My Community: Race for the Place
The annual Race for the Place 5k brought out runners and walkers on Sunday, April 10 to support the MSU Safe Place, which is an on-campus domestic violence shelter and advocacy services provider. Beginning at Jenison Field House, the race also featured a one mile fun run and 100-yard dash for children. The event was sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union. [Show...
Continue ReadingKnow the Score Before You Start Home Improvements
Show of hands: Who’s as ecstatic as I am that winter’s over? Even though New Year’s gets all the hype for resolutions and setting goals, I think the beginning of spring is the perfect time to hit the reset button and start anew. One of my favorite parts of spring is taking care of much-needed work at my house. Well, for the sake of full disclosure, most...
Continue ReadingLove & Money – Three Things to Ask Your One And Only This Valentine’s Day
February always makes us think of chocolates and flowers and all things love. Now that you have found your true love, it might be time for the talk. Not that talk, but the talk about your financial compatibility. Disagreements about money are often a topic most couples argue about and can cause serious problems for the future of your relationship. How your...
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Five Easy Ways to Keep the Holidays Affordable
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, but the holiday season is right around the corner. If you’re like me, you get a little stressed with all the holiday get-togethers, shopping and spending. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to maintain your sanity and keep the holidays affordable this year. 1. Set a budget for the holidays. Budgeting...
Continue ReadingGood News: September 2010
Ten Women to be Inducted Into Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame Five women living in or connected to the Lansing area are among the 10 notable women selected by independent juries for induction into the 2010 class of the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. The women will be honored at a benefit dinner on Tuesday, October 19 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center...
Continue ReadingFinancial Scams 2.0: Don’t be Swindled by New Online Cons
Online financial scams are nothing new, but sophisticated technology and a tough economic climate have led to a recent increase in the number of people falling prey to this type of fraud. Javelin Strategy and Research’s 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report revealed that fraud rose by 12.5 percent in 2009 over the previous year, accounting for $54 billion. From...
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MSU Federal Credit Union’s Student Art Exhibition
Since I’ve had the opportunity to write this column, I’ve covered many great events. Many of them have been fundraisers. This time, it’s purely an art exhibition. Like many of you, I’m not an art critic. In fact, I have no formal art training — well, only if you count the two years of art that I struggled through in high school and the one class...
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Love Your Way Through Life
In February, you have to talk about love. If you didn’t, it would almost be criminal. And since I’m not interested in spending any time behind bars … I think I’ll give my ode to that crazy little thing called love. There are so many forms and levels of that emotion. There’s the love you can’t truly explain to someone who hasn’t had a child yet....
Continue ReadingHave a Financially Friendly Holiday
Financially, navigating the holiday season during an economic slump can be a little tough, but with early planning and a little DIY creativity, you can eliminate extra expenses associated with last minute preparation. Believe it or not, you can be frugal and still dazzle your friends and family. Get a head start Early planning allows you to get a bigger picture...
Continue ReadingResolve to be Fiscally Fit in 2010
Lose weight. Save money. Quit smoking. Pay off debt. 2010 brings new resolutions, and most of us could benefit from setting some financial goals for the year ahead. The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to evaluate your financial situation and set up a budget to help you save time and money in 2010 and beyond. Getting started A good starting point...
Continue ReadingARRA First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credits Made Easy
With recent talks of the economy’s recovery, there has never been a better time to purchase a home, and first-time homebuyers are reaping the rewards. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 is offering a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence, new or resale, between January 1, 2009,...
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