October is Financial Planning Month and, once again, the Society is set to hold several financial education and financial literacy events. 

In the past, various NYSSCPA chapters have hosted seminars, participated in outreach clinics, or given informational talks at the public library. This year, the Society will be hosting free Financial Fitness fairs and Money Brunch seminars, with our CPA members offering introductory financial education sessions and one-on-one financial consultations to young adults, college students, families, individuals, small business owners and seniors.

Here's where you come in: We need volunteers who have an interest or expertise in the following topics to help lead discussions and participate in free, one-on-one 15-minute private consultations with attendees: basic taxes for individuals; budgeting; money management; understanding credit; starting a small business; making college affordable; real estate basics (buying a house); Investing 101 (how compound interest works, the difference between a stock and bond, 401Ks and pensions); and estate planning.

Oct. 3 - Molloy College on Long Island, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Oct. 17  - Per Scholas in the Bronx, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Oct. 23  - NYPL Science and Business Library in Midtown Manhattan, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Oct. 24  - Eagle Academy Bronx, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Oct. 31  - Brooklyn Money Brunch location TBD

As we will be working in teams and shifts, only a few hours of your time is needed at each event.

We'll also be pitching various news outlets throughout the month—radio, TV and online, as well as print—and will need a few CPA volunteers to represent the Society as the need arises.  As a pre-requisite for participating in media interviews, members are asked to attend our free media training seminar on Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. – noon, either in person at the NYSSCPA's Wall Street offices or via webcast.

If you're interested in volunteering a few hours of your time for public service events and/or media outreach opportunities, or you'd like to hold an event in your area with your chapter, please email Alonza Robertson, NYSSCPA media relations manager, at arobertson@nysscpa.org. Please include "Financial Planning Month" in the subject line and be sure to include your topic and preferred location. An informational phone call to organize volunteers will be scheduled for each event.

Thank you for your interest in helping us help New Yorkers get money smart.