ASHTABULA –Local organizations have once again joined forces to provide information to their employees and the community-at-large about one of life’s greatest stressors – money.
The fourth edition of the Financial Fitness Fair will be held on Saturday, November 17, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kent State University at Ashtabula. The event will be held in the Blue & Gold Room in Main Hall and is free and open to the public.
“The goal of the Financial Fitness Fair is to help attendees learn tips and techniques to better manage their money and achieve the life they want,” said James E. Mayer, Jr., President of the Board of Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County. Growth Partnership is one of the event’s sponsors.
The idea for the Financial Fitness Fair came about in 2014 after discussions with human resources officials from companies and organizations throughout Ashtabula County. Human resource (HR) professionals are often thought of as enforcing policies and procedures, but many within the profession see their role as looking out for the well-being of their employees and co-workers. With nearly one-third of American adults reporting that money is a significant source of stress, it only makes sense for employers and HR professionals to provide education and help.
Money related stress can manifest itself in many parts of a person’s life – stress over money can cause depression, lack of sleep, headaches, ulcers, and muscle tension. It can also lead people into other unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating or drinking alcohol in excess as a means to cope. Disagreements over money are a leading cause of conflict between couples, and are cited as one of the major causes for separation and divorce.
According to an article posted on the Business News Daily website, attending a financial training program increased a person’s feeling of being in control of their finances by 25 percent.
Sessions at this year’s Financial Fitness Fair will include:
- Budgeting & Debt Management
- Social Security & Taxes
- A Conversation on Addiction; The Financial and Emotional Costs
- Understanding Your 401(k) Plan
- Tax Law Changes and Implications
- Retirement Strategies for Women
- The State of the Economy & Markets
- Medicare
- Affording College and Student Loans
- Predatory Lending, & Financial Fraud
- Getting Hired & Getting Promoted
Joining Growth Partnership in sponsoring the Financial Fitness Fair are: ASHTA Chemicals; Ashtabula County Medical Center; Grand River Rubber & Plastics; A-Tech; Cristal; Wells Fargo Advisors; and the Ashtabula Foundation.
The Financial Fitness Fair is a free event, but registration is required. Register online by going to www.FinancialFitnessAshtabula.org. If you do not have internet access, or would like more information prior to registering, call Growth Partnership at (440) 576-9126.