SCHEDULE* 10:30 a.m. Rain barrel demonstration* 11 a.m. "Green Homes Save Money"* 11:15 a.m. "Buying and Keeping a House"* 11:30 a.m. "Find a Job in Today's Economy"* 11:45 a.m. "Get the Best Car Deal"* Noon. "New Credit Card Laws"* 12:15 p.m. Rain barrel demonstration* 1 p.m. Piggy bank pageant
The Tennessee Saves Coalition will offer ideas for saving money and the environment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday during Save Green Go Green at Hamilton Place mall.
Visitors can learn about new low- and no-cost weatherization programs, identify home environmental hazards and green job-training opportunities.
Free tools will be available to help assess net worth, debt reduction, spending plans and other money concerns, with resources on hand for coping with a financial crisis.
The help is designed for families and individuals who are struggling with finances or just want to learn more about conserving the resources they have, according to organizers.
Exhibits and presentations will provide activities and resources for adults and youths at the lower-level stage area near the food court. Door prizes will be awarded.
Free tax preparation is available through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance for households earning less than $49,000. In Chattanooga, call 211 to schedule an appointment for the event and to locate other VITA sites.
To encourage savings, Girl Scout troops and 4-H members have decorated piggy banks, and visitors can vote on their favorite.
Save Green Go Green is part of America Saves Week, which motivates people of all ages and incomes to "start small, think big" when it comes to saving money. To become a Tennessee Saver, call the University of Tennessee Extension at 855-6113. Participants receive a free kit, newsletters and motivation tools.
For more on the event, visit the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County Web site, http://mghc.org.