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. 

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Rent Smart

2022 Rent Smart In Person Classes
2022 Rent Smart Winter/Spring Online Classes
2021 Rent Smart Fall Online Classes

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 go to:  https://docs.google.com/forms/ to sign up for online classes. Rent Smart is supported in Fond du Lac County by Division of 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.

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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.

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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 the Child Tax Credit. Clink the links for more information.

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Money Smart Week

The University of Wisconsin-Extension “Check Your Free Credit Report” campaign’s website, https://fyi.extension.wisc.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.

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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.

 

 

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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

Night of the Living Debt TM

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Resources 

Extension Financial Resources

Community Financial Resources

Health Care and Health Insurance Literacy Resources

STAFF
Amy Mangan-Fischer
Human Development & Relationships Educator
920-929-3179
amy.manganfischer@wisc.edu

If you have any questions regarding Finances in Fond du Lac County, please contact:
UW-Madison Extension, Fond du Lac County
Room AE-227 | 400 University Ave | Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Phone: 920-929-3170 | Wisconsin Relay: 711
Fax: 920-929-3181