Jackson residents who want to learn more about wealth management can do so for free by attending several free courses that the City of Jackson will offer for the next few weeks.
Experts will provide meaningful information on topics like student loans, home buying, down-payment-assistance programs, and drafting wills and trusts, a Jan. 13 City of Jackson press release announced.
The first class was on homeownership and took place on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Trustmark Bank on Highway 80 West.
The schedule for the remaining classes is as follows:
Wednesday, January 22: Financial Literacy
Location: Calloway High School Library
Tuesday, January 28: Wills & Trusts
Location: Trustmark at 3635 Highway 80 W near the MetroCenter
Wednesday, January 29: Homeownership
Location: Trustmark at 3635 Highway 80 W near the MetroCenter
Tuesday, February 4: Student Loans – Targeting High School and College Students
Location: Trustmark at 3635 Highway 80 W near the MetroCenter
Undetermined date and location: Wealth Management
All classes start promptly at 6 p.m.
Jackson Department of Planning and Development Neighborhood Services Division Manager Dr. Robbie Sparkman Smith told the Mississippi Free Press on Jan. 14 that the classes are an opportunity for residents to learn “how to make your money work for you.”
“You need to understand how to plan for your future, how to plan for your child wanting to go to college, how to get a college fund set up, creating spreadsheets and how to save for a down payment for a new car,” Smith continued.
The City partnered with the African American Mayors Association and their Economic Mobility Leadership Institute to host the classes which are funded in part with capital from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said during a press conference on Jan. 13.
The courses will be important for college students and homeowners who are thinking about passing property down as an inheritance to their loved ones, Smith said.
Nearly 49% of Jackson residencies are owner-occupied dwellings, 2023 census data shows. Smith said that information like what is offered in the courses is vital to those who are considering becoming homeowners.
“It’s huge that people understand that this is economic mobility. You can either rise with your future or you can flatline it and tank it making unwise choices,” she said.
Each class is free. Adults and students of all ages alike are welcome to participate, a Jan. 13, 2024, City of Jackson press release SAID. “Neighborhood Associations and other community-based organizations are encouraged to register their groups for these classes,” the press release said.
Space is limited for the classes but the City may host additional course sessions if there is more interest, Smith said.
Those interested in attending any of the courses may contact Dr. Robbie Sparkman Smith, Neighborhood Services Manager directly at (601) 767-9428 | cell: (601) 540-7726 or via email: robbies@jacksonms.gov.
