Project 101 hosts first event on financial literacy at Talcott Library

In an effort to equip community members with essential financial knowledge, Project 101 is hosting a financial literacy event at the Talcott Library in Rockton, Illinois on February 22, 2025 from 10-11 a.m. This Project 101 event, aimed at helping individuals take control of their financial future, is led by Greg and Darlene Cober in partnership with Northern Winn Dems. Mr. and Mrs. Cober designed this Saturday morning session to demystify financial concepts and provide practical strategies for managing personal finances.

Greg and Darlene bring decades of collective knowledge built on a lifetime of experience. Greg brings 40 years of experience to the table as a training manager, making him feel relatively at ease as a teacher or coach, and has the personal experience of buying and selling multiple homes. Darlene worked for the State of Wisconsin for 30 years as an accountant, auditor, and account specialist. Their expertise is grounded in real-world experience, making their insights both practical and actionable.

The inspiration behind the event

Greg and Darlene were inspired to organize this event after numerous conversations with friends and family about financial topics. What seemed like common knowledge to them was unfamiliar territory for many others. They often received calls from friends and close associates asking for financial guidance and really enjoyed helping others when they received those phone calls. What seemed like common knowledge to them didn’t seem like common knowledge to those who dialed their number.

“We kept hearing people say, ‘Gosh, wouldn’t it be nice if they taught these things in high school,’” Greg shared. That was the primary inspiration of the event.

While the event is primarily educational, it also aligns with the Northern Winnebago Democrats' mission to serve the community. Greg and Darlene acknowledge that political engagement plays a role in supporting programs that benefit residents. “[Steve] Stadelman and [Dave] Vella will reach out to constituents and let them know about events, like a shredding event. Since we aren’t seated anywhere, that doesn’t mean we can’t provide services” to the Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit region.

“The most political aspect at this event is that we’ll be wearing our Northern Winn Dems shirts,” Greg said. “Personal and family financial planning is nonpartisan, but we also hope events like this highlight the positive impact of our local Democratic organization.”

Their commitment to community service extends beyond this event, with involvement in food pantry programs and other local initiatives.

Who should attend and why

The event is geared toward younger attendees, but anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy is welcome. Early financial planning, Greg and Darlene emphasize, pays dividends later in life.

“Something as simple as understanding how checking accounts work and the delay between deposits and fund availability can be a game-changer,” Greg explained, recounting his own experience of moving to New York with just $20 in his account and waiting five days for a deposit to clear.

Beyond checking and savings accounts, attendees will learn about alternative financial tools that may better suit their needs.

Topics and key takeaways

The event will feature a 45-minute presentation followed by an interactive Q&A session. Topics include:

• Understanding APR vs. APY
• Choosing checking and savings accounts that fit your lifestyle
• How interest rates for and against us
• Credit scores: how to start strong at 18 and how to recover from past mistakes
• Strategies for tackling debt and creating a financial game plan

When it comes to debt, Darlene emphasized that it was Project 101’s goal “to show people that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel—and it’s not a freight train.”

Attendees will receive a financial literacy cheat sheet to help them navigate key concepts.

Additionally, a follow-up session in two to three weeks will focus on social security, retirement planning, IRAs, and 401(k), providing further guidance on long-term financial stability. But it’s not just general retirement advice. Darlene and Greg both stressed that the follow-up event will be designed around “helping you make the right decision for you when to retire.”

The Northern Winn Dems also plan to expand their educational offerings, potentially adding workshops on resume writing, safe internet practices, and home buying. These sessions are expected to occur every four to six weeks. In addition, Greg and Darlene are coordinating with volunteer groups to expand Project 101 to the city of Beloit.

How to attend

The event on Saturday, February 22nd from 10-11 a.m. at the Talcott Library is free and open to the public. Those interested in registering for the event or for more information can visit the Northern Winnebago Democrats Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/960487522848592.