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Tips on managing your money as national Financial Literacy Month approaches

DETROIT – April is right around the corner and with it comes national Financial Literacy Month. It is part of a campaign that drives organizations across the country to hold initiatives designed to improve and promote financial literacy. On Saturday, Kelly Masters, chair of Michigan Financial Wellness Network, talked about initiatives here in Michigan on Local 4 News Today. Michigan has dozens of free, non-solicitous programs for preschoolers to retirees, and everyone in between. You can learn more about the programs by visiting the Michigan Financial Wellness website.

Michigan 2021 state highway road construction projects: Here’s what’s planned

The Michigan governor announced a list of 21 state highway road construction projects Tuesday that are planned for the 2021 season through the Rebuilding Michigan bonding program. Gretchen Whitmer’s office said these road projects (listed below) are a blend of those previously funded through the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) budget as well as several supported by the Rebuilding Michigan bonding program. The Rebuilding Michigan program was made possible when the State Transportation Commission (STC) in January 2020 authorized MDOT to issue $3.5 billion in bonds over four years to finance infrastructure improvements, under authority granted by the Michigan Constitution and Public Act 51 of 1951. “MDOT’s 2021 program includes rebuilding and resurfacing roughly 920 lane miles of state highways and freeways, and performing preventative maintenance on another 830 lane miles throughout Michigan,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. AdSo, in a month where we can have ten inches of snow and three inches of rain in a three-week span, potholes are thriving on Michigan roads.

Advancing women in their careers for Women’s History Month

Live In The D is continuing to celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting a new Boss Lady. This native Detroiter has had a successful career and is now dedicated to helping other women blaze their own trails. “Live In The D” host Tati Amare chatted with Dr. Lisa Wicker about advancing women in leadership and helping young girls along their career paths. This Boss Lady not only helps to advance women in their careers but also helps young girls hone their skills for their future career path. AdWatch the video to learn more about this trail-blazing Boss Lady.

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office forgives over $500,000 in jail debt

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office announced that it has forgiven $509,888 of outstanding debt incurred by 31,614 individuals while at Washtenaw County Jail. The decision, made by Sheriff Jerry Clayton and supported by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, affects community members incarcerated between January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020. “Our decision to eliminate this debt reflects our understanding of the stress and financial burden of incarceration,” said Clayton through a release. AdThe sum of $509,888 was identified after a review of the jail debt owed since 2013. In 2019, it increased the amount of money an indigent incarcerated individual was allowed from $3 per week to $5 per week and expanded what items that money could buy.

Ann Arbor named a top place to work from home

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It’s a new year and Ann Arbor has received a new accolade as the fourth-best city for working from home. Money, a personal finance publication, looked at data from 1,720 cities and towns to find the top places for its Best Places to Work From Home list. Landing at fourth place, Ann Arbor was one of two Midwestern cities to make the cut. While only 44% of residents own their own homes, Tree Town had the second-lowest median home prices at $293,000. Money noted that prior to the pandemic, only 7% of the population worked from home.

City of Ann Arbor to hire new chief financial officer

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Have experience with financial leadership and looking for a new job? The City of Ann Arbor is looking to hire a new Chief Financial Officer. Reporting to the City Administrator, the new CFO will be responsible for overseeing the Financial and Administrative Services Area for the City, which provides services through different offices and departments, according to the job ad. Additional duties of the CFO include being the primary financial advisor to the Ann Arbor City Council, leading a staff of around 35 employees, capital planning, rating agency relationships and develop the citywide $450 million budget. To learn more about the job or to apply, click here.

Get out of debt in 2021: Is it time to enlist some help?

The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. However, the experience and challenges are still lingering for many, especially for those who are in debt. Gold, Lange, Majoros, Smalarz, PC specializes in bankruptcy law. The law firm says it has been helping people and small businesses get out of loan debt. Overall, they want to help you get control and a fresh start.

Toys are fun, but this children’s gift will last a lifetime

When it comes to holiday gifts for the children in your life, there are plenty of toys and video games to choose from, but why not consider a gift that will last a lifetime? Diane Brewer, the executive director at Michigan Education Trust, discussed the best way to set up this valuable gift. With college tuition rates constantly on the rise, Brewer says, you can save loads of money down the road because MET will make up the difference in prices. Anyone can open up an account and you can start with a community college contract, which starts at $125 per credit hour. If online isn’t your thing, you can also do it the old-fashioned way: Mail them a check with the contract number on the memo line.

Do you have a financial plan? Now is a great time to start one, group says

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. Host Tati Amare chatted with Dewey Steffen, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Great Lakes Wealth, about how to make a financial plan. Steffen suggested preparing a financial plan now for 2021. Great Lakes Wealth also started a program called “Our Fee to Your Charity.” This helps the new client and existing clients give back. If you become a new client before Dec. 31, the company will donate half of their fee to your chosen charity.

Coca-Cola recovery continues as it grows leaner in pandemic

The Coca-Cola Co. said on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, it saw gradual improvement in the third quarter, as it turned its focus to emerging leaner from the global pandemic. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)Coca-Cola measured gradual improvement in the third quarter as it focused on emerging leaner from the global pandemic. The company saw sales improve in India, Brazil and Japan in the third quarter, for example, but Mexico's recovery has been below expectations. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer — a boozy version of a popular Mexican mineral water — is a rare foray into alcohol for Coke. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is already sold in a handful of cities in Latin America.

Build wealth for your family while giving back to the community

Host, Jason Carr chatted with Dewey Steffen, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Great Lakes Wealth, about how they can help you prepare for the future. Great lakes Wealth is a registered advisory firm in Northville, Mi. Great Lakes Wealth suggests preparing a financial plan now for 2021. They also started a program called " our fee to your charity" This program helps the new client and existing clients give back. If you become a new client before December 31st, Great Lakes Wealth will donate half of their fee to your chosen charity.

Start building wealth for your future

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by Great Lakes WealthDewey Steffan, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Great Lakes Wealth in Northville wants to help you learn how to build wealth for your future. Dewey has created 11 steps to build wealth and he shared 5 key steps with us. He said it’s important to start now, use professional advice, set your investing goals,and risk tolerance, and determine your time horizon. For more information visit www.greatlakeswealth.usWatch the video to learn how to start building wealth for your future.

Macomb County offering $5,000 small business grants; applications due June 24

MSCOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Small businesses have until June 24 to submit an application for Macomb County’s Small Business Sustainability Grant. “The business community in Macomb County has helped us respond to this public health crisis in so many ways,” Hackel said. “Our small business sustainability grant will aid us in reacting to the economic crisis we now face. Our objective is to inject much needed resources into our economy by supporting local companies.”The small business sustainability grant program and application process is currently open. The grants are part of the Macomb County CARES for Small Business Program, a $70 million initiative made possible through the county’s $152 million allocation of federal CARES Act funding.

Are you prepared for that rainy day?

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. This article is sponsored by MSU Federal Credit UnionHost Tati Amare spoke with Deidre Davis from Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) about building your emergency funds. The account helps you grow your emergency fund faster by paying you the most on your initial contributions. To learn more about how MSU Federal Credit Union can help you save for a rainy day, visit their website msufcu.org.

Lets improve your credit score together!

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by MSU Federal Credit UnionHost Tati Amare spoke with Deidre Davis from Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) about the importance of knowing and improving your credit score. Deidre explained that a credit score usually ranges between 300-850. Your credit score is determined by 5 factors; Payment history, the amount you owe, types of credit used, length of credit history, and new credit. To learn more about how MSU Federal Credit Union can teach you how to improve your credit score, visit their website msufcu.org.