MCC Hosting Financial Literacy Workshops and Fair

MCC will host free weekly financial literacy workshops every Tuesday from March 20-April 11 to provide its students and employees with important information to help them better manage their personal finances. The college will also host a free Financial Literacy Fair on Wednesday, April 4.

The workshops, featuring professional experts from PNC Bank, begin with “Budgeting,” on March 20, followed by “Smart Borrowing” on March 27, “identity Theft” on April 3, and “Foundation of Money Management” on April 11. The sessions are offered twice the same day and are free and open to the public. Participants may attend any or all of the workshops but must pre-register by calling (231) 777-0216.

The series opens with “Budgeting” on Tuesday, March 20, from 12:20-12:50 p.m. and from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in Room 202. Participants will learn useful tools to make budgeting easy, as well as cost-cutting ideas to improve their spending and saving habits.

On March 27, “Smart Borrowing” will provide insight into finding out how to get a loan when one needs it. Topics include credits scores and history and warning signs of predatory lending practices. The workshop takes place from 12:20-12:50 p.m. and from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in the Blue and Gold Room.

“Identity Theft” will be discussed on April 3 from 12:20-12:50 p.m. and from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in the Blue and Gold Room. The workshop will help participants how to keep their personal information personal. They will learn how an identity thief operates, the telltale signs of identity theft, what to look for in fake e-mail schemes and risky online shopping.

“Foundations of Money Management” concludes the series on April 11 from 12:20-12:50 p.m. and from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in Room 202. Experts will share basic money management skills, ranging from checking accounts to reducing debt and repairing a poor credit history.

The Financial Literacy Fair, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 4 in Collegiate Hall, features exhibits, helpful information, and opportunities to speak directly with experts. Representatives from 15 financial organizations and agencies will be present. The event is free and open to the public.

Current MCC students can enter an essay/video contest with a chance to win a pre-paid gas card. Students with the best 500-1,000 word essay or 1-3 minute video in response to “Do You Know How to Graduate from College Debt Free?” will be awarded one of three gas card prizes: $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place. Contact the MCC Counseling Office at (231) 777-0362 for more details. The deadline is March 26 and winners will be announced at the Financial Literacy Fair.