Financially Forward presented by Penn State Alumni Career Services

From creating a budget and protecting against financial scams to building long-term wealth, financial decisions shape nearly every stage of life. To help Penn Staters navigate those decisions with confidence, Penn State Alumni Career Services is launching Financially Forward, a new three-part virtual series designed to provide practical, expert-led guidance on personal finance.

The program will bring together specialists from Penn State's Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center and PSECU to help alumni strengthen their financial knowledge, develop healthy money habits, and plan for the future. Through interactive virtual sessions, participants will gain actionable strategies they can apply immediately, regardless of where they are in their personal or professional journey.

Sessions include:

• October 15: Building a Better Budget, presented by Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center
  • Looking to increase financial stability, manage your paycheck with confidence, and avoid unexpected financial surprises? Building a realistic budget is the best place to start. While setting one up takes a little up-front effort, a solid budget gives you clear boundaries for spending, helps you hit major life goals, and brings genuine peace of mind.
  • What we’ll cover:
    • Why budgeting matters just as much (if not more) after college
    • Different budgeting methods to find the one that actually fits your lifestyle
    • Simple tools and apps to help you keep your budget running on autopilot
• October 22: Preventing Financial Fraud & Identity Theft, presented by PSECU
  • As you build your career and financial future, protecting your money and personal information is just as important as knowing how to manage and grow it. Scams are becoming more sophisticated, making it easier to fall for something that looks legitimate. In this session, we’ll explore common scams and identity theft tactics so you can recognize the warning signs and protect yourself.
  • What we’ll cover:
    • Job scams and how fraudsters use fake employers and recruiters to target job seekers
    • Investment scams and the tactics used to build trust and promote fraudulent opportunities
    • Common identity theft tactics and how personal information can be compromised
    • Practical steps to spot red flags, protect your information, and respond if something goes wrong
• October 29: Saving and Investing, presented by Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center
  • While money doesn’t grow on trees, it can grow exponentially when you put it to work, and that growth is what turns long-term goals into reality. Knowing how to protect and grow your money is easily one of the most useful skills you can sharpen. In this session, we’ll break down the real differences between saving and investing and show you how to take full advantage of your career earnings.
  • What we’ll cover:
    • The core differences between saving accounts and investment options
    • How to understand your risk tolerance and handle market ups and downs
    • Smart approaches to long-term planning, including 401(k)s, IRAs, and retirement

EVENT DETAILS

Zoom