State of Connecticut Department of Banking

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CT Saves Week: Workshops at American Job Centers
Focus on Attaining Financial Goals; Saving Money

This release was issued by the Department of Labor

February 17, 2015

In recognition of Connecticut Saves Week, workshops offered at five of the Labor Department’s American Job Centers during the week of February 23 will focus on the importance of saving money, strategies to reach financial goals, and how to avoid fraud to protect your finances.

The workshops are coordinated through the Connecticut Saves Campaign and are offered at no cost, but pre-registration is required and can be made by contacting the following job centers hosting the events:
  • February 24: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hamden American Job Center, 37 Marne St.,
    (203) 859-3200
  • February 25: 9 to 11 a.m. at the Waterbury American Job Center, 249 Thomaston Ave.
    (203) 437-3380
  • February 25: 1 to 3 p.m. at the New Britain American Job Center, 260 Lafayette St.
    (860) 827-6200
  • February 26: 1 to 3 p.m. at the New London American Job Center, Shaw’s Cove Six
    (860) 439-7400
  • February 27: 9 to 11 a.m. at the Hartford American Job Center, 3580 Main St.
    (860) 256-3700

“This program is geared to help families and individuals take charge of their educational and career goals by offering budgetary guidance that can lead to future success,” said Labor Commissioner Sharon M. Palmer.  “Whether that plan is saving for a car to get to work, or having the money to pay for tuition and books, the end goal is improving economic security for our residents.”

“Fraudsters will stop at nothing to steal your personal financial information,” said Acting Banking Commissioner Bruce Adams.  “Once they have that information they can access your bank accounts, use your credit cards and even apply for new credit in your name.  Your financial independence depends on knowing how to protect yourself before these criminals get to you and what to do if you have been victimized.”

Attendees will learn about their specific “money personality,” and techniques to overcome barriers to reaching their financial goals, through an interactive session by Faye Griffiths-Smith, Family Finance Educator with UConn Extension.  Connecticut Department of Banking staff will

provide useful tips on how to avoid identity theft, protect one’s personal financial information, and minimize the risks of becoming a victim of common banking scams. For more information about the Connecticut Saves Campaign contact Faye Griffiths-Smith, Connecticut Saves Campaign Coordinator at 203-407-3160 or faye.griffiths-smith@uconn.edu.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has signed a proclamation designating the week of February 23-28 Connecticut Saves Week, and is calling on residents to assess and improve their personal finances and encouraging families and individuals to save money.  As part of the campaign, people will be asked to take the Connecticut Saves Pledge online and commit to saving regularly for a personal or family goal.  For more information about the survey, campaign and special events visit www.connecticutsaves.org.

The Connecticut Saves Week campaign is coordinated by UConn Extension and partners include the Connecticut Department of Banking; the Connecticut Department of Labor; Connecticut State Library; the Office of the Connecticut State Treasurer; Hartford Job Corps Academy; New Haven Job Corps; People’s United Bank; Naugatuck Head Start; New Haven County Extension Resource Council, Inc.; New Haven Free Public Library and Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. New partners include Community Renewal Team; Liberty Bank; American Eagle Credit Union and the Connecticut Association for Human Services.