PHOENIXVILLE, PA — From building better credit to buying a car or preparing for a first home, Open Hearth Inc. is offering Chester County-area residents a free way to strengthen their financial know-how this fall through an 11-week series of practical, expert-led workshops.
The Fall 2026 Personal Financial Virtual Workshop Series runs Wednesdays from Sept. 2 through Nov. 11, with sessions held from 6 to 8 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Registration is required, but participants may sign up for individual workshops or attend the entire series.
Each workshop focuses on a different financial decision or challenge, with professionals in the relevant fields leading the discussions. Open Hearth notes that no products will be sold or promoted during the sessions.
The series begins Sept. 2 with “Finances for a Lifetime,” covering financial well-being, budgeting, expense tracking and affordability. A Sept. 9 session turns to budgeting and debt reduction, followed Sept. 16 by a workshop explaining the credit system, establishing good credit and improving credit scores.
For residents thinking about homeownership, the Sept. 23 “Meet a Realtor” session will explore choosing a homebuying team, finding a home and preparing for settlement. Insurance takes center stage Sept. 30, with a session covering different types of coverage, deductibles, copays and benefits.
The program continues Oct. 7 with “Paying for College,” including information on financing post-secondary or vocational education and completing the FAFSA. On Oct. 14, a car broker will walk participants through researching vehicles, understanding the buying process and paying for a car.
Later workshops tackle everyday financial tools and risks. “Banking Basics” on Oct. 21 will cover banking terminology, products and services, credit and account management, while an Oct. 28 fraud-prevention session will address common scams, protecting personal information and using secure payment methods.
The final two workshops shift toward longer-term goals. A certified financial planner will lead “Save Like a Millionaire” on Nov. 4, covering financial planning, savings and investment accounts and compound interest. The series concludes Nov. 11 with “Financing Your 1st Home,” including mortgage selection, the application process and house hunting.
Event Details
- What: Open Hearth Inc. Fall 2026 Free Personal Financial Virtual Workshop Series
- When: Wednesdays, Sept. 2 through Nov. 11, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
- Cost/Tickets: Free; registration is required. Participants may register for individual workshops or the complete series.
- More Info: tinyurl.com/ohfall26workshops
The workshops are part of Open Hearth’s broader work supporting financial stability and housing security. The organization reported serving more than 948 households from Chester County and portions of western Montgomery County in 2025, providing more than 1,600 services.
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