Oakland County Michigan Works! is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for the fifth time to bring Money Smart Week (MSW) to consumers in southeast Michigan April 21-28. The county will host 26 free seminars as part of the national financial education campaign to help consumers make smart money decisions.
Any interested person is invited to the sessions held at Michigan Works! service centers in Ferndale, Highland, Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford. Topics include debt management, household budgeting, smart spending habits, understanding credit, saving strategies, identity theft protection, teaching children about money and retirement planning. Seminar leaders include experts from local banks, credit unions, investment firms and realty offices.
“Our Michigan Works! team has put together an outstanding collection of local speakers who are ready to share their knowledge to help you make the best financial decisions,” County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “There’s something for everyone, whether you are single, buying your first home, a young parent or preparing for retirement.”
There is no cost to attend any seminar but space is limited so those interested should reserve a spot soon. People can view the entire schedule, location and register at www.MoneySmartWeek.org/Events.
“We’re very excited to be offering these seminars to people throughout the region,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, manager of Oakland County Michigan Works! “Last year’s sessions were well attended and we expect even more people this year.”
Money Smart Week is the most comprehensive financial education campaign in the country. Launched in Chicago in 2002 with just 40 events, it has expanded significantly to become the only national financial educational program for people at all stages of life, according to the campaign organizers.
Kelly Masters, Michigan’s MSW campaign chair, said over the past several years Oakland County Michigan Works! has become one of the state’s leading host partners and is a model for other counties to follow.
Oakland County Michigan Works! helps more than 45,000 job seekers prepare for careers and conduct job searches each year. The agency provides services to businesses including talent recruiting and retaining support, training support and labor market information.
Oakland County companies interested in building their talent pipeline are invited to attend a special luncheon and panel discussion on how to successfully implement registered apprenticeship programs.