Date
Feb. 25
Location
Peterson Hall 1 (PH1) 141
Time
2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Description
Develop skills in saving, spending and everything in between! Join Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Student Government and Beach Pride Events (BPE) Financial Empowerment Conference. This event is designed to help you manage and understand how to become financially independent.
Join us Feb. 25, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Peterson Hall 1 (PH1) to engage with financial experts. All attendees will receive FREE concessions, while supplies last, and the chance to win ASI swag! Every participant will receive a certificate of completion at the conference's conclusion and get entered for a chance to win an iPad.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of who will be presenting and what their expertise is to help you decide which activities to attend.
- Welcome and Registration | 2:30 p.m., PH1 141
- Workshop Session #1 | 2:45 p.m.
- Workshop Session #2 | 3:35 p.m.
- Break and Food Distribution | 4:20 p.m.
- Speaker | 4:30 p.m.
Workshop Session #1 (2:45–3:30 p.m.)
Topic: Taxes
Level: Beginner
Presenter: Simon Scherer, CPA
Room: PH1 141
Filing taxes doesn’t have to be confusing! This beginner-friendly workshop breaks down the essentials every college student should know—what taxes are, why they matter and how to confidently prepare your own return. Participants will learn how to read common tax forms, understand deductions and credits for students, and avoid common mistakes. This session will give you practical tools to feel empowered and prepared for the tax season.
Bio: Simon Scherer, CPA, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of California and a tax professional at Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP (HCVT), a leading public accounting firm in Los Angeles. In his role, Simon works with high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses, providing tax compliance and planning services. Before joining HCVT full-time, Simon graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Long Beach. Beyond his work in public accounting, Simon is passionate about financial literacy and helped lead HCVT’s efforts supporting the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at LBSU. Simon lives in Los Angeles and works out of HCVT’s West Los Angeles office.
Topic: 401K and Roth IRA
Level: Intermediate
Presenter: Idris Aydin
Room: PH1 201
Saving for the future doesn’t have to be intimidating. This session breaks down how 401(k)s and Roth IRAs work, why starting early matters, and how small contributions can grow into big future wins. Students will learn key differences between account types, how employer matches work, and smart strategies to build long-term wealth—because future you deserves it.
Bio: TBD
Topic: Investments and High Yield Accounts
Level: Advanced
Presenter: Nevin Garcia
Room: PH1 209
Take your financial growth to the next level. This advanced session dives into strategic investing, portfolio diversification and how to leverage high-yield accounts to optimize returns. Students will explore risk management, compound growth and tools for building a long-term investment strategy that aligns with financial goals. Ideal for participants who already understand the basics and are ready to make more informed, high-impact money moves.
Bio:Nevin Garcia is a Financial Professional with LA Pension Planners, dedicated to helping clients build long-term financial confidence and achieve true independence. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Nevin began his career in the maritime industry, where he developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for customer service and relationship building. Over a decade in that field, he transitioned into financial services, most recently working with Northwestern Mutual, where he gained valuable experience guiding individuals and families toward their financial goals. Nevin holds various FINRA securities licenses along with life and health insurance licenses, allowing him to offer a comprehensive approach to financial planning.
Workshop Session #2 (3:35–4:20 p.m.)
Topic: How Does Credit Work, Financial Lingo & Scams, Interest Rates
Level: Beginner
Presenter: Oscar Velasco
Room: PH1 209
Confused by credit scores, financial jargon or what interest rates actually mean? This session breaks it all down in a clear, student-friendly way. Learn how credit works, key financial terms you’ll see as you start managing money and how to spot (and avoid!) common scams. Perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their financial foundation and make informed decisions with confidence.
Bio: Oscar Velasco is a seasoned professional in the financial industry and serves as the business development specialist II at LBS Financial Credit Union. With over two decades of experience, Oscar is a certified financial education instructor dedicated to empowering the community by sharing his extensive financial knowledge.
Topic: Taxes
Level: Intermediate
Presenter: Simon Scherer
Room: PH1 141
Designed for students who already understand the basics, this session digs deeper into key concepts that can maximize your tax confidence. Explore more complex tax situations—like multiple income sources, common credits and deductions beyond the standard basics, and how life changes can impact your return. Refine your filing skills, avoid costly mistakes, and approach tax season with next-level confidence.
Topic: Debt Forgiveness and Management
Level: Advanced
Presenter: Idris Aydin
Room: PH1 201
Ready to take control of your financial future? This advanced session dives deep into debt forgiveness programs, strategic repayment methods, and how to prioritize balances to save money long-term. Explore federal and private debt options, understand how interest really adds up, and learn practical tools to manage, reduce and eliminate debt with confidence. Perfect for those ready to create a sustainable, debt-free game plan.
Break and Food Distribution (4:20 p.m.)
Keynote Speaker (4:30–5:30 p.m.)
Title: President and CEO, LBS Financial Credit Union
Room: PH1 141
Bio: Sean Hardeman is the President & CEO of LBS Financial Credit Union and just the fourth CEO in the organization’s 90-year history. He began his 31-year credit union career while in college, working part-time as a call center representative. By focusing on adding value beyond the job description, he applied regression analysis modeling he was studying in college to build a call forecasting and staffing model—work that opened the door to new opportunities. After joining LBS Financial Credit Union in 2011 as a Senior Vice President, he was appointed President & CEO in August 2023 by the Board of Directors. Sean earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Irvine. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, camping, water sports and snow skiing.
