For those who don’t know much about finances or what homeownership is about, or even for those who would like to brush up on that information, Dowagiac District Library is hosting two free courses: one class on financial fundamentals and one class on homeownership education.

The library has partnered with Michigan State University’s extension office to make these courses possible. The courses will be led by Khurrum Imam.

“I saw that Niles library had tried it last year and they had a few people go through all the classes and really get a lot out of it,” said Matt Weston, Dowagiac District library director. “It looked like something useful here, something people could use. It’s also part of a grant provided by Chemical Bank.”

The classes will be hosted in the big meeting room at the Cass County COA, located at 227 S. Front St. and are free to attend. Registration for the financial course can be done by calling the Dowagiac District Library at (269) 782-3826. People can register for the homeownership course by calling the library or going to the library’s website and clicking on the literacy courses link.

Materials will be provided.

Dinner is provided before each class, and childcare will be provided if necessary.

“It is important to have basic financial information in your life. It doesn’t hurt to brush up on how things are working now and learn budgeting tricks,” Weston said.

The financial course will touch on a few different categories: money personality, smart goals and budgeting, understanding credit, using financial services, saving and investing and consumer protection. The schedule for this course is as follows:

• Tuesday, June 7 — 5:30 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 14 — 5:30 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 21— 5:30 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 28 — 5:30 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 5 — 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Although the course has already started, the instructor is still accepting registration. Those interested can still sign up by calling the library.

The homeownership course will begin in July and the schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, July 12 — 5 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 19 — 5 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 26 — 5 to 8 p.m.

The syllabus for the July course will be available closer to the start date. Registration is still open on the website and students can register by calling the library as well.

“He [Khurrum Imam] said he’s looking forward to more people attending and for the homeownership class.”