History of Sankofa Financial Workshops
"Our mission is to empower people
by providing financial workshops to encourage prosperity,
wealth creation and retention, and to facilitate access to
resources."
The concept, originally named the Financial Empowerment Project,
is a vision of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor Thomas
shared this vision with the church body in February of 2001.
Rev. Ron Williams accepted the challenge to coordinate financial
services professionals to deliver workshops in an effort to
provide a foundation of financial education for generations
to come. The planning committee successfully introduced the
first series of workshops in the fall of 2001.
The current structure offers one workshop per month
(60—90 minutes) every second Friday and Saturday. In
most cases, a workshop will be held on Friday at 6:30 pm and
then the same workshop will be repeated on Saturday at 9:30
am. This format allows flexibility for those who cannot attend
a weekday workshop.
A qualified (and licensed, where applicable) facilitator
will lead each workshop. Our facilitators are leaders in their
field and have experience speaking locally and nationally
to audiences on numerous topics. We have made a strong effort
to serve the community with excellence by offering experts.
To ensure our commitment to professionalism to our church
and community family, we have developed minimum facilitator
qualifications and give priority to financial service professionals
who are church members.
Testimonials
For You, Lord, have made me glad through
your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands."
Psalm 92:4
"Facilitator was very thorough and I have gained a
lot of knowledge about what I would do to make sure I have
enough insurance coverage." J. Sneed
"This information is proving to be valuable to me
getting my finances in order for the future. I often think
of my nieces and nephews being empowered though and by the
knowledge I am receiving. I must get this thing done!"
J. Baker
"I am very pleased to have this information available
to our members. It is a much needed basic class that I feel
should be greatly attended." D. Pinder
"I do thank you for what you shared with us during
the second session. God was truly glorified in the information
and it benefited me tremendously. Thank you." D.
Tann
" Great workshop! Expertly done! The information was
valuable and can be of use for every member of our church!"
J. Moton
Workshop Topics
1. The Best Time to Refinance
- The purpose of this workshop is to review the basic process
of buying a home and the considerations for lowering your
interest rate, obtaining a home equity loan or changing
the loan structure. It is recommended that participants
be homeowners and have a copy of their current real estate
contract or mortgage statement.
2. Basics I - Money and Me
- The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the fundamentals
necessary to begin a wealth creation program. Concepts covered
include: 1) the importance of having a positive mental attitude
regarding money & Stewardship; 2) reviewing your current
position; and 3) recognizing the outside influences such
as the media and generational curses that can cause inappropriate
spending.
3. Basics II — Taking the First Step
- The purpose of this workshop is to outline the budget
process and strategies of debt management. Participants
will learn the effects of various types of debt and credit.
Cash flow analysis will include understanding interest rates
and loan repayment options. It is recommended that participants
bring a copy of a current budget, credit report and/or credit
card statement(s).
4. Investing 101 — Let’s Get Started!
- The purpose of this workshop is to introduce wealth creation
to participants by reviewing basic investment concepts.
This fundamentals workshop will review different investment
vehicles commonly used by Americans to grow their assets
over time. Upon completion of the workshop, participants
should feel knowledgeable to open an investment account
and track performance
5. Investing 201 — Retirement Planning
- The purpose of this workshop is to further explore the
concept of investing by reviewing common retirement programs
such as 401(k) and 403(b)s. Detailed information on IRA
options, pre-tax strategies offered by employers and dollar
cost averaging options (systematic investing). Entrepreneurs
will learn about investing programs that offer tax-deferred
savings.
6. Investing 301 — Advanced Financial Strategies
- The purpose of this workshop is to introduce advanced
investment strategies to the experienced investor. Due to
the various tax and legal implications, this workshop will
provide a general overview of selected topic, so the participant
can feel knowledgeable to address the subject with his/her
professional financial advisor. Recommended — Participants
take Investing 101 and 201 and be an experienced investor
as fundamentals will not be covered by the facilitator.
Concepts reviewed include: DRIPS, Futures and Options,
Annuities, Bond Investing, Limited Partnerships and Gifting
Strategies.
7. Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs
- The purpose of this workshop is to address the particular
needs of business owners. Fundamentals will be reviewed
from the employer’s perspective of planning for his/her
employees and from the employer’s perspective of planning
for him/herself. Special emphasis will be on retirement
planning and tax strategies.
8. Risk Management — Insurance 101
- The purpose of this workshop is to provide a general overview
of the various insurance policies and common misconceptions.
Due to the detailed nature of Property & Casualty coverage,
the workshop will give insight as to what questions to ask
your local agent and the particular coverages that everyone
should understand. It is recommended that participants bring
a copy of their homeowners/renters, life, health and/or
automobile policies.
9. Shopping With $ense
- The purpose of this workshop is to provide insightful
buying and spending tips to help manage your finances around
the holiday season. The course will review the power of
debt, budgeting, credit cards, lay away, cash purchases,
ATM usage, and sales techniques implemented by marketers
to get your money! Positive and effective buying strategies
will be offered to complement your commitment to stewardship
in your household.
10. Understanding your Credit
- The purpose of this workshop is to provide detailed information
on the power and misuse of credit. Concepts reviewed include:
understanding debt, no cost strategies to lower debt, credit
report review, and the effect of interest rates on debt.
Highly recommended for all young adults and persons with
credit questions or concerns.
11. Buying a Home — Part I
- The purpose of this workshop is to review the necessary
steps to purchase a home. First time homebuyers are welcome!
The information is presented to encourage renters to understand
their current cash flow, credit and financial goals to move
from debtor to owner. Basic real estate concepts such as
loan types, home inspections, and credit are covered to
ensure the participant’s level of comfort when working
with a realtor.
Coming Soon! — College Funding, Entrepreneurship/Starting
a Business, Debt Management, and Tax Planning, Best Time to
Refinance, How to Purchase Your First Home, Credit Pitfalls,
How to Read the Financial or Business Pages, What to look
for in a Financial Advisor, Understanding Mortgages, Budgeting
101, Managing a Home Based Business, and Tax Tips. |
