Noncredit Continuing Education Courses
Winter 2010

Internet-Based Financial Planning *NEW!*
If you are like most people, you don't really know how well your total portfolio is performing, especially over the long term. If your whole portfolio were thought of as a bank account, what annualized interest rate would you be making over the past number of years? What risks are you taking, and can you statistically project your portfolio into the future? We will use websites that help you easily calculate this important information, and much more, no matter how simple or complex your portfolio may be. Learn how to use personalized investment benchmarks, investment tools, and resources to become a better investor. This course does not offer financial advice but teaches a planning and benchmarking process for achieving success with your investments. Before class, please read "On Becoming a Better Investor" at http://www.hindsights.net/4.1.1_maximize_contribut ions.htm. $69

____________________

Rules of the Road: Mapping Your Way to Financial Freedom
People are always looking for the secret to successful investing when planning for retirement and beyond. While there's no real secret, there are routes you can follow to reach your goals. Join us for Rules of the Road, where you'll learn 10 key strategies for building wealth. It's your chance to discover just how much fun playing by the rules can be! $39**

 ____________________

Fundamentals of Investing
This course, designed for beginning and seasoned investors, covers the details of the vast investment options available today such as stocks, mutual funds, bonds, CDs, etc. You will discuss how to achieve your financial goals, how to evaluate investments, ways to purchase investments, issues involved in investing, and other considerations. $75

____________________

Investment Strategies: The Basics and Beyond
Are you confused about your financial future? Would education and guidance give you the peace of mind to deal comfortably and confidently with your money? Take the confusion out of investing by learning how stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, options, investment strategies, and evaluation and minimization of risk would benefit you in today's economy. Instructor: Merle Ross, M.Ed., MBA, CFP, ChFC. $74

____________________

Quick Tips for Retirement Planning
When it comes to retirement, preparation is the key! Simple strategies and techniques can help you preserve all your hard-earned savings and avoid costly mistakes in your financial decision-making. Understand the latest IRA tax laws, discover how to stretch out your IRA distribution, discuss 401(k) plans and company stock, and much, much more. $39**

____________________

Creative Real Estate Investment SERIES *NEW!*
Series includes: XE 270 "Rent to Own"; XE 280 How to Buy Your Next Home or Investment Property with Creative Financing; XE 281 How to Build a Recession-Proof Real Estate Income. These classes are taught by Ian Parrish, president of Investors United School of Real Estate and recipient of the Small Business Administration's 2005 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Take each class for $39 or all three for a reduced rate of $109. $109**

____________________

"Rent to Own" and Other Creative Home-Buying Strategies *NEW!*
Rent to own, lease option, subject-to, lease purchase, contract for deed, owner financing, seller take-back, seller annuity, land installment contract, and rent with option all describe highly-leveraged methods you can use to control or acquire your next home or investment property--even with little to no money down. You will discover these creative real estate acquisition methods, and when and how to apply them. $39**

____________________

How to Buy Your Next Home Or Investment Property With Creative Financing *NEW!*
People who are knowledgeable about creative financing can make more offers, conserve capital and credit, minimize risk, and increase their earnings. In this course, you will develop your ability to put together real estate transactions when conventional financing is either unavailable or undesirable. You will examine actual case studies and learn dozens of creative real estate financing strategies to control or acquire real estate with little to no money or credit. $39**

____________________

Widowhood: Financial and Emotional Challenges *NEW!*
The grief experienced at the loss of a loved one is often compounded by having to face the challenges of multiple financial decisions along with new and sometimes unexpected realities. The average age of widowhood in the U.S. is 55. Whether you have just gone through this experience and are still trying to cope with these issues, have questions about how to review your current situation, or would just like to have a general overview of what to expect, you will find ideas and resources to help you negotiate this sometimes confusing landscape. This course is also valuable for those supporting widowed friends or relatives. You will receive a free Dream/Plan/Track book and a 2009 Social Security Guide. Taught by Adrienne Newberg, Financial Advisor. $35**

____________________

How to Build a Recession-Proof Income *NEW!*
Fact: Most American millionaires earned their wealth in real estate. Given the stability of investment, reliable income, leverage, appreciation, and tax sheltering, real estate can provide a higher level of financial security than other investment vehicles. Real estate is also one of the few investments in which skilled practitioners can earn regardless of market conditions. Now is as good a time as any to get involved; and this course will give you the information you need to get started. You will learn where the best real estate opportunities are, what determines a "good deal," creative financing options to acquire or control real estate, and strategies for recession-proof wealth building. $39**

____________________

New Paths to Personal Money Management *NEW!*
Do you feel frustrated and out of control with your finances? Are you fearful of your financial future? Michael Baker, lead Academy of Finance Teacher from Montgomery County, brings a new twist on how to approach your individual financial needs from getting out of debt and staying out of debt, to choosing the best home mortgage for your needs, to household and personal budgeting, to investing, and much more. Bring your questions and be prepared to take control of your money. $59**

____________________

Introduction to Investing in Real Estate Foreclosures *NEW!*
With more than 400 foreclosures filed weekly in Maryland, real estate investors have a tremendous opportunity to do something positive for the community and create attractive returns. However, new Maryland legislation severely regulates foreclosures and what you don't know can hurt you. In this course, participants will develop an understanding of the mortgage foreclosure process, the difference between pre-foreclosure and REO opportunities, how to conduct a short sale, common foreclosure mistakes, and tips for investing safely and profitably. This class is taught by Ian Charles Parrish, president of Investors United School of Real Estate and recipient of the Small Business Administration's 2005 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. $39**

____________________

Alternative Solutions to Avoid Foreclosure
Are you currently at risk of foreclosure and seeking an alternative solution to avoid it? Learn why a Short Sale is a win-win solution for lenders and borrowers and how you can successfully negotiate a short sale in your favor by getting your lender to accept less than what you owe. Today, millions of Americans are successfully negotiating liquidation work-out plans by getting their servicer to accept less than what they owe on the mortgage. Gain the necessary tools to develop and negotiate a strategic liquidation plan that offers you a real opportunity to make a fresh start and minimize damage to credit. $59**

____________________

Learn How to Protect Your Home Investment From Foreclosure
Home ownership is a privilege, but sometimes life happens! Learn how to protect and preserve your home by identifying what could put you at risk of losing your home and how to identify early intervention programs that can help you save it. Discover how to be proactive by identifying risk factors and financial scams, and what you should do if you are having trouble paying your mortgage. Early intervention is the best strategy: come and find out how to do it! $59**

____________________

Staging Your Home for Sale
Whether you are planning to put your home on the market in the near future, or just want to prepare your home for eventual sale, this class will show you how. Learn the basics of getting your home ready for sale (staging) by getting rid of all those extra possessions that are cluttering your home and creating an inviting atmosphere that will capture the imagination of prospective buyers. Discuss furniture arrangement, decorating ideas and renovations that will help you sell your home for the best price possible. Bring in pictures of your own trouble areas to discuss and get staging ideas. $39**

____________________

Be CENTSAble
Cut your grocery, household, and personal care items budget drastically. Learn how to save time and money without clipping and filing coupons. Use coupons and store incentives properly to save BIG money and shop on a limited or reduced budget with limited time. Plan your shopping trip efficiently and cut out half the work of planning your trips by visiting a specialized website. $39**

____________________

Stock Analysis I: BetterInvesting Method™
Discover methods of selecting companies for investment using the Stock Selection Guide (SSG), a form developed by BetterInvesting™ (formally NAIC). This process has been used successfully for over 50 years by both personal and professional investors. You will analyze two companies as examples. Topics include principals of investing, sources of investment information, understanding investment theories and interpreting financial information. The course is sponsored in cooperation with the Maryland BetterInvesting™ Chapter as part of its mission to provide investment education for individuals and investment clubs. Cost of class includes handouts and textbook. Please bring a calculator. If you are not familiar with BetterInvesting™ Method, visit www.betterinvesting.org. $69 (includes $35 materials fee*)

____________________

Financial Planning for Women
Is there a difference between men and women in their approaches to managing money? In this course you will discuss that and much more, including Social Security, common money hang-ups, and the ever-popular "If I Could Do It Over Again: What Retired Women Say.? Then the class moves ahead to the future and stresses the importance of budgeting and advice on improving cash flow. Emphasis is given to protecting yourself and your assets and to what is currently on the market in the insurance industry. Much attention will be given to Long Term Care Insurance vs. Medicare. You will also learn the importance of investing for a secure future and what is involved in managing an investment portfolio including the basics of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more. $79 (includes $10 materials fee*)

____________________

Discussing Divorce on Second Saturday
Second Saturday provides invaluable information for every woman facing the complexities of divorce. Second Saturday addresses the legal, financial, family, and personal issues of divorce in a logical yet compassionate manner. With the guidance of trained professionals, you will receive information to help you explore your legal options, understand the financial issues, deal with your emotions, and transition to your new life. Second Saturday is an excellent supplement to professional advice. You must register prior to attending class. NO registrations accepted by instructor. Visit www.divorce-finances.com for more information. $55**

*Fees not eligible for waiver.
**Neither XE courses nor their fees are eligible for waiver.
(T) Textbook recommended or required. Purchase at HCC Bookstore before first class.
(S) Supplied needed. Instructor will provide list at first class.