Jinnifer Ortquist just began her 19th year at MSU Extension. She is a Senior Extension Educator and HUD Approved Housing Counselor and serves on the Financial and Homeownership Education team. In her role, she promotes financial capability and stability by delivering virtual and face to face educational opportunities statewide. Previous roles served within the organization include a focus on children, youth and families and fulfilling a three-year term as the organizational Advocate and Facilitator (previously the Ombudsman). Prior to coming to MSU Extension, she worked for a not-for-profit financial institution and in marketing. She describes her role within Extension as her “dream job”.
As a member of the MSU Extension Financial and Homeownership Education Work Team, I support and empower individuals and families to pursue their goals by making informed financial decisions. In partnership with non-profits, social service agencies, county governments and colleagues, I serve diverse audiences state-wide.
What is the Financial and Homeownership Education Program?
Our team’s goal is that every Michigan community member has the opportunity to participate in money management and homeownership education. Our target audience includes Michigan adults (age 18+) regardless of their financial status. We demystify common money management and homeownership issues, providing best practices with university programs and resources to help residents navigate their financial life. This includes providing unbiased education for diverse audiences and needs.
Why is this work important to you?
Promoting financial empowerment and hope through the sharing of research-based information is one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career.
Economic Stability is one of the five domains within the Social Determinants of Health. And yet, many continue to struggle with financial challenges. Per a Bankrate survey conducted in March of this year, 47% percent of U.S adults reported that money had a negative impact on their mental health (which included causing stress).
In addition, many consumers struggle with inaccurate information, or the absence of information needed to make decisions that could improve their situation. By providing un-biased education, program participants can make informed decisions regarding their financial life, which can positively impact goal attainment. For example, removing incorrect information on a credit report to potentially secure employment or obtain a better interest rate on a mortgage loan, or understanding the steps to take if a person’s identity has been stolen.
Through interactive webinars, face-to-face workshops, and responding to daily inquiries I educate and support community members on a regular basis. This includes sharing the importance of spending plans and how to use them, clarifying credit reports and scores, explaining the homebuying process and various down payment assistance programs, and supporting those in financial crisis with applicable referrals. These are just a few of the ways I fulfill this work.
Describe the importance of MSU Extension across Michigan.
As a member of MSU Extension, I have access to a network of state-wide colleagues that represent various programmatic areas and audiences: agribusiness, youth, small business development, horticulture, nutrition, housing development, etc. With our mission of bringing MSU resources to all 83 Michigan counties, we are uniquely positioned to respond to emerging needs. Through collaboration and leveraged resources I have co-facilitated youth financial education with 4H Youth Development staff, supported Agriculture Educators by developing financially focused fact sheets for farmers experiencing high levels of stress, and supported our Housing Development team with the MSU Extension - MSHDA Regional Housing Plan Initiative.
How can I access Financial and Homeownership Education resources?
For tools, resources and current educational opportunities including online, self-paced options visit our website at MiMoneyHealth.org
