Gary's new home.

"I learned about the Center for Financial Health when my employer, Peckham Inc., sponsored an event for the Center to present onsite about how to get started in the process of purchasing a home with either MSHDA or FHA financing.

I've often dreamed of owning my own home throughout my adult life. Home ownership remained a dream until now and I can't thank the Center for Financial Health enough in teaching me all that I needed to learn in order to make an informed purchase...

Thinking back on the process, the most important part of learning what I needed to know to buy my first home was resolved during the HBE class. I'd like to say that the complementary box lunch had the best tasting sub sandwich I ever had! I urge anyone who's contemplating homeownership to first sign up for the HBE class that's offered by the Center for Financial Health."

Respectfully,

Gary, a new homeowner!

It's hard to believe it's been seven years since the 2008 financial crisis. Foreclosures numbered in the hundreds of thousands, unemployment rates rose to dangerous levels, and American's retirement accounts dropped to record low balances. These events certainly got people to focus on their personal finances and the good news is that focus seems to be continuing. But too many people are still doing a bad job at managing their finances. According to the results of FINRA's Financial Quiz of 2012, many Americans are not planning ahead for their financial future. 56% of individuals lack a rainy day fund to cover expenses for three months, in case of emergencies such as sickness, job loss or economic downturn. Individuals without this emergency fund lack adequate protection against financial emergencies or other shocks which may threaten their financial stability. Other indicators show that making ends meet, managing financial products, basic financial knowledge, and decision making are lacking as well.

The Center is on a mission to create lasting change by increasing financial wellness among the households we serve. In January, we launched our first "90 Day Money Challenge," which provides interactive education and support to increase financial capability.  

Over a period of eight weeks, participants learn about goal setting, money management, banking, saving, and much more in a fun, convenient setting.   Measurement of behavior and attitude are conducted through pre-and-post tests for each participant and results will be reported at the end of each Challenge to reflect the impact of the program. Financial literacy, as we understand it, is not just about knowledge; it's about applying knowledge acquired by practicing good financial behavior every day.   

Learn more about the "90 Day Money Challenge"!

The Center welcomes new clients and introduces a new program

   

Opening doors to a better tomorrow begins with having a home today. It's what we do - opening doors to affordable homes and providing access to affordable financial products and informational resources. Our services are combined with financial education that enables consumers to make informed decisions about how they are housed and how they manage their money.

Fitting as it may be, 2015 brings a new program and new clients to the Center and we couldn't be more excited. Through the Family Self Sufficiency program, families and individuals sign on voluntarily to become financially independent. Starting with the design of a 5-year goal together with their case manager, participants set goals such as getting good jobs and earning enough money so they may become independent from cash assistance. The program requires monthly interaction between the Agency and participants and typical results include academic and financial education, job training, among other services.

We're happy to report that foreclosures have been declining over the past year throughout the state and across the country, but at the Center, our foreclosure service levels remain steady due to partnerships with expanding reaches outside of the Lansing area, as well as well as our long-term partnerships with local County treasurers. This means that there's still work to do to keep homeowners, and especially seniors, in their homes. If you know of someone who is still struggling to make ends meet and stay in their home, the Center's highly efficient, expert foreclosure counselors can help. Keep our number handy for referrals: 517-708-2550.

Whether you are joining us for the first time or taking the conversation to the next level, the Center for Financial Health is here to help you make a difference in the world around you. Find out how you can be doing more to help those most in need by becoming a Center for Financial supporter. Call me directly at 517-708-2546 if you're looking for reasons to get involved.

Keep in touch,

Denise Keiser