Michigan Financial Literacy Summit at HFC will help Michiganders throughout their lifespan
On Monday, September 16, Henry Ford College hosted the inaugural Michigan Financial Literacy Summit, facilitated by State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. The event, introduced by HFC President Russell Kavalhuna, featured a discussion panel of statewide financial experts about the role financial literacy has in shaping Michigan’s future through all phases of life.
The Financial Literacy Summit focused on improving Michigan citizens' mastery of the basic principles of managing finances throughout their lives, providing them the skills and knowledge to make informed and effective decisions. Much of the conversation focused on the need to educate our state’s youth. Discussion topics highlighted budgeting, saving money, and paying bills. For young adults, financial literacy is often difficult due to limited access to resources and consistent education.
“The summit was an incredible start of a dialog with so many experts who want to create a more successful Michigan,” Eubanks said. “We must continue our discussions on how we can best financially empower individuals and families through statewide coordination. I look forward to continuing this discussion across the state in the coming year.”
The afternoon session gathered civic and industry leaders, led by HFC Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Nealon, to talk about partnerships to create a curriculum that could be provided through Henry Ford College to improve financial literacy throughout the state.
“We had a very productive series of conversations throughout the day,” said Russ Kavalhuna, President of Henry Ford College. “The Henry Ford College team and I look forward to working with Treasurer Eubanks and many other partners across the state to provide the tools and education that will allow Michigan citizens to be financially successful throughout their lifetimes.”
The MI Financial Literacy panel members included Brian Rakovitis, of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, Derek D’Angelo, of the Michigan Council on Economic Education, Chelsea Neblett, of the city of Detroit, and Linda Cena, of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
To learn more about the MI Financial Literacy initiative, visit to www.michigan.gov/finlit or follow the state Treasury Department at @MITreasury on Twitter.