Money Smart Classes for Adults

Wed, 01/20/2016 - 3:35pm by monkk

Through partnership with United Way, Washtenaw Literacy is offering free classes that include financial literacy curriculum professionally prepared by FDIC and presented by a staff member from United Way of Washtenaw County. Sessions will be 1-2:30 on Wednesdays, February 3 through April 6 at the Community Opportunity Center Computer Lab (1301 S. Harris in Ypsilanti). The curriculum will be presented 1-1:45, then, tutors will be available to help folks review materials, complete graphic organizers, and more. This is a great opportunity to improve your Money Smart knowledge! To register, or for more information, call 734-879-1320.

Free Classes from MSU Extension

Fri, 12/04/2015 - 3:09pm by monkk

Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. You can find a class by searching the event schedule here. Some of the featured free classes are:

Parenting on Your Own: Nurturing Parenting, every Thursday, 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Hope Center. To register call 734-222-3943.

Dollar Works Money Management Series, Thursdays Feb. 11, 18, 25 & March 3, 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Washtenaw County LRC. To register call 734-222-3943.

Home Ownership Education, Wednesday Jan. 13 & 20, 6:00 to 9:00 pm and Wednesday Feb. 11, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at MSU Extension Washtenaw County. To register call 734-222-9595.

Finding Wholesale Happiness in a Retail World With Jeff Yeager, NBC Today Show's "Ultimate Cheapskate"

Monday September 14, 2015: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Money Smart Week: Creative Crafting

Sunday April 24, 2016: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Traverwood Branch: Program Room
Grades K-6

The Girl's Guide: the handiest new book!

Tue, 05/26/2015 - 4:14pm by eapearce

It has always seemed to me like there are a lot of “life guidebooks” out there, especially geared towards women. Some have good info, but are often focused on a single subject: housekeeping, fashion, love and romance, health or careers, but rarely all of the above. Life can be confusing and I’ve often wished for a book that has tips and suggestions about all of that stuff that I can just keep around the house. And now, we’ve got one! The Girl’s Guide, by Melissa Kirsch, covers all these subjects—and more—in a single, simply designed new book and I love it!

Chapters include Health and Body Image, Money and Finance, Careers and Work, Dating, Sex and Romance, Spirituality, Home Ec for Modern Times, and sections on fashion sense, friendship, and getting along with and navigating familial and other close relationships. The format of the book is incredibly handy. There are longer sections, but everything is summarized in short, bolded phrases, too, for those just scanning quickly for info. Particularly relevant or important information (for example, the difference between a credit report and a credit score, or what to do if you feel like you’re going to cry at work) is detailed in cute turquoise boxes throughout the book. There are even a few checklists in The Girl’s Guide, including one for outfitting your kitchen and another for things to make sure you check on before purchasing a home. This book is incredibly useful, comprehensive, and realistic, and is a must-read—and maybe even a must-own!—for women everywhere.

Get Money Smart at the Washtenaw County Resource Fair

Thu, 04/09/2015 - 10:22am by monkk

Michigan State University Extension is hosting the Washtenaw County Resource Fair at the Michigan Works office in Ypsilanti on Saturday, April 18 from 10am to 1pm. At the fair you can discover what resources are available in Washtenaw County to help you become more financially secure. Venders will include: Ann Arbor State Bank, Flagstar Bank, DTE Energy, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, Housing Bureau for Seniors, Michigan State University Extension, United Way of Washtenaw County, University Bank, University of Michigan Credit Union, Washtenaw County Michigan Works and more!

Presentations will be offered at the following times:

10:15 AM- Debit Cards: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud

10:45 AM- Be Smart about Credit

11:15 AM- Dealing with Payday Lenders

11:45 AM- Employment Assistance through Michigan Works

12:15 PM- Dress for Success!

Money Smart- Money Management Course

Wed, 04/08/2015 - 11:13am by monkk

This free four-week course is offered on an ongoing basis every Thursday at Hope Center by Michigan State University Extension. The topics that are covered include creating financial goals, creating a spending plan, using credit wisely and pumping up savings. The class is open to anyone interested. Pre-registration is requested by calling 734-222-3943.

Brilliant Bankables

Sunday April 19, 2015: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Grades K-5.

Wall Street Demystified

Wednesday May 7, 2014: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Downtown Library: Training Center

Free Tax Preparation Assistance in Washtenaw County

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:06am by monkk

This tax season AADL is serving as a site for the Washtenaw County Asset Building Coalition (WABC) to provide free tax preparation assistance to the low to moderate income-eligible residents of Washtenaw County. The Washtenaw County Asset Building Coalition is organized to help individuals increase and protect their financial assets and has trained volunteers who are ready to assist with tax returns. There are several dates to choose from, however scheduled appointments are required. You may schedule an appointment by calling the WABC directly at (734) 780-1891. Volunteers are available to assist in languages other than English, such has Farsi, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Ukranian, and Vietnamese. If you require assistance in one of these languages, let the WABC know when scheduling your appointment.

Click here for a list of what to bring to your appointment. Appointments will be held in the 3rd Floor Training Lab at the Downtown Library on the following dates:

Wednesday, February 6, 2013: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday, February 13, 2013: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday, February 20, 2013: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Saturday, February 23, 2013: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday, March 27, 2013: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Saturday, March 30, 2013: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday, April 3, 2013: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday, April 10, 2013: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Saturday, April 13, 2013: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Other sites throughout Washtenaw County offering tax assistance are listed here: 2013 Washtenaw County Tax Preparation Sites.