HOUSING AND CREDIT COUNSELING, INC.
Phone: 800-383-0217 • E-mail:
Web: www.hcci-ks.org
Serving Kansas since 1972
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Training & Education Programs
HCCI classes are provided at your business, organization, governmental agency, or school and at HCCI’s Topeka office. Classes cover a range of topics related to home ownership, renting, finances, and credit. Content and length of each class can be modified to meet the needs of the audience.
HCCI’s training and education program is sponsored by a generous grant from the Office of the Kansas Bank Commissioner with additional funding requested from local partners and sponsors. Contact HCCI for an estimate of cost to develop your specialized training program.
Personal Finance and Credit
Get Caught Up and Stay on Top with Budgeting and Savings Done Right
One-hour class that details:
º how to create an effective spending and savings plan that meets your needs;
º why an emergency fund is important;
º how to plan for non-monthly expenses; and
º the importance of paying yourself first each month.
Banking Basics
One-hour class for individuals who need an unbiased view of the different banking options that are currently available to consumers. Learn:
º how having a savings and/or checking account can help you stay organized with your finances; and
º what to expect when you decide to open your first account.
So Much Debt, So Little Time
Feeling overwhelmed by past-due notices or plagued with garnishments? Learn:
º how different types of debts impact your bank account, paycheck, credit score;
º what laws protect you when you have debts in collections; and
º repayment options so you can get out of debt and on with your life.
15 Things to Know Before You Leave Home: A Student Survival Guide
º High school and college students learn what they need to know to live independently. This class covers how to develop a budget, track spending and keep personal finances healthy and safe.
Insurance: Why Should You Pay for Something You May Never Use
One-hour overview of the types of insurance policies available and why it is important for your family to have these safeguards in place. Life, health, car, home, and disability insurances will be discussed with information about options to meet specific needs.
Building Credit to Get the Things You Need (and want)
One-hour class teaches consumers how to establish credit, how credit is scored and what causes credit scores to change. Also provides practical tips for paying off collection debt, rebuilding credit history and disputing inaccurate information on a credit report.
Student Loan Repayment
Learn what repayment options are available for financial aid borrowers, where to find out how much you owe, how to consolidate your loans and when you may be eligible for loan forgiveness.
Grow Your Dough: Building Assets on a Limited Budget
Worried about money for retirement? Unsure if can help pay for your child’s higher education? This clear and concise one-hour class offers an unbiased view of the different investment options available to build assets.
Try It, Drive It
Time for new wheels? Learn:
º how to accurately calculate the amount you can comfortably spend on a vehicle;
º why planning ahead for periodic vehicle-related expenses is important; and
º how to determine if your next vehicle should be new, used, or leased.
Holiday Spending: Have a Debt Free Holiday
Bring joy back to the holidays! This one-hour presentation gives participants holiday savings tips and alternative gift ideas which can reduce financial stress. Learn how to plan a reasonable holiday expense budget.
Life After Bankruptcy
Two-hour class for people who have already filed for bankruptcy and need to complete the education requirements of the new bankruptcy law. This program covers:
º “wants” vs. “needs;”
º budgeting following bankruptcy;
º developing sound financial habits;
º goal setting and decision making;
º understanding credit, credit reports, credit scores and rebuilding your credit;
º predatory lending;
º identity theft;
º insurance; and
º financial tools to help you stay on track.
Something Just Doesn’t Look Right: Protecting Yourself from Predatory Lenders and Identity Thieves
Learn how to spot predatory lenders, why doing business with a predatory lender could have an impact on your bank account and your credit score, as well as information on how to protect your personal information from identity thieves and what steps to take if you do become a victim of identity theft.
Reverse Mortgage: What Do I Need to Know
A reverse mortgage is a home loan for people age 62 and older that lets a homeowner turn the value of his or her home into cash. Learn the questions to ask potential lenders and how the reverse mortgage loan process works so you can better determine if a reverse mortgage is a viable option for you. [Note: HCCI Certified Staff counsels nationwide by phone regarding reverse mortgages.]
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Rental Housing (Tenant & Landlord)
Best Practices for Landlords & Property Managers
This in-depth training covers landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Other compliance obligations and common property management issues and challenges are also discussed. Ample time is allowed for Q/A and discussion.
Fair Housing
One-hour training suitable for property managers, landlords, tenants and their advocates. Fair Housing topics include screening tenants, protected classes, discrimination, Assistive Animals (Service and Emotional Support), reasonable accommodations, advertising, and documentation. Q/A and discussion.
Renter Prep
This class is designed for tenants who may have experienced bad rental situations in the past or who want to avoid them. It examines the application and screening process, as fifty percent of all successful rental choices involves making careful inspection and good choices of a rental unit before signing a lease and moving in. Basic tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities are also clarified in plain detail. (Perfect for people who’ve been evicted, have a felony conviction, did not receive the return of their security deposit, believe they were treated unfairly, became homeless, or they themselves made mistakes.) Approximately 1 hour.
On My Own
Need an apartment, but don’t know the first thing about renting? Thinking about having a roommate? Signing a rental lease can be scary and confusing. What exactly are you responsible for? Find out details you should know before moving into your first apartment. You’ll be glad you did. (This class includes a fun interactive role play and is perfect for the high school senior, young adults entering college and youth aging out of foster care.) Approximately 1 hour.
Home Ownership
Homebuyer “101” Workshop
This 4 hour workshop is for first-time homebuyers and anyone wanting facts before buying. Learn:
º How to “shop for” a realtor.
º Who qualifies for mortgage loan assistance grants.
º How much you will need for “closing cost”.
º What’s involved in the home inspection and why.
º Types of mortgage loans available.
º Great tips for home maintenance.
Topeka Opportunity to Own (TOTO)
The 10 hour homebuyer series of classes covers budgeting for a down payment and closing expenses, finding the right house, working with a realtor, what lenders look for in your credit report and job history, financing options, closing process and responsibilities of homeownership. The first four hours meet the education requirement for most lenders. The complete program is a requirement for the Topeka Opportunity To Own (TOTO) program.
Home Maintenance
The 2 hour maintenance classes cover basic upkeep and repair projects that homeowners can do themselves. Classes cover lawn maintenance, plumbing, electricity and home decorating.