I wanted to pass along information from the MSU Extension service regarding webinars they have available you may find helpful in creating programming or suggesting to your patrons. Also, Money Smart Week is coming up in April and there are specials and topics that may fit with other programming you are already offering patrons during that time. Some of the webinar are free while others have a small fee. You can contact Brenda Long, see information below, for details on how your library can be involved in offering services to patrons. She also is interested in working with libraries to do group viewings of the online classes. Please see full details below. Shannon White Library of Michigan www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan> 517.373.9489 Whites29@michigan.gov MSU Extension monthly webinars about financial and housing topics March to June webinar flyers are attached. The MSU Extension team of knowledgeable, straight-forward financial pros demystify common money and homeownership best practices with university-backed, research-based programs and resources to help Michigan residents navigate through whatever fiscal challenges life throws their way. Unbiased education for diverse audiences and needs - no strings attached-and are open to all. Free Topics * Retirement Planning--Learn valuable information about Social Security, work, savings and investments, retirement plans, housing, debt, fraud, Medicare and health insurance. * Student Loans-two presentations, one on Accessing and Applying for Student Loans and one on Understanding the Repayment Options for Student Loans. * ***Foreclosure Basics- Learn the options to keep, sell or let foreclosure happen. Also the Michigan Foreclosure Timeline, steps in foreclosure prevention, and finding local resources. * ***When Every Penny Counts: Saving Strategies and Tips-Discover where to find the money to save and ten strategies to make savings happen. * Knee Deep in Debt: 10 Tips to Repair Your Credit--Calculate how much debt is generally affordable and ways to build credit while paying down debt based on your current income. * How Much Home Can You Afford?-- Calculate how much home you can afford to purchase and maintain based on your current income. Low Cost Topics * Money Management--This three-week course offers online content to study and weekly discussions with the instructor in a video conference meeting room to learn creating financial goals and spending plans, pumping up savings and using credit wisely. * ***Rent Smart-Planning to rent? Learn about getting your money in order, the rental process, and being a good tenant. * Homeownership Education-The home buying process is complicated and confusing. Learn valuable information about the steps, affordability, costs, mortgage loans, and maintaining your new home. Bonus? Completing the course can help Michigan residents qualify for down-payment and other assistance programs. * Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate-- Family feuds are more likely to erupt over treasured possessions than over money. Learn strategies that will help you jumpstart conversations about inheritance issues. ***Offered during Money Smart Week April 23 to 29.*** Note: The fee can be waived for DHHS assistance recipients taking the Money Management and Rent Smart courses. Check out all our webinars and in-person programs listed in the Events channel at MIMoneyHealth.org<http://www.mimoneyhealth.org/> then click on the link for a description and the registration button. Pre-registration is required for webinars so that we can email the web link, handouts and other materials. We welcome feedback about your library patrons using your computers to join webinars, new topic ideas, the best time of day to offer webinars, etc. Also, if you will gather a group of learners at your library to join a webinar together using your technology? Brenda Long, MA Michigan State University Extension Office: 50 East Sprague Rd., Ionia, MI 48846 Phone: 616-527-5357 or toll free 888-678-3464/2/Ionia longbr@anr.msu.edu<mailto:longbr@anr.msu.edu> http://msue.anr.msu.edu/ MSU Extension programs and material are open to all without regard to race, color, national orgin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.