UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From creating a budget and protecting against financial scams to building long-term wealth, financial decisions shape nearly every stage of life. To help Penn Staters navigate those decisions with confidence, Penn State Alumni Career Services is launching "Financially Forward," a new three-part virtual series designed to provide practical, expert-led guidance on personal finance.
The program will bring together specialists from Penn State’s Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center and PSECU to help alumni strengthen their financial knowledge, develop healthy money habits and plan for the future. Through interactive virtual sessions, participants will gain actionable strategies they can apply immediately, regardless of where they are in their personal or professional journey.
“Financial wellness impacts so many aspects of our lives, from career choices and personal goals to long-term security,” said Holly Stoltzfus, assistant director of Alumni Career Services. “We created Financially Forward to give alumni access to trusted experts and practical information they can immediately apply to their own financial situations. Whether someone is just starting out, managing a growing family or planning for retirement, these sessions offer valuable tools and insights.”
All sessions will be held virtually from 7 to 8 p.m. Register for the series here.
The series begins Thursday, Oct. 15, with "Building a Better Budget," presented by experts from the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center. Participants will learn why budgeting remains essential after college, explore different budgeting approaches and discover tools and apps that can help simplify money management.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, representatives from PSECU will lead a session on "Preventing Financial Fraud & Identity Theft." Attendees will learn to recognize the warning signs of common scams and identity theft tactics so they can protect their personal information and finances.
The series concludes Thursday, Oct. 29, with "Saving and Investing," also presented by the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center. The session will examine the differences between saving and investing, discuss risk tolerance and provide an introduction to long-term financial planning tools such as 401(k)s, IRAs and retirement savings strategies.
Stoltzfus said the program reflects Alumni Career Services’ commitment to providing lifelong learning opportunities that support Penn Staters both professionally and personally.
“Many alumni have told us they want practical resources that help them navigate important life decisions,” Stoltzfus said. “Financially Forward extends the educational mission of Penn State beyond the classroom and gives alumni the opportunity to continue learning from experts within the Penn State community and our valued partners.”
The series is open to alumni who want to strengthen their financial confidence, whether they are establishing a budget, building savings, preparing for major life milestones or planning for retirement. By combining expert guidance with practical takeaways, Financially Forward aims to help participants make informed decisions that support both their immediate needs and long-term goals.