Human Development and Relationship Programs provide many resources for effective decision making.

Are you interested in becoming financially literate? We offer financial resources for you to use that will help you gain or increase your skills and abilities to understand or better understand how to make effective financial decisions.

Finances and Budgeting

Knowing what to do when you’re faced with an abrupt drop in income due to a layoff, salary reduction, illness or divorce can seem overwhelming. To help people make ends meet amid turbulent economic times, UW-Extension Human Development and Relationships Institute has developed an online financial management tool to help you to meet your needs.

Helping families and individuals across the state achieve financial well being
Budgeting and Planning Tools
Cutting Back and Keeping Up
Dealing with a Drop in Income
Individuals who may want to make clean energy, home upgrades can use an online calculator to learn which tax rebates may be available through the Inflation Reduction Act.
A recent CFPB report shows a 33% decline in collection items on consumer credit reports, which indicates there has been a decrease in financial distress for some Americans. However, other factors are important to consider as well such as the fact that medical debt still constitutes a majority of all collections on consumer credit reports. The full report can be found here.
The February 14^th Consumer Report Index released showed inflation remains high at 6.4%. Notable increases include food, gas, and shelter. Regarding changes in prices over the last month, apparel, household furnishings, and car insurance increased while used cars, appliances, and electronic items decreased. See the BLS chart here and another at https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/14/heres-the-breakdown-of-the-inflation-report-for-january-in-one-chart.html

Financial Coaching – Money Matters

Money Matters is a program designed to improve your financial habits. Through this course, you will gain money management skills and build knowledge you can share with your family and friends. The course is offered both online and through county Extension offices.

Financial Coaching is a program designed to improve your financial habits. Through this online course, you will gain money management skills and build knowledge you can share with your partner, family and friends. Money Matters program is an online course and you can choose to have Financial Coaching session by contact your locate educator.

You may choose from online, Self-Study only or Online Self-Study with Financial Coaching.

Encouraging Financial Conversations

Unsure about how to discuss money with your clients? Encouraging Financial Conversations is an Extension developed series that will help you engage in positive conversations around money. The six-hour training is geared for helping professionals (case managers, social workers, and other front line staff), but open to anyone! You will learn how to help empower others to achieve their financial goals and manage their money.
Registration is required to access the zoom sessions.

August 2 – September 6, Wednesdays from 11 am – Noon

You’ll find the information you need, including registration HERE

2023 BOOSTER + PRACTICE SESSIONS-10:30am – noon Flyer

August 10 – Booster Session – Financial Problem Solving
November 16 – Rebuilding Credit
Registration is now open.

Money Smart Wisconsin

Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest

Money Smart Wisconsin in Crawford County 2022 Book Read
Impact Report

Proudly Sponsored by: River Bank, Community First Bank and Marine Credit Union

Credit Report

It is important to check your report regularly to make sure it is accurate and up to date. The credit reporting system is set up so that you are responsible for finding and correcting errors in your reports.

Download a calendar reminder and access the credit report information here.

Credit Report Details

Aging Mastery

The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) seeks to empower participants to embrace their gift of longevity by spending more time each day doing things that are good for themselves and for others.

Planning Ahead

Planning AHEAD is an end-of-life planning curriculum for all ages developed by UW–Madison Division of Extension faculty and staff. The 7-session research-based program will help participants understand how to prepare for the end of life for themselves or a loved one, and why it’s important to have a plan in place. For details on upcoming classes, click here!

For participants, click here for the course materials.

”529” Wisconsin's Savings Plans

“Many parents and families today worry their child or grandchild will begin their adult lives burdened with crippling school loan debt. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether your son or daughter is getting ready for pre-school or high school, the time to figure out your college savings plan options is now. Find out how Edvest College Savings Plan can be a part of your college savings strategy.” EDVEST today

Tax (Prep-During – After Refund)

Individuals who may want to make clean energy, home upgrades can use an online calculator to learn which tax rebates may be available through the Inflation Reduction Act

Rent Smart

Rent Smart: A Tenant Training Program

It is important that all Wisconsin citizens have access to information on housing. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides resources on the topics of renting and home ownership.

Rent Smartis designed to help those individuals who have little to no rental experience and those who have had difficulty obtaining rental housing.

Resources

Reverse Mortgage

What is Reverse Mortgage? What are disadvantages of reverse mortgages? Am I eligible for a reverse mortgage?
Answers can be found by accessing this Reverse Mortgage – FACT SHEET