Learn why credit is so important and how you and your family can build or repair your credit at a free seminar on November 21

On Thursday, November 21st from 6:00 to 8:00pm, Rhinebeck Bank and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region will co-present a free workshop by author and credit expert John Panzella to inform people on how to maintain, improve or repair their credit. Dutchess Community College is hosting this important presentation in Dutchess Hall (Room 101). Refreshments are served and reservations are requested. To reserve your space, go uwdor.org/bettercredit.

Think your credit score is just a number? Find out how it can save you money, help your career, and have a positive impact on many other aspects of your life. It is never too late to improve your credit!!! Learn how to at the free Financial Literacy Workshop led by author John Panzella. This is the second year Panzella will be presenting this workshop. Last year’s was filled to capacity, so early reservations are suggested.

“Understanding how credit works, how to improve your credit score, knowing your rights as a consumer, and how to avoid common mistakes with your credit can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime,” explained author John Panzella. “One of the wisest investments people can make is to learn more about their credit and the fundamentals of good credit management. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn about credit -- direct from a National Credit Expert. All ages, questions, and credit scores are welcome.”

John Panzella, a Hudson Valley resident, is one of the nation's most experienced credit experts helping educate high school and college students, consumers, realtors, first-time homebuyers, and businesses about all aspects of consumer credit, credit reports, and the credit industry.  He strongly believes in empowering consumers and helping them to keep more of their money by paying less for cars and homes, and many other things, which is exactly what a good credit report will help you do. 

With over 25 years of experience, John is a knowledgeable, respected, and well-known multi-certified credit expert.  He conducts credit education workshops all over the country and he is the author of the book Give Yourself Some Credit!  A Graduate's Guide to Understanding and Establishing Good Credit. For more information about John, visit his website at www.JohnKnowsCredit.com.

“We’re proud to partner with United Way and Dutchess Community College in order to help educate our community. Understanding how your credit score is determined, and how it affects your personal finances, can help you make educated financial decisions,” Jamie Bloom, Chief Operating Officer at Rhinebeck Bank, explained. “It’s our goal to make sure everyone in our community has the information they need to make informed financial decisions.”

“In partnership with Rhinebeck Bank, United Way is presenting this workshop as we understand how important having good credit is. Every year with our focus on the community known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), we are doing all we can to help those in our community who find themselves struggling to survive every day. Just one thing, like an unexpected bill, can sometime mean the difference between survival and losing their shelter and even their job,” explained Melissa Clark, Director of Community Impact. “Through workshops like this people can learn how to build their credit and their financial stability and we are so grateful to our partners at Rhinebeck Bank for making this possible.”

To register for this free workshop, go to uwdor.org/bettercredt. If you have any questions, please contact Financial Empowerment VISTA Patrick DeLeon at 845-471-1900 ext 3122 or email smyers@uwdor.org

Annual Sponsors

Premier Annual Sponsors: Central Hudson Gas & Electric, M&T Bank, Orange & Rockland, Pratt & WhitneyAnnual Sponsors: IBM, Resorts World, RBT, TD Bank, Ulster Savings