 |
2013 is a Great Time to Buy!
From foreclosures to underwater mortgages, Michigan's economic woes are more than visible in the crippled housing industry, but 2013 might look a little different. For the first time in nearly six years, the housing market has started to show signs of vitality. Low interest rates offered on mortgages used to help stabilize the market are still available, but it is unknown for how long. Low interest rates combined with the lower-than-normal real estate prices, affordable financing opportunities, and down-payment assistance loans and grants have created a great opportunity for potential homebuyers to make their goal of homeownership a reality. If you or someone you know is interested in owning a home, check out one of the FREE homebuyer education workshops offered at the Center for Financial Health. We will provide you with the tools and resources to make homeownership a possibility for you and your family.
While many buyers may be looking to capitalize on the opportunity to achieve the goal of homeownership and make a great investment in their future, current Michigan homeowners are still in a vulnerable position. Foreclosures rates in Michigan were among the highest in the nation in 2013, and with so many people who have experienced a loss of income, many are not out of the woods yet, and the foreclosure rate in Michigan still remains stubbornly high. Fortunately, much has been learned from the housing crisis and lenders are getting better about assisting distressed homeowners. If you or someone you know is struggling to make a mortgage payment or just make ends meet, help may be available. Call the Center for Financial Health for a FREE housing counseling appointment and see what can be done for you.
|
|
Tax Season Is Almost Here
A new year means that W-2s will soon be making their way to your mailbox. If you are expecting a refund, it is better to file sooner than later. You can start the process by collecting the following:
- W-2, W-2G, and 1099R for your household
- Social Security numbers for yourself and your entire household (if you are using a third party preparer, you will need your social security card and a photo id).
- 1099 records indicating interest income
- Records of charitable contributions
- Records of child care payments and the provider's identifying number
- Records of educational payments
- Receipts if you itemize
- Mortgage interest statements
- Routing and bank account numbers for direct deposit of your refund
Tax season can be stressful, but the Center for Financial Health can help you make your civic obligation less burdensome and, perhaps, help you realize a great financial opportunity. Whether you need help filing your taxes or whether you're wondering how you can make the most of your tax refund, the Center for Financial Health can help or provide you with the best resources this tax season including FREE tax preparation by a VITA site near you.
|
| Not Too Late for Resolutions: Set Your Goals for 2013 Today!
2013 still has 11 months left, and that is plenty of time to set and reach your financial goals for the year and improve your financial standing. Without deciding what you want from your finances, it is unlikely that you will ever see the result you are looking for. And remember to set SMART goals .
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
Beginning today, the Center for Financial Health is hosting a Facebook contest to find the best goal or resolution for 2013. Visit our Facebook page and share your goal on our wall before February 18th and our Financial Fitness Committee will vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a special surprise from the Center
for Financial Health. (click logo to enter today)
 |
|
February Is Property Tax Awarenss Month
The Center for Financial Health is also proud to announce our property tax assistance program in partnership with the Ingham County Treasurer's office. Last year, the Treasure's office had to reclaim 449 properties, and this year they are doing more to help homeowners and renters. If you or someone you know is in danger of losing thier home to tax foreclosure, call our office today (517)708-2550 and ask about one of our FREE Tax Alternative Workshops and other options including Step Forward Michigan's new property tax assistance program. And remember that February is Property Tax Awareness Month!
|
Stay Tuned!
This year the Center for Financial Health is going to be putting money in YOUR pocket!
Details coming March 2013
|
|
|
|
|
Help the Center
Spread the Word About Financial Literacy!
Help the Center for Financial Health spread the word about our services and the importance of financial literacy. Please share our newsletter with anyone who may be interested in what we do or who may benefit from our services-- you never know who it may help. It's easy: just forward our newsletter to anyone in your address book and tell them to click the button below to help grow our list, and don't forget to become a friend of the Center for Financial Health on Facebook! |
|
The Center for Financial Health Come In For Your FREE Financial Health Assessment - Housing Affordability
- Credit Improvement
- Debt Reduction
- Savings Growth
Service Offerings - Homebuyer Education
- Down Payment Assistance
- Pre-Purchase Counseling
- Foreclosure Prevention Assistance
- Reverse Mortgage/HECM Counseling
- Financial Management Training
- Post-Purchase Workshops
- Rental Counseling
- Land Contract Counseling
|
|
