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Community Education

At Clearwater, we believe education empowers people. We want every Montanan to have an opportunity to prosper, and we’re taking action to make that happen by offering no-cost educational experiences to increase financial proficiency.

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Community Education Classes

Our financial educators partner with high schools, adult learning facilities, elder care facilities, businesses, and community organizations to provide education and information covering real-world financial scenarios.

Choose Desired Topic:

Banking Basics

Get an introductory overview of banking, including understanding what a financial institution is and what it does, banking terms and account types, and how to recognize and protect yourself from fraud.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand what a financial institution is and what it does.
  • Be familiar with banking terms.
  • Understand the different types of banking accounts.
  • Know how to recognize fraud red flags.

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Budgeting for Beginners

Take control of your financial future by understanding the fundamentals of money management.

Learning Outcomes

  • Know how to set SMART financial goals.
  • Create a budget with savings goals.
  • Understand how to track spending.
  • Know how to manage debt.

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Elder Financial Exploitation

Coming Soon.

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Financial Fraud and Scams

Financial fraud is an ever-expanding industry. Learn about the current trends we’re seeing, tips to avoid them, and protect yourself and others in your life.

Learning Outcomes

  • Discuss current fraud statistics.
  • Recognize the red flags of a scam.
  • Gain an understanding of how to protect yourself and your personal info.
  • Review current phishing and fraud examples.

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Financing Your Education

If you’re unsure what type of higher education options are available or how to pay for them, this class is for you. We’ll explore a variety of higher education options beyond the traditional four-year degree, evaluate the true cost of school, and discuss how to budget for those expenses.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the different types of higher education options.
  • Realize the true cost of college.
    Know what financing options are available and who to contact.
  • Realize the impact of student loans on your credit.
  • Understand the importance of timely payments and payoffs.

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Intro to Credit Cards

Understand how credit cards function and how they build or hurt your credit, as well as tips to handle credit cards and credit card debt.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand what a credit card is and its impact on your credit score.
  • Know the advantages and disadvantages of having a credit card.
  • Learn how to compare credit cards and what to look for when shopping.
  • Discuss best practices and how to manage your credit cards wisely.

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Predatory Lending

Coming Soon.

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Preparing for Your Next Vehicle

Confidently finance your first or next vehicle with the help of this interactive class, which includes working through examples of loan payments and interest rates.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand what a loan is and the different types of loans available.
  • Know the 4 Cs of lending (Credit, Capacity, Collateral, and Character) and why they matter.
  • Understand additional ways to protect your purchase.
  • Understand the importance of on-time payments.
    Be able to choose the best financing option for your situation.

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Ready to Purchase Your First Home?

Coming Soon.

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Understanding Your Credit Score

Having good credit can save you money on interest rates and make you eligible for new opportunities. This class will pull back the curtain on how this score is calculated and how it can affect your day-to-day life.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand what credit is and why it’s important.
    Know what a good credit score is and how it’s calculated.
  • Have the tools to (re)build and maintain a strong credit report.
  • Understand the importance of monitoring your credit.
  • Know how to prevent identity theft.

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Clearwater staff person talks to a member about financial education at a Missoula member event in Missoula, MT.

Financial Counseling Center

Take control of your debt and your financial future with help from one of our Certified Financial Counselors.

As a Clearwater member, you have access to free financial counseling to help you build a budget, (re)build your credit, mitigate fraud or ID theft, and learn how to navigate financial challenges.

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Online Financial Education Center

No time to attend an in-person class? Our online Financial Education Center offers easy-to-understand articles, videos, tools, and other resources to increase your financial knowledge and improve your overall financial well-being.

Learn Online