Wednesday, November 26, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2008


Office of Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier and
Financial Planning Associations of Connecticut
Announce the FPA CT Pro Bono Network

Cromwell, CT- Speaking at the Seventh Annual Money Conference for Women, State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier announced Saturday the launch of a statewide initiative to help Connecticut families cope with personal financial management issues in the midst of a troubled economic environment.

The Office of the State Treasurer joined forces with the Financial Planning Associations (FPA) of Connecticut to develop the CT Pro Bono Network, which will provide a free half hour consultation with a certified financial planner to individuals who seek advice on issues such as how to juggle saving for retirement and college while paying off a mortgage or car loan.

In addressing the Money Conference for Women, Treasurer Nappier said, “The FPA CT Pro Bono Network could not come at a more important time. The unprecedented market turmoil, brought on by the credit crisis, threatens many Connecticut families with uncertainty about their jobs and enough money to pay their bills. People who live paycheck to paycheck are wondering how they will make ends meet. This Network is an important source of assistance to many Connecticut families struggling to find answers to the most important questions about how to make ends meet and plan for a secure financial future.”

The Financial Planning Associations of Connecticut serves the Connecticut Valley, Fairfield County and Greater New Haven with 50 members participating in the Network.
Individuals interested in speaking with one of the Association’s certified financial


planners can call 860-721-PLAN (7526) or toll free 1-800-490-4237. A planner will evaluate the callers’ specific financial concerns and assist them in identifying solutions to achieve financial growth and stability as their life circumstances change.

Christopher M. Lee, CFP and Director of the FPA CT Pro Bono Network said, “FPA chapter members have been searching for ways to reach out to those who would not be able to afford our services. We are excited about offering pro bono financial advice to the general public.”

Treasurer Nappier chose to announce this new initiative at the Seventh Annual Money Conference for Women in recognition of the conference’s unique attendance by women from all ages, economic backgrounds, and with varying degrees of financial knowledge. Over 400 women who attended the conference were introduced to the Pro Bono Network. Co-sponsored by the Treasurer’s Office and the YWCA of the Hartford Region, the Money Conference for Women has brought together more than 3,000 women since 2001 to learn about how to better manage their financial affairs.

Treasurer Nappier has made advancing financial education a hallmark of her administration, working collaboratively with community-based and faith-based organizations and the business community to promote financial education statewide, including programs aimed at young people, women and underserved communities. In February, 2008 the Nappier administration in partnership with the University of Connecticut convened the “Your Dollar, Your World,” a personal finance and economics conference attended by more than 500 high school students.

The Treasurer’s commitment to financial education also extends to ensuring that Connecticut citizens have an affordable and accessible college education. In her role as trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), the Treasurer helps families save for their children’s education. CHET is the official 529 college savings plan for Connecticut, created specifically to help Connecticut families save after-tax dollars for future college expenses. Anyone with a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number can open an account with as little as $25 per Investment Option, or with as little as $15 per Investment Option via payroll deduction. CHET is the only 529 college savings program for which Connecticut taxpayers may claim a state income tax deduction on contributions made before December 31st.

Primary funding support for the Pro Bono Network counseling service has been provided by Bank of America with additional resource assistance from the National Foundation for Financial Planning, Chapter Grant program.


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Contact: Lisa Monroe
Communications
(860) 702-3014
lisa.monroe@ct.gov

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! GET OUT AND VOTE

DNEC is not endorsing any candidate, however we offer the following information so that you can make an informed choice. In September, the Ohio Legal Rights Service prepared a side-by-side comparison of the Presidential candidates' positions on disability-related issues.



EVERY VOTE COUNTS!