Financial Empowerment
Your One Stop Shop for Financial Empowerment Resources in Macomb County
The path to prosperity begins with having solid financial footing. No matter where you are on the path, Macomb County is here to help. With a wide variety of resources, we can guide you as you take the next steps in your financial journey.
Are you facing an immediate financial crisis? Please fill out a needs assessment here
Fill out this needs assessment online and you may be contacted by one or more agencies in Macomb County to address the need identified.
Free Tax Preparation Resources
- Free Tax Preparation
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Can Put More Money in Your Pocket
- Tax Credits for Families
- Get Ready!
- Protect Your Identity
- To Schedule an Appointment
COVID-19 Resources
For many, the COVID-19 pandemic created challenging circumstances and a greater need for financial assistance. There are many programs and resources available to help.
For Renters & Homeowners
Financial empowerment is possible for anyone, regardless of their housing situation. Renters can and should learn their rights and responsibilities, as well as how to save for homeownership (if that’s what they’re interested in). People in Macomb County have tools to learn how to become homeowners, save up for a down payment, or access resources if they are struggling to pay for repairs or their property taxes.
Homeowners
Sustainable homeownership strengthens individuals and communities. As a HUD- and MSHDA-certified counseling agency, MSU Extension helps potential homeowners understand the complex home-buying process and learn the true costs of home ownership. Their programs help households that have been through foreclosure learn how to reestablish their financial futures.
Community professionals and staff discuss topics such as advantages of homeownership, credit and managing your money, house hunting, shopping for a mortgage, getting a home inspection and closing the deal. They also cover information regarding MSHDA’s Homebuyer Purchasing Programs and Down Payment Assistance Loans.
Call 586-469-7614 today or visit the MSU Extension event page to find homeownership classes online or in-person near you.
Other Resources:
- Are your energy bills too high? Your home may need to be weatherized - Weatherization Assistance Program via Macomb Community Action
- Community Housing Network offers Homebuyer Education webinars
- Facing foreclosure or other financial crisis? There are many resources for your family in MSUE's Starting Over After Foreclosure Toolkit
- Facing foreclosure for delinquent property taxes? Contact the Macomb County Treasurer’s Office to see if you qualify for an interest rate reduction and/or additional time to pay
- In a hurry? Request a Hardship Extension through the Treasurer's Office with this form today
Renters
Behind on your rent? Facing eviction? Macomb County has teamed up with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to assist income-eligible residents stay in their home and pay their past-due rent. CERA, or the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance program, can provide rental and utility assistance for renters to help them maintain housing stability. Learn more and apply at macombgov.org/CERA.
Be an Informed Renter! Learn the facts before you sign, know your responsibilities, and understand your rights.
- A Practical Guide for Landlords and Tenants (MSU College of Law)
- Learn to be an Informed Renter classes by taking a free course via mimoneyhealth.org
- Learn how much you’ll need for a down payment. Open a separate savings account and put money into it every payday - and don’t use it for anything else! (Think of it as a regular bill you have to pay.)
- Having renter's insurance is important. Get a quote from your vehicle insurance company and try to bundle to save money!
Building Wealth
Anyone is capable of building wealth no matter their economic status. It just requires some honest conversations about your goals and values, and some strategic planning and future-thinking. Small changes can add up to big impacts over time. Make sure you pay yourself first - by saving money!
Resources
- Take the Money Personality Assessment to understand your money values
- Determine how much your money can grow with the power of compound interest with this calculator from Investor.gov
- Sometimes you have to spend for your financial future (article via MSU Extension)
- Set SMART goals to stay on track
- Contact a MSU Extension Financial or Housing Expert to learn more about building wealth
Eliminating Debt
Most people have some amount of debt, and if you’re one of those people you may feed financial stress on a regular basis. Do you owe more on the items than what you purchased them for? Are you able to pay your bills on time, or are you hit with late fees? Learn how to budget, plug spending leaks, and find financial empowerment with these resources.
- Have an honest conversation with yourself about where your money is going. Take a look at your income, spending, and debt load.
- Build a personalized, self-directed plan to eliminate your debt with Utah State Extension’s PowerPay tool
- Sign up for credit counseling
- Know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to the debt of a deceased spouse
- Visit MIMoneyHealth.org for a wide variety of articles, events, and helpful tools
Facing Financial Crisis
There are so many resources available to help folks facing financial crisis. It just takes time, patience, and organization.
Resources
Housing, Utilities
- Get help with past-due mortgage, rent and/or utilities at one of our Action Centers
- Learn how to Start Over After Foreclosure with this toolkit from MSU Extension
- Meet with a Housing Counselor to prevent foreclosure
- Homeless or nearing homelessness? Contact our Community Action Center at 586-469-5656
Medicine, Food
- Unable to pay for groceries? Visit 211.org
- Apply for Medicaid in Michigan
- Do you need healthcare coverage? Visit healthcare.gov to find insurance options
- Struggling to afford medications while on Medicare? There may be Extra Help available to you
- You can also request a tiering exception for your Part D plan
Other Resources
- Experiencing job loss? Visit MichiganWorks.org
- Explore assistance options with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- Are you a Veteran? Reach out to the Michigan Veterans Resource Center at (800) MICH-VET
- Are you a Senior? Learn more about our Office of Senior Service programs at (586) 469-5228
Teaching Kids About Money
Money management is a fundamental life skill and can begin at a very early age. Raising money smart kids involves teaching them a variety of things like coin identification, budgeting, earning, and saving! While it's never too late to start building a solid financial foundation, children have the advantage of being eager to learn new skills. Make it fun! Get the whole family involved!
Resources
- 4-H Clover Cents: Short videos on a variety of hands-on activities related to financial topics
- Allowance Game: Activity to teach about allowance and spending choices
- Debit vs. Credit: Handout that explains the difference between the two cards
- Jump Start's Reality Check: Youth can see if they can afford their dream life in this online activity
- Let's Count Money: Activity to teach coin identification and their values
- Money Match: Activity to teach value of coins, counting coins, and problem solving
- Money Values: Take the Money Personality Assessment to understand your money values
- Money Smart Youth Ambassadors: Youth leadership program for young people interested in sharing their financial knowledge with their peers
- Spartan Dollars and Cents: Budgeting simulation where youth track monthly income and expenses
- Youth Credit Education: List of resources and activities to teach youth about credit
- Youth Investment Education: List of resources and activities to teach youth about investing
- Youth Money Management: Events and programs
Financial Empowerment and Support Services
The path to prosperity can be bumpy at times and everyone knows that financial difficulties can be one paycheck away. Organizations and professionals in your community are here when you just need a little extra support.
- Visit the Right Connection for a comprehensive list of services
- For a limited time, the FCC is providing up to $50/month in assistance toward internet broadband and more - check it out here
- File your taxes for free online if you make under $66,000/year. MyFreeTaxes.com is powered by HR Block.
- More resources coming soon!
Macomb Community Action
Macomb County Treasurer's Office
Michigan State University Extension
Macomb County Health Department
The Arc of Macomb County
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
This information is brought to you by the Financial Empowerment Services Subcommittee. Thank you to all of our members!