Join the well-know financial guru as he discusses "5 Reasons Why Baby Boomer's Retirement is Different Than Their Parents." Are you planning for or getting closer to the big day when you stop working? Then you need to hear what Bloom has to say on November 10 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room.

The sooner you begin this important goal, the greater you chances of fulfilling the dream. What are your options and where do you start? How has the economy affected you? How do you balance these goals with your other financial priorities? The HANTZGROUP can help you with your plans. Join us on October 20 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room. Bring your questions!

The Accelate Michigan Innovation Competition is an international business plan competition designed to highlight Michigan as a robust and vibrant venue for innovation and business opportunity.

Any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled for at least 2 classes in a Michigan public or private university or college for the fall 2011 semester are eligible. The deadline date for students' entries is September 30, 2011.

(Photo Credit: Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. 08 Jul. 2004. eLibrary. Web. 10 Aug. 2011.)

Managing financial investments can be daunting even in the best of times, and volatile markets can terrify even the most savy of investors. Wall Street has been on a wild ride these last few days and you probably have questions about how to best protect your money. Here is a list of books designed to help you protect your investments in times of economic uncertainty:

Storm proof your money: weather any economy, rebuild your portfolio, protect your future by Brett Arends

Crash proof 2.0: how to profit from the economic collapse by Peter D. Schiff with John Downes

Conquer the crash: you can survive and prosper in a deflationary depression by Robert R. Prechter, Jr

The State of Michigan is offering delinquent taxpayers the opportunity to pay past due state taxes and have penalty charges waived. Taxpayers who qualify would also avoid criminal prosecution by the Michigan Department of Treasury. To be eligible, all taxpayers must submit the complete amnesty application and full payment, including interest, by June 30, 2011. Visit mitaxamnesty.org for more information.

Personal finance books are abundant, but not all of them address the unique issues women face when trying to manage their money. These five titles offer gender specific advice for women looking to build wealth, make investments, reduce debt and balance the family budget.

The real cost of living: making the best choices for you, your life, and your money by Carmen Wong Ulrich

Women & money: owning the power to control your destiny by Suze Orman

Peace and plenty: finding your path to financial serenity by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Does this make my assets look fat?: a woman's guide to finding financial empowerment and success by Susan L. Hirshman

Canton's Woman’s Life Society Chapter 827, Chicks 4 Charity, is currently offering scholarships totaling $2000 for both full ($1,000) and part time ($500) college students. Applicants must reside in Canton, Plymouth, Belleville or Westland and be enrolled in a 2 or 4 year accredited Michigan college, university or trade school in the fall of 2011. Application Deadline to apply is June 13, 2011. Winner will be notified by July 18, 2011. For more information see the attached application form.

The Center for Michigan is providing opportunities for citizens to speak out.  "Talk Back to Lansing" forums are scheduled in Wixom (April 20), Grand Rapids (April 25) and Lansing (April 27).  Register today.

Let your voice help shape Michigan's 2012 Budget.

Parents, are you looking for a fun way to teach your kids and teens about saving money? Have them try out the new game from Mint.com called Quest for Money. Its goal is to teach money management in a fun and entertaining way. Learn more about the game or jump right in to playing it. Enjoy!

Free Tax Counseling for Canton's Senior taxpayers with low to moderate income is available at the Canton Senior Center in The Summit. Morning and afternoon appointments are available, however joint returns scheduled for the afternoon must have both taxpayers available. Please call the Canton Senior Center at (734) 394-5485 to schedule an appointment.