5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 11

1. Calling all teenagers and their parents: While schools are great at preparing students for a future at college or work, a great many teens lack the essential money management skiils and habits they will need as they head out on their own. What do they really know about money, and what do you need to know?  What are the differences between debit and credit cards? Checking accounts vs. saving? What happens if I bounce a check? And what about paying for college?

So come join Peter Hoffman, a certified financial planner affiliated with Trust Advisory Group in Woburn, speak on "Teens and Money: Tips for Developing Good Financial Habits, a Financial Planning Program for Teens" which will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the Belmont Public Library. This free program is sponsored by the non-profit Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts as part of its mission to bring financial planning education to the public.

2. The monthly meeting of the Belmont Public Library's "Books and Bites" – the library's book review program featuring presentations by local residents, Belmont Public Library staff and local authors – will be held in the Assembly Room from 11 a.m. to noon beginning with Marcia Lynch discussing "The Secret Keeper," by Kate Morton and "Book, Line, and Sinker" by Jenn McKinlay. Grace Taylor will discuss 2012's National Book Award winning "The Round House," by Louise Erdrich. Children's Librarian Deborah Borsuk will discuss two children's books: "Penguin and Pinecone," by Salina Yoon and "A Wrinkle in Time," by Madeleine L'Engle.
All are welcome to attend this free program. Refreshments will be provided.

3. Learn to make all sorts of bookmarks to the Beech Street Center at 1 p.m. Tina Rose will lead the group using all sorts of paper materials including calendars, fancy napkins and recycled materials such as magazines, greeting cards, photos, and wallpaper)

4. Hear's a head's up: nearby Mount Auburn Hospital presents "Powerful Tools for Caregivers," a free six-week program designed to help individuals take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. Participants will learn strategies to reduce stress, guilt, anger, and depression, and also learn ways to communicate effectively with other family members and doctors. This program will meet once a week on Monday mornings beginning March 18 at 10 a.m. at the hospital, 330 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge. To register or for more info, call 617-499-5625.

5. It is Johnny Appleseed Day in many parts of the midwest.