Adult ed offering free home buying and finance seminars

Programs include local advice for homebuyers and an 8-week money management course

March 17, 2026

By staff

STONINGTON—With home buying an often stressful and costly undertaking in the area,, Deer Isle Adult and Community Education is offering two free events aimed at helping residents better manage their finances, including a homebuyer advice panel and an eight-week money management course.

A free homebuyer question-and-answer panel will be held Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. The in-person session will also offer a Zoom link to join remotely. The panel will feature local professionals offering guidance to people considering purchasing a home, whether in the near future or years down the road.

Panelists include real estate broker Morgan Eaton of the Island Agency; Brandi Candage, a mortgage loan officer with Camden National Bank; and Mia Sartori, who will share her perspective as a recent homebuyer.

Organizers say the discussion will focus on practical information for prospective buyers in the Deer Isle and Stonington area, including mortgage eligibility, financing options and available housing resources in Hancock County.

The panel will also highlight the Maine HoMEworks Homebuyer Education Certificate and the state’s $5,000 Advantage Loan program. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about buying property locally and the steps needed to begin the homeownership process.

Then, starting in April, Deer Isle Adult and Community education director Morgan Witham will lead an eight-week personal finance class designed to help participants improve their financial decision-making and long-term planning.

The course, titled “Fundamentals of Financial Freedom,” will run Thursdays from April 9 through June 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Island Connectivity Hub classroom in the Stonington Schoolhouse.

According to organizers, the course will cover budgeting, credit building, debt management and strategies for financial security. The class uses a means-based, tiered tuition structure, allowing participants to enroll for between $0 and $35.

Organizers say the course is intended for people starting to build financial skills as well as those looking to strengthen their current financial habits.

Deer Isle Adult and Community Education serves residents of Deer Isle, Stonington and the Blue Hill Peninsula. In addition to community classes, the program offers free adult education services such as high school completion support, as well as college and career counseling.

The program also provides workforce training in areas including business and technical skills, along with enrichment courses ranging from industrial arts and technology training to health, crafts and outdoor recreation.

Residents interested in the programs can register online or contact the program directly for more information by calling (207) 656-6262.