Get Your Financial, Emotional Health in Order with GCC Workshops

With the calendar about to flip over to December and the seasons changing from fall to winter, Gloucester County College's Center for Transition is offering more workshops to help people in need of financial or lifestyle assistance.

All of these programs below are free and open to any county resident. Registration is required prior to the workshop. To register, call 856-415-2222 or email peopleintransition@gccnj.edu.

• “Estate Planning” — John Ciocco, esquire, will discuss matters of estate planning, including all documents involved in the process. It meets Monday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• “Medicaid” — John Ciocco, esquire, will provide an overview of Medicaid and the legal system as it pertains to this federal program. It meets Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• “Basic Budgeting” — PIT Social Service and Legal Resource Assistant Nancy Hawn will explain the purpose of and how to establish a personal budget. Topics range from setting financial goals, to fixed and variable spending, including essential and non-essential purchases. Short- and long-term savings will be explored in relation to one’s monthly income. The use of credit and insurance will also be examined. It meets Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• “How to Avoid Costly Housing Mistakes Before, During and After Divorce” — RE/MAX Connection agent Brian Ziegenfuss will explain how to protect one’s interest and maximize profits when selling real estate. Issues of lifestyle changes, new budgets and housing affordability will also be addressed. It meets Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• “Laws of Separation and Divorce” — Craig Kiayman, esquire, and Bruce Matez, Esquire, will speak on selecting an attorney, grounds for divorce, court procedures, alimony, equitable distribution, custody and visitation rights. It will meet Monday, Dec. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• “Financial Strategies for Divorcees” — Financial adviser Monique Castillo will provide participants with an actionable checklist to help chart their progress as they refocus personal finances after divorce. Topics include how to organize paperwork and establish critical timelines so that they can prepare for and manage their financial future. It meets Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• “Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Riding the Emotional Roller Coaster” — Certified Professional Life Coach Sharon Roth-Lichtenfeld, CPC, will offer coping mechanisms to deal with emotional stress and lifestyle changes. This empowering workshop will help individuals uncover and navigate the twists and turns of life. It meets Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• “Financial Strategies for Widows” — Financial adviser Monique Castillo will explain several financial considerations for widows, such as documents involved in retitling assets and identifying necessary income to meet one’s obligations. She will also discuss important timelines, how to meet deadlines and provide an actionable checklist to help individuals stay focused and move forward. It meets Thursday, Dec. 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
• “Financial Considerations for Job Changers” — Financial adviser Monique Castillo will lend guidance to participants transitioning between jobs by clarifying changes in retirement plans, insurance, benefits, taxable effects, savings and emergency funds.  The pros and cons of the options that someone faces between positions will also be explored. It meets Thursday, Dec. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m.