To celebrate financial literacy month, the MSU Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), teamed up with the MSU Libraries, the MSU Office of Financial Aid, the MSU Transfer Student Success Center and MSUFCU to host a financial literacy event for MSU undergraduates.
“I’m in the personal finance class, so I heard about this event from my professor, and I thought it was a really great opportunity to learn more about managing my finances,” said Khadija Hozefa who is a first-year economics major. “I enjoyed every single booth, and I learned a few new things: for example, learning more about FAFSA and how to make SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) for your personal finances."
The event’s lead sponsor was the MSU Libraries, funded with a grant from MSUFCU. The event drew close to 200 students who each received a passport and got a stamp once they visited each financial literacy-themed booth.
“This event is always an excellent opportunity for MSU students to engage with financial literacy concepts and learn about the different supports and services available to them on campus,” said Alex Hauser, MSU Libraries business librarian.
“Thank you to MSUFCU for partnering with us to support four scholarships for attendees. The MSU Libraries are a hub of learning on campus, covering many different literacies and subjects so we were happy to host this year’s Go for the Green Financial Resources Fair,” added Holly Flynn, outreach and engagement librarian.
At the booths, undergraduates had a chance to learn more about student loans and FAFSA, budgeting, saving, credit, and students also had the opportunity to win prizes and scholarships.
“I hope they take away a basic understanding around core financial literacy skills such as learning how to budget, understanding credit, and learning the importance of scholarships and accessing student loans, if that is a need for them,” said Erica Tobe, Ph.D., MSU HDFS faculty member and department lead for Go for the Green Financial Literacy. “We hope these are skills that they can begin building now and use into the future.”
Dr. Erica Tobe helps MSU students learn more about student loans at a booth during the Financial Literacy Fair. Photo credit Jacqueline Hawthorne, College of Social Science.
Dr. Tobe works alongside Amanda Guinot Talbot, Ph.D., to lead the collaboration and each teach the HDFS financial literacy classes at MSU, along with Scott Matteson, Ph.D.
“At our HDFS booth, I wanted students to be able to explore our majors, but especially our new minor that is related to financial literacy: Resource Management from the Individual, Family, and Societal Perspective,” said Dr. Amanda Guinot Talbot. “It’s a chance for those students who are passionate about finance and helping others to minor in this subject.”
Dr. Amanda Guinot Talbot talks to students about financial literacy classes available in HDFS. Photo credit Jacqueline Hawthorne, College of Social Science.
HDFS is just one of many campus partners involved in increasing financial literacy across campus through events like the fair. Another campus partner co-hosting this event was the MSU Transfer Student Success Center.
“The financial resource fair was a great event, and students who stopped by our table appreciated the budget worksheets and financial resources we provided,” said Charles Jackson, Ph.D., director of the MSU Transfer Student Success Center. “It felt good knowing we educated students on the importance of establishing a monthly budget and keeping consistent to a budget. I look forward to more collaborations with the Go for the Green Team, promoting financial literacy to our MSU students.”
Ashley Hewlett-Lemke (left) and Dr. Charles Jackson (right) from MSU Transfer Student Success Center share resources and stamp passports. Photo credit Jacqueline Hawthorne, College of Social Science.
“I was thrilled to see the great turnout overall, but especially happy to see the number of transfer students who joined us for the event. The Transfer Student Success Center is looking forward to future collaboration with the Go for the Green Team to further the financial literacy of all students, but particularly our transfer student community at MSU,” said Ashley Hewlett-Lemke, program coordinator of the MSU Transfer Student Success Center.
The team is already planning for events to be held next fall. To learn more about the MSU Go for the Green financial literacy offerings, visit https://hdfs.msu.edu/academics/undergraduate/financial-literacy.
By Katie Frey