Money Smart Week at Brookfield Library

Brookfield Library is hosting a week of free classes starting Monday that focus on smart money decisions — from planning for the future to starting a business to avoiding scams.

Find information on each of the classes below, including guest speakers and registration options.

Monday, April 22 at 7 p.m.: The Key to Affordable Housing

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) offers mortgage programs and assistance for first-time homebuyers, for those struggling to pay their mortgage, for seniors who need to tap into their equity for their needs, and more. Rose Holbrook, Marketing and Customer Service Coordinator, will be here to share information about CHFA's valuable programs. Register online, call 203-775-6241 or sign up at the Checkout Desk.

Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.: Entrepreneurial Moms Share their Secrets for Success

Panel discussion of Connecticut entrepreneurial moms moderated by Holly Hurd, founder of VentureMom.com, a website devoted to covering moms who have their own businesses. Hear from some of them about how to turn a hobby into a business or take a current venture to the next level.

Suzen Pettit is founder of OMAGinarium, an acronym for Online Marketing and Growth (omaginarium.com). She has helped hundreds of small companies get their businesses on the map. Ruth Frantz is founder of Henri's Reserve (henrisreserve.com), an e-boutique of artisanal champagnes and creative gifts. Ruth combines her passion for entertaining, gift giving, and great champagne. Scarlett DeBease is a professional image consultant, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. Scarlett's clients have newly discovered confidence in their appearance and can now walk into a room feeling successful, powerful, and attractive because Scarlett does not give up until she finds what will make her clients feel great about their appearance. Register for this fun and informative program online, call 203-775-6241 or sign up at the Checkout Desk.

Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m.: How to Spot a Con: Frauds, Scams, and Identity Theft

The risks for identity theft are everywhere you turn. Your mail, your computer, your credit cards, even your trash — all present opportunities for criminals to gain access to your personal information. Have you ever had a phone call offering you something that sounded too good to be true or an email from a "long, lost relative" needing money? Scams of all sorts have reached epidemic proportions, and the Federal Trade Commission reports that more than 30 million Americans a year fall victim to fraud. We are 40 times more likely to be defrauded than to have our cars stolen or our homes burglarized.

Michael Buchas, Associate Examiner with the Connecticut Department of Banking, and Robert Nakano, Supervising Special Investigator with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Frauds Division, will give a panel talk on how to recognize scams and frauds, and how to prevent identity theft and if you are an identity theft victim, how to limit the harm, followed by a Q&A. Register online, call 203-775-6241 or sign up at the Checkout Desk.