It’s Take Control Tuesday! This week, Mansa Musa and I are talking about something that can have a real impact on your household finances: your vote.
We spend plenty of time discussing how to manage money, save more and make better financial decisions. But here’s something we don’t always consider. Not every decision affecting our finances happens inside our homes.
Elected officials make decisions that can influence our taxes, cost of living and how much money we get to keep. That means voting is about more than choosing the names we recognize at the top of the ballot.
Mansa points to an example right here in Detroit. During the 2024 election, more than 35,000 ballots had no vote recorded on a local school tax proposal, even though those voters participated in the election.
Think about that. Thousands of people cast ballots but left a question involving tax dollars unanswered.
It’s easy to focus on the big races and overlook local candidates or ballot proposals. Yet those decisions can have a direct impact on our communities and our household budgets. Local elections also give voters an opportunity to influence who makes decisions close to home.
Highlights From Our Conversation
- Your money and your vote are connected. Elected officials make decisions that can affect taxes, public services and the cost of living.
- Don’t stop at the top of the ballot. Take time to research local candidates and learn what responsibilities come with their positions.
- Pay attention to ballot proposals. Some questions involve your tax dollars, so understand what you’re voting on before making your choice.
- Do your homework. Look up candidates, review their experience and learn what they plan to do. You don’t have to be a political expert to make an informed decision.
- Help others get involved. Just as you might share financial knowledge with family and friends, you can encourage them to research the ballot and participate in elections.
- Make voting work for you. Michigan voters can use no-reason absentee voting, making it easier to review their ballots and research candidates before Election Day.
I shared with Mansa that I appreciate being able to research my absentee ballot before submitting it. Taking that time helps me make informed choices instead of rushing through the process.
So, here’s a question worth asking: If you’re working hard to take control of your money, shouldn’t you pay attention to the people making decisions that affect it?
As Mansa reminds us, taking control of your financial well-being can start at the ballot box. Make your voice count, and don’t overlook the decisions closest to home.
Visit TakeControlTuesday.com to explore past conversations and share them with someone you care about.
Listen to our Conversation Below
