LANSING — LAFCU is inviting the public to enroll in its new comprehensive personal financial course that helps strengthen the financial stability of individuals in Michigan. The enrollment deadline is Monday, Aug. 9.
The free, virtual course, named Pathway to Financial Transformation, will help participants, ages 20 and over, enhance current financial behavior and build a roadmap to attain financial freedom.
The 16 one-hour sessions will be presented on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, excluding holidays, Aug. 12, 2021–April 28, 2022, 6 p.m.
“Pathway to Financial Transformation is the result of many years of providing education through LAFCU’s financial literacy program,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU community financial education & business development officer. “We’ve listened to people’s concerns about finances, and LAFCU specialists have identified topics they believe will support an individual’s pursuit of financial freedom.
“Attaining that freedom means having control of your finances instead of being controlled by them. You are able to make life decisions without financial impact being the primary driver. You’re also in a better position to qualify for lower loan interest rates, to purchase a home and to just live better.”
The course will cover all facets of personal finance and will identify many traps that often derail a person’s financial stability. It is structured similar to a college course with a syllabus, assignments such as completing a budget worksheet, and quizzes. The course is interactive as participants can ask questions during class.
Topics include savings, budgeting, managing credit, lending, investing, improving one’s credit score, home purchases, home ownership and information about possible barriers that have prevented equal access to financial resources.
Sharing their expertise will be seasoned financial professionals from LAFCU as well as a representative from LAFCU’s financial counseling partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness, headquartered in Farmington Hills. Free to all enrollees is an optional session with a GreenPath Financial Wellness expert.
Course graduates will be celebrated at a cap and gown ceremony.
“The benefits of attaining financial freedom have been accentuated during the pandemic,” Scott said. “Bills don’t stop even when we can’t work. But we also learned that many of the things we thought we couldn’t do without, we can do without. That’s learning how to save.
“It’s never too late to improve one’s financial management. This course will provide knowledge that can transform behavior. It’s the type of comprehensive course that’s rarely offered at no charge.”
To enroll, visit www.lafcu.com/pathway. The course is open to people who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, LAFCU’s geographical service territory.
