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A hub of stories, knowledge and resources that help shape financial futures and a better community.
Get Inspired
From our latest impacts and financial tips to what it means to Belong, see how we’re making Impossible Dreams come true in the Michigan communities we serve.
Guide
Everything you need to know about the 530A account and $1,000 grant
As of July 4, 2026, the government-funded, tax-advantaged, and investment-driven 530A Account for kids is live. Not sure how it works, what the point is, or if one is right for your child? We’ve got you covered.
Story
The Need Is Huge
The Choose The Bear Tour takes Laura to Alpena, where she meets with the women of Hope Shores Alliance for a powerful, candid discussion on the group’s work and what keeps them fighting for change.
Guide
Navigating Loss: Managing the Next Steps
From notifying agencies to organizing important documents, there are many steps that follow the loss of a loved one. Knowing what to expect can help you focus on what matters most.
Story
Everything Was Really Hush Hush
As part of the Choose The Bear Tour, Laura Killingbeck spoke with HAVEN’s Christine Kinal about the organization’s mission, its history, and how speaking up can change lives.
Story
Domestic Violence Can Be Hard To Recognize
As part of the Choose The Bear Tour, Laura Killingbeck visited The Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan in Petosky to meet their team, explore the organization’s history, and learn more about their mission.
Guide
HELOC for Home Improvement: What Michigan Homeowners Need to Know
The state’s harsh winters and older-than-average housing stock mean Michigan homeowners often need to renovate more often. The good news is that a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can make those renovations far easier to finance. Using smart financing and finding the right renovation projects can translate into serious long-term benefits. Here, we explain how to make that choice based on your unique needs.
Guide
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan for Michigan Homeowners
Even after an interest rate cut in 2025, Michiganders are still getting squeezed between high borrowing costs and rises in the cost of living. That’s made paying for things like home improvements or even retirement more difficult than ever. Fortunately, in times like this, Michigan homeowners can turn to their own home equity to finance their needs and wants more conveniently and affordably.
Story
An Interview with the Team at The Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan
On June 19, Laura Killingbeck visited The Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan center in Petoskey to interview Gail Kloss, Andrea Koch, Claire Houser, and Megan King about the lasting impacts that survivors face.
Story
An Interview with Christine Kinal, CEO and President of HAVEN
On June 5, while en route across the Upper Peninsula, Laura Killingbeck interviewed Christine Kinal of HAVEN about her work with one of Michigan’s oldest and largest domestic violence shelters.
Story
We Walk In Our Traditional Way
As part of the Choose The Bear Tour, Laura Killingbeck visits with Uniting Three Fires Against Violence in Sault Ste. Marie to discuss their history, story, and mission to end gender-based violence and economic abuse in Michigan’s native communities.
Story
An Interview with Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV): Part 2 of 2
In the second half of her June 12 interview, Laura Killingbeck sits down with Stacey Ettawageshik, Vanessa Owaski-Patzwald, Sandra Pilgrim-Lewis, and Samantha Brown of Uniting Three Fires Against Violence to discuss physical and financial abuse in native communities.
Story
An Interview with Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV): Part 1 of 2
On June 12, the Choose The Bear Tour took Laura Killingbeck to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan—where she spoke with Stacey Ettawageshik, Vanessa Owaski-Patzwald, Sandra Pilgrim-Lewis, and Samantha Brown of Uniting Three Fires Against Violence about women’s safety in Michigan’s native communities.