These types of programs show women that they can.”