Get Free Financial Advice at 'Be a Money Smarty' Program in Farmington Hills

If you think talking about finances is a dull business, talk with Northville resident Mark Robinson. 

He'll bring four financial experts to the Farmington Community Library Main Library at 7 p.m. on April 22 for "Be a Money Smarty", a lightning-fast presentation where panelists share their top 10 tips in just 10 minutes. Time is allowed for questions at the end.

Register for the April 22 "Be a Money Smarty" program at farmlib.org.

"We make it very interactive," Robinson said. "We can get very closed-minded on some topics. My hope is people will say, 'I didn't know that' or 'I hadn't considered that'."

Robinson developed "Be a Money Smarty" for the State of Michigan and has presented to more than 23,000 residents through the state's library system alone. Bringing a level of excitement to topics like using credit and managing debt, avoiding scams, understanding annuities and long-term care insurance and getting control of your money is more effective than "the didactic point of view", he said.

While teaching financial literacy is difficult, it's also important. "I can protect (people) from 90 percent of what can happen to them from others or what they can do to themselves," Robinson said.

"Be a Money Smarty" presentations are taking place during the Federal Reserve Bank’s 2013 Money Smart Week. Michigan chairwoman Kelly Masters said federal officials believe "if consumers have better education and resources, and become more wise and savvy with their personal finances, that will be better for the economy as a whole."

More than 100 partners in Michigan provide free, non-commercial resources for consumers through dozens of courses held online and all over the state. There's never a sales pitch, Masters said, just solid information. 

"There are programs for people from all walks of life," she added. "With over 120 courses, we really do span the personal finance spectrum, and there is something for everyone at every income level and all ages." 

To learn more and search a data base of available courses, visit moneysmartweek.org.