Programs
Check Your Free Credit Report Campaign
Do you know how often you should be checking your credit report? Are you aware of how your score and report can affect you financially? You should be checking your credit report at least three times a year. It is even free to do so! You are entitled to three free credit reports a year. To learn more and find the resources you need to maintain your desired credit, read and follow the Check Your Free Credit Report Campaign.
Rent Smart
2019 Rent Smart Brochure (PDF)
2016 Rent Smart Infographic (PDF)
Free workshops to help you find and keep a decent place to live. Designed for individuals who are likely to have trouble getting rental housing due to lack of experience or poor rental history, including evictions. Participants must attend both sessions of the workshop in order to receive a “Rent Smart Certificate”. Call 929-3174 to register. Rent Smart is supported in Fond du Lac County by the UW-Extension Fond du Lac County, City of Fond du Lac Office of Community Development, Fond du Lac Housing Authority and Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc
Money Management: Create a Spending Plan
Putting your financial goals in writing can make them seem more concrete and achievable. The Creating a Spending Plan Workshop teaches basic money management, decision making, and ways to organize personal finances. Consumers who improve their household credit management to enhance financial security will benefit their communities by boosting economic stability and contributing to the foundation for growth.
What is a Spending Plan?
A spending plan helps you manage money in a positive manner by creating a guide that will help you take control of your financial future and reach your goals.
Your plan will clearly show how much money you have coming in, what you’re spending it on and where you can make trade-offs to come up with extra cash. It’s also your first step in meeting larger financial goals. With a spending plan in place you will be better able to maximize financial well-being.
Tax Credits
Wisconsin residents can take advantage of a variety of tax credits to supplement their incomes. The most important of these include the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit; Wisconsin Earned Income Tax Credit; the Wisconsin Homestead Credit and Child Tax Credit. If you have not heard of these before, check out the links below for more information.
2018 Information to come
Money Smart Week
Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, Money Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of hundreds of organizations across the country. Programming is offered to all demographics and income levels and covers all facets of personal finance. Money Smart Week is set for March 30 – April 6, 2019. Programming activities and opportunities will be forthcoming
FREE Credit Report Checks
The University of Wisconsin-Extension “Check Your Free Credit Report” campaign’s website, fyi.uwex.edu/creditreport, has taken charge of reminding people to take advantage of free reports, and offering information and resources to help individuals navigate the information, websites and companies that offer a variety of reliable and unreliable numbers.
You can buy a score online from one of the three major Credit Reporting Bureaus — Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. While you are legally allowed one free credit report from each bureau every 12 months, the bureaus do not have to provide a free credit score.
Money as You Grow Book Club
Start here to find popular books for children ages 4 to 10 that you can read together and discuss. Our book list and guides can help you get started reading and talking about money choices like saving, spending, and more.
Budgeting and Debt Repayment
These apps are available for you to download to help you keep on top of budgeting and your debt repayments.
Power Play Debt Eliminator App
Resources
UW-Extension Financial Resources
Monthly Spending Plan Detailed Monthly Spending Plan
Spending Plan Resource Guide for Fond du Lac County
Community Financial Resources
Free Property Monitoring Service
Monitor & Protect your most valuable assets from fraud.
Financial Calculators
Health Care and Health Insurance Literacy Resources
Health Care and Health Insurance Literacy Resources
Covering Wisconsin – Click to find a variety of health insurance resources, including enrollment, using benefits, and financial information.
Wisconsin Enrollment Directory (2016) –Click for a comprehensive list of local agencies and groups that assist with health insurance enrollment, listed by county.
Enroll Wisconsin – Click for Wisconsin’s resource clearing house on the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
STAFF
If you have any questions regarding Finances in Fond du Lac County, please contact:
Michelle Tidemann | Human Development and Relationship Educator
UW-Madison Extension, Fond du Lac County
Room AE227 | 400 University Ave | Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Phone: 920-929-3171 | Wisconsin Relay: 711
Fax: 920-929-3181
Email: michelle.tidemann@wisc.edu
