Four years ago Summit Financial Wellness began hosting “Show Me the Money Day” in Berrien County as a way to collaborate with the community and educate families and individuals about financial wellness. Now, in it’s fourth year, they invite the community to join them on Saturday, March 18th to learn more about how to secure their financial future. Shelly Madison, Manager of Programs and Operation at Summit Financial Wellness, says it’s important for people to learn about financial wellness, even if you think you are secure financially.
“I always tell people you don’t know what you don’t know. People will say I am all set because maybe they have a 401k or a pension, but with the economic downturn or one medical catastrophe, they could be wiped out financially,” she explains. “We can guide them for example, if they have children or grandchildren they want to support through college. We can also inform them on savings information or products at banks that may be helpful. In addition, we have weekly opportunities to attend Thursday classes to receive free coaching.”
The mission and vision of Summit Financial Wellness is to enable every person they serve to have the skills and resources needed to achieve and maintain financial stability. They empower low-to-moderate-income residents through financial literacy education and resources, coaching support, and partner referrals, to improve their standard of living and better their lifestyle.
This financial workshop and community resource fair is a free event in collaboration with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. The event seeks to help attendees increase their financial knowledge, expand their network, and learn about opportunities in Southwest Michigan.
This year’s Show Me the Money Day event will highlight financial professionals from 1st Source Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Honor Credit Union, Horizon Bank, Huntington Bank, Loan Depot, Ruoff Realty and Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors.
“This event is very important for families and even my family has benefited from this event,” adds Shelly. “My mom had dementia and our family was making money but didn’t understand how to steward our money in this situation of being caregivers and responsible for her finances as well. As a result of attending Show Me the Money Day, we were able to understand how to manage this change.”
Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for walk-in registration and workshops from 10:00 am – 3 pm. Adults 18 & up, are welcome to enjoy free lunch, music, giveaways, and entry into the $500 Grand Prize Cash Drawing when attendees come to three workshops.
Everyone is welcome to this event and is encouraged to bring their families, friends, and neighbors on March 18th, 9 am – 3 pm at the Joel E. Smilow Teen Center, 190 W. Empire, Benton Harbor, MI. To learn more visit their website at https://summitfw.org/
By Julee Laurent
MOTM Contributor
