Ocean County College’s Educational Opportunity Fund and the New Jersey Higher Education on Student Assistance Authority are teaming up to offer a free Financial Literacy Series beginning in early October. The seminars, which include individual workshops to help provide tools and skills necessary to become financially savvy, are designed for high school and college students, but are open to the general public.

All workshops run 1-1:50 p.m. on Tuesdays in Room 203 of Bartlett Hall on the OCC Main Campus in Toms River.

Series dates and topics are as follows:

Oct. 2: REAL Money Overview – Learn how to manage a checkbook; protect identity; budget money, credit cards and time; and understand student loans.

Oct. 23: Banking & Financial Services – This workshop examines different types of banking institutions, accounts and online services. Learn how to write checks and balance a checkbook, discover the dangers of overdrawing on accounts, and find out how to avoid pitfalls through good money management and overdraft protection. The benefits of investing, and simple investment vehicles such as CDs, savings accounts and money market accounts, will also be discussed.

Oct. 30: Budgeting & Money Management – Get tips on prioritizing, creating a budget and managing money wisely via practical examples and realistic scenarios. Seminar leaders will discuss principles of good money management and the benefits of saving money, setting financial goals and spending money responsibly. Techniques for cutting costs, keeping spending at a minimum and budgeting student loan money in order to minimize debt will also be introduced.

Nov. 6: Credit & Debt Management – Building good credit and managing debt are critical skills, especially before heading off to college or out into the workforce. This workshop will focus on how to build good credit while avoiding the negative consequences of taking on too much debt. Learn about credit scores, credit cards, interest rates and bankruptcy.

Nov. 20: Identity Theft & Privacy Rights – Learn how to protect identity and financial information, and what to do if ever the victim of identity theft.

Dec. 4: Student Loans: Borrowing & Repayment – Seminar leaders will present information on the various types of student loans and discuss how loans work. Learn about deferment, repayment terms, forbearance and loan forgiveness. This workshop can assist with default aversion.

A certificate of completion will be issued for those who attend all presentations. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Yvonne Doval at 732-255-0400, ext. 2438, or ydoval@ocean.edu. –J.K.-H.