Where is your money? Is it being managed, or is it just being invested? If you're putting money in a 401k at work, or even buying an occasional stock just to test the waters, you need a good understanding of how to look after those investments. And make no mistake, no one has as much at stake as you do.

This series of two Saturday seminars wil provide an overview of the financial markets and the types of investments used in each market. In down-to-earth discussions, we'll take the mystery out of investing, and you'll have a solid understanding of the basics.

Here's what you can expect:

Saturday, April 10, 2010
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Overview:

• Understand the ABCs of investing and the financial markets
• Know why you should have an investment program
• Learn the factors that affect financial decisions (safety, risk and liquidity)
• Discuss how asset allocation and investment alternatives affect your plan
• Recognize your personal role in your investment program

Investing in Stocks:

• Identify the differences in common and preferred stocks
• Learn how to evaluate stock investments
• Fundamental analysis
• Technical analysis
• Describe the way stocks are bought and sold
• Discuss long-term and short-term strategies

Saturday, April 24, 2010
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Investing in Bonds:

• Discuss reasons for corporate and government bonds
• Describe characteristics of bonds
• Explore reasons for investing in bonds
• Review methods of evaluating bond alternatives

Investing in Mutual Funds and Other Assets (Real Estate and Metals):

• Learn characteristics of mutual funds
• Discuss different types of mutual funds
• Discuss various types of alternative investments
• Analyze the risks and rewards of these investments

Our Seminar Leaders

Tony Mifsud is the business administration department head of Catawba Valley Community College. He has over 30 years of executive management and entrepreneurial experience in various industries. His areas of expertise include financial and investment management, as well as business acquisitions. Tony holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and is currently completing a doctorate in business administration.

R. Gary Muller has over 25 years of executive management experience in a variety of industries. He is a business administration instructor at Catawba Valley Community College and also co-owner of an investment management business. He is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA degree from Wake Forest University.

Seminar Dates and Location

Participants will meet on Saturdays, April 10 and 24, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Both sessions will be held at the Appalachian State University Center at Hickory. The Center is located on the East Campus of Catawba Valley Community College, 2760 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, behind Northern Tool.

To Register

Registration is available to adults by phone, mail, or online through April 1. After April 1, please register by telephone only.

Click a payment option below to register online or to print out a registration form. To register by phone, please call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cost for this event is only $65 per person and is payable by credit card, check, or PayPal account. Payment is due at the time of registration. Groups of 2 or more registering together will receive a discount of $5 each. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before April 1, 2010. After April 1, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment. If a course is cancelled, a full refund of the registration fee will be made.