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Finances

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Finances

Your Finances

Youth in Transition, (Michigan's name for Federal Chafee funding) is a funding source available to cover expenses related to the development of self-sufficiency for youth who experienced out of home care after the age of 14 and have not yet reached age 23. Eligible expenses must not be covered by any other government or community resources.  

Youth In Transition

Money Management

Tip: Check your paycheck to make sure the number of hours you work and the amount paid are correct.

Here's an online course to help you learn about budgeting, saving, credit & investing

Figure out your household budget

Mapping Your Future offers several calculators to assist you as you manage your unique financial situation.

Photo of a person holding a mason jar filled with change. There's a label that say's "Savings" on the front.
Photo of a hand holding credit cards.

Banking Information

Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards

Even though debit and credit cards look and act the same, legal protections and the steps to settle problem purchases are quite different.

Checking vs. Savings

Which bank account should you have?

Useful Credit Tips

Establish and Protect Your Credit

Good credit is valuable. Having the ability to borrow funds allows us to buy things we would otherwise have to save for years to afford: homes, cars, a college education.

Fifteen must-know tips for protecting your identity

There are plenty of people who'd love to be plain-old you, and they'll go to great lengths to get their hands on your identity.

Michigan State Police Identity Theft Services

If you are an identity theft victim, you can get form letters here to send to your bank and accounts to notify them of your situation.

Small Steps To Reduce Credit Card Debt

Being willing to analyze your situation objectively will make it possible to resolve the problem. Knowledge is power!

Your Credit

People start their financial lives with the best of intentions. As life goes on most of us find unexpected bumps in the road - a car repair, an unexpected injury, or the loss of a job to name a few. In spite of what happens you must never forget that your credit rating is what makes many things in life possible. As hard as it may seem, you must retain good credit standing.

Your Credit Report

Banks, retailers, or finance companies will not grant you credit without knowing something about you. They rely on credit reports, so it's important for you to know what is in yours.

Bills and Bankruptcy

Ten Steps...What To Do When You Can't Pay Your Bills

What can you do if you're having difficulty paying your bills? Here are a few suggestions.

Bankruptcy - Michigan Frequently Asked Questions

What can I keep? Is there anything else I can do? How do I file?

 

Photo of paperwork to file for bankruptcy.
Photo of tax forms and a calculator.