About the Event

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Ready to take the next step toward homeownership? Join the Money Matters Institute Home Stretch Part 2 and continue building the knowledge and confidence you need to qualify for a home.

This free event is open to both returning participants and first-time attendees.
You do not need to have attended Part 1 to participate.

Whether you are just getting started or finishing your requirements, this session helps move you closer to homebuyer certification.

What You Will Gain

• 3 hours toward your required homebuyer education certificate

• Guidance from housing and financial experts

• Continued support toward mortgage readiness

• Connections to trusted financial and housing partners

Participants who complete this session will earn 3 education hours toward their homebuyer certification.

You must be in your seat by 9:30 AM and attend the full session to receive credit for 3 of the 6 required homebuyer education

How the Homebuyer Certification Process Works

To receive your official homebuyer certificate, you must complete:

✔ 6 total hours of homebuyer education
(Part 1 + Part 2, or two approved sessions)

✔ One required one-on-one counseling session
Must be scheduled and completed with a HUD-certified counselor

Once all requirements are met, you will receive a certificate valid for one year and can begin working with financial institutions on down payment assistance and mortgage options.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
🕓 Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: South Shore International College Prep High School – 1955 E. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60649

What to Expect at Part 2

• Homebuyer Program Deep Dive (9 AM –12 AM): Hear from YWCA on how their education and certification programs pave the way toward mortgage readiness and down payment assistance.
• Private HUD-Certified Counseling (Available 9 AM–3 PM): Customized one-on-one sessions with certified counselors from YWCA help attendees get personal guidance and review their credit.
• Resource Fair & Exhibitor Tables (All Day): Meet with key partners from financial institutions and housing organizations ready to support your path to homeownership.

Important Note for New Participants

You do not need to attend Part 1 to participate in Part 2.

Attending this event alone earns you 3 education hours. To complete your certification, you will still need:

• An additional 3 education hours, and

• A completed one-on-one counseling session.

From first steps to final stretch, this series moves you closer to the keys.

Spots are limited. Reserve your seat today.

For more information, visit chicagocitytreasurer.com/mmi.

The post MMI Home Stretch: Homebuyer Event (Part 2) appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

CTO in the Community: Senior & Veteran Home Equity Solutions

Join us for an informative session designed to help Chicago seniors and veterans better understand their options as property taxes rise and financial needs shift in retirement.

Presented by Rate, this workshop will focus on education and awareness, providing clear, practical information on programs and resources that can help you stay in your home and maintain financial stability.

Topics will include:

• Understanding the impact of rising property taxes and what you can do
• Property tax relief programs for eligible homeowners
• Home repair grants and assistance programs
• How home equity may be used as one of several financial tools in retirement
• Local resources available to support seniors and veterans

Event Agenda:

• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Presentation
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Resource Fair

Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with trusted community partners and service providers during a dedicated resource fair.

Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for immediate support, this session will provide straightforward information to help you make informed decisions about your home and financial future.

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You’re invited to the Money Matters Institute In The Community at the Vodak – East Side Branch Library.

Join us for a practical, hands-on workshop covering budgeting, debt management, credit building, and financial security — presented by the Chicago City Treasurer’s Office in partnership with Chase and Center for Changing Lives. This session is designed to give you real, actionable tools to take control of your finances and build lasting stability.

Whether you’re just starting out, working to pay down debt, or looking to strengthen your credit, this workshop will break down what you need to know in clear, straightforward terms.

At this workshop, you’ll learn:

• How to build a budget that actually works for your life
• Strategies to manage and reduce debt
• How to strengthen and protect your credit
• Steps to build long-term financial security

Get your questions answered in a live discussion with our presenters and connect with participating partners onsite.

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Vodak – East Side Branch Library 3710 E 106th Street, Chicago, IL 60617

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and take the next step toward your financial goals.

The post Money Matters Institute In The Community (East Side): Practical Money Skills Workshop appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Calling all aspiring homebuyers! Join us for a free event designed to help you move from dream to doorstep. Gain the tools, guidance, and confidence you need—no matter where you are on your journey.

• Earn a certificate you can take to the bank for down payment assistance*
• One-on-one support from HUD-certified counselors
• Start a customized action plan to qualify for homeownership
• Get your free TransUnion credit score (soft pull only – no impact!)

From first steps to final stretch, this event moves you closer to the keys.

*Must complete 6 homeowner education hours and 1 one-on-one counseling session

How the Two-Part Home Stretch Series Works

Step 1
Attend Part 1 (this event) and complete 3 hours of your required HUD-certified homebuyer education.
You must be in your seat by 9:30 AM and attend the full session to receive credit for 3 of the 6 required homebuyer education

Step 2
Sign up for your required HUD-certified one-on-one counseling session. Appointments are available on May 16 or May 30.

To register for an appointment, please bring:

• Valid government photo ID
• Proof of income (last 30 days)
• Bank statements (last two months)
• 2024 and 2025 tax returns (if available)
• W-2s (2024 and 2025, if available)
• If self-employed: Schedule C (or most recent)

Step 3
Attend Part 2 of the Home Stretch series to complete the remaining 3 hours of your required HUD-certified homebuyer education.

Step 4
Congratulations! After completing both parts, you will receive your certificate (valid for one year) and can begin working with financial institutions to pursue down payment assistance and mortgage readiness.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
🕓 Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: South Shore International College Prep High School – 1955 E. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60649

What to Expect at Part 1

• Hud-Certified Homebuyer Program Deep Dive (9 AM –12 PM)
• Private HUD-Certified Counseling (Available 9 AM–3 PM): Customized one-on-one sessions with certified counselors from YWCA help attendees get personal guidance and review their credit.
  
• Resource Fair & Exhibitor Tables: Meet with key partners from financial institutions and housing organizations ready to support your path to homeownership.

From first steps to final stretch, this series moves you closer to the keys.

Spots are limited. Reserve your seat today.

For more information, visit chicagocitytreasurer.com/mmi.

The post MMI Home Stretch: Homebuyer Event (Part 1) appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Financial Strategies for Chicago’s Beauty Professionals

If you cut, color, braid, style, groom, or provide beauty services — you’re building something real.

This space is for you.

Beauty to Business is a conversation for Chicago’s beauty professionals who are balancing clients, appointments, income, and growth, while trying to make sense of the business side at the same time.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

We’re bringing together people who can help you better understand your money, your taxes, and your next move — from getting financially prepared to building your brand and growing your client base.

What to Expect

The panel discussion will cover

Getting financially prepared for your beauty career
How to budget, save, and manage inconsistent income
Understanding taxes as a 1099 professional
Growing your personal brand and client base
Planning for retirement and investing

You should attend if you are a

Barber
Hairstylist
Braider
Makeup artist
Esthetician
Nail technician
Lash technician
Or anyone building a beauty business on their own

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
🕓 Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Woodson Regional Library, Chicago Public Library (9525 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60628)

Register Today!

The post MMI Presents The 1099 Advantage: Beauty to Business appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Financial Strategies for Chicago’s Food Entrepreneurs

If you cook, cater, bake, or serve — you’re building something real.

This space is for you.

Recipes for Revenue is a conversation for Chicago’s food entrepreneurs who are figuring it out as they go, managing orders, clients, and income, while trying to understand the business side at the same time.

You don’t have to do that alone.

We’re bringing together people who can help you make sense of the process, from licensing and taxes to building your brand and growing your income.

What to Expect

The panel discussion will cover

• Getting your business set up the right way
• What you need to know about permits and food regulations
• Managing your money as a 1099 business owner
• Understanding taxes without the confusion
• Building your brand and bringing in more customers

You should attend if you are a

• Chef
• Caterer
• Food truck owner
• Baker
• Have a Pop-up food business
• Or if you are anyone building a food business on their own

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: To Be Served – 1950 W. 87th Street, Chicago, IL 60620

Register Today!

The post MMI Presents The 1099 Advantage: Recipes for Revenue appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

You’re invited to the Money Matters Institute In The Community at the Cameron Magnet School of the Arts.

Join us for an evening dedicated to learning, connection, and financial empowerment. Managing your money wisely is the first step toward achieving your goals, whether it’s saving for a big purchase, planning for emergencies, or building long-term financial security.

At this workshop, you’ll gain practical strategies for budgeting effectively and growing your savings, plus learn about resources to help you take control of your financial future.

Meet and speak with our participating partners onsite during our resource fair.

📅 Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: 1234 N. Monticello Ave, Chicago, IL 60651

Come ready to learn, connect, and take charge of your financial journey. Click here to register now!

Questions? Visit chicagocitytreasurer.com or email citytreasurerevents@cityofchicago.org.

The post MMI In The Community (Belmont Cragin): Budgeting & Saving Workshop appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Click here to find your ward number.

Questions? Visit chicagocitytreasurer.com or email citytreasurerevents@cityofchicago.org.

Click here to register now!

The post Supporting System-Impacted Small Business Owners appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Calling all aspiring homebuyers! Join us for a free event designed to help you move from dream to doorstep. Gain the tools, guidance, and confidence you need—no matter where you are on your journey.

• Earn a certificate you can take to the bank for down payment assistance*
• One-on-one support from HUD-certified counselors
• Start a customized action plan to qualify for homeownership
• Get your free TransUnion credit score (soft pull only – no impact!)

From first steps to final stretch, this event moves you closer to the keys.

*Must complete 6 homeowner education hours and 1 one-on-one counseling session

How the Two-Part Home Stretch Series Works

Step 1
Attend Part 1 (this event) and complete 3 hours of your required homebuyer education.
You must be in your seat by 9:30 AM and attend the full session to receive credit for 3 of the 6 required homebuyer education

Step 2
Sign up for your required one-on-one counseling session. Appointments are available on February 21 or February 28.

Please bring:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of income (last two months of pay stubs)
• Bank statements (last two months)

Step 3
Attend Part 2 of the Home Stretch series to complete the remaining 3 hours of your required homebuyer education.

Step 4
Congratulations! After completing both parts, you will receive your certificate (valid for one year) and can begin working with financial institutions to pursue down payment assistance and mortgage readiness.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
🕓 Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: BUILD Chicago – 5100 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60644

What to Expect at Part 1

• Homebuyer Program Deep Dive (9 AM –12 PM): Hear from The Resurrection Project on how their education and certification programs pave the way toward mortgage readiness and down payment assistance.
• Private HUD-Certified Counseling (Available 9 AM–3 PM): Customized one-on-one sessions with certified counselors from The Resurrection Project help attendees get personal guidance and review their credit.
  
• Resource Fair & Exhibitor Tables (All Day): Meet with key partners from financial institutions and housing organizations ready to support your path to homeownership.

From first steps to final stretch, this series moves you closer to the keys.

Spots are limited. Reserve your seat today.

Click here to register now!

The post MMI Home Stretch: Homebuyer Event Part 1 appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.