Financial education program helps families build assets for self-sufficiency
The “Make Your Money Talk” financial education course, offered by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) and the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, celebrated a record number of graduates at a ceremony held June 24, 2012 at the Hillside Family Resource Center.
Make Your Money Talk is an intensive four-week course that teaches students the knowledge to manage their budgets, use credit wisely, and build savings. The program offers an Individual Development Account (IDA) component for HACM residents that matches each dollar saved by the student with two dollars. The combined funds can then be used to pay for education, starting a business or investing in a home.
One hundred twenty-five graduates were recognized during the ceremony, a 47% increase over the previous graduating class.
Community leader Martha Love served as keynote speaker, sharing a message of the value of pride in oneself and one’s community. Former Make Your Money Talk student Myron Hayes congratulated the current crop of graduates and encouraged them to make the most of the knowledge they gained from the program. Hayes and his wife both attended the program and have used their IDAs to invest in their home and education.
Since its founding in 2005, a total of 747 people have attended the Make Your Money Talk program.
Housing Authority Executive Director and Martha Love with Make Your Money Talk graduates.