Learn money matters at local financial fair

By Karl Henkel

khenkel@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Tax season has come and gone and for those who received refunds, the question now is how to spend that money.

Many debate between spending and saving.

Victor Russell, regional operations manager at Apprisen Financial Advocates in Warren, said people should look at other avenues, especially if they’re dealing with credit problems.

Russell, along with representatives from more than 25 other organizations such as the Mahoning County Economic Opportunity Coalition and Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative, will take part in a Family Financial Fair on Saturday.

The event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Choffin Career Center, 200 East Wood St., will feature three seminars: one on credit management, another on homeownership and a third on personal-finance management.

Russell will try to ease the pain of talking about credit issues and will talk about appropriate use of credit (major purchases) and uses consumers should shy away from using credit for (vehicle fuel).

He also said it’s more important than ever for consumers to review their credit reports, as they are now being viewed in nearly every aspect of life, including by potential employers, landlords and cellphone and automotive companies.

“It’s not just something you do just once,” he said. “You should look at your credit report at least once a year.”

The fair will touch on all aspects of finances, including secondary education and its costs and benefits.

“There’s affordable education out there,” said Ginny Pasha, director of community investment at United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “We need to make them aware of the options out there.”

The event is sponsored by numerous banks, including Home Savings, First National and PNC, along with a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority grant.