Your May Financial To-Do List

May 22, 2023

1. Stop Paying PMI
If you bought your home for less than 20 percent down, you've probably been paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) on your loan, typically an extra 1 percent of the purchase price. If your equity position is now at least 20 percent of the original purchase price, you may not have to pay mortgage insurance anymore. Contact your mortgage servicing company to see whether they can remove the PMI. You may have to pay a few hundred dollars for a new appraisal, but you could save thousands per year.

2. Take Advantage of '529 Day'
The college savings industry has embraced May 29 as "529 Day," an opportunity to remind parents of future college students of the benefits to saving in a tax-advantaged 529 college savings account. Money put into a 529 plan grows tax-free, and you won't pay any taxes on withdrawals used to pay for college. 

3. Dispose of Unneeded Financial Documents
This is a good time to weed out financial documents you no longer need. How long you should wait before disposing of a document varies. Generally, you can throw tax documents after seven years. Also, look into removing documents that are stored on your computer, external drives, and mobile devices.

4. Review Recurring Charges
Small charges can slip through unnoticed, especially if they're recurring fees for a service you keep meaning to cancel. But these small fees add up quickly. Take a look at your most recent credit card statement and highlight any charges you could eliminate. Contact the companies to cancel your subscription—and try your luck at requesting a refund for previous charges as well.

5. Budget for Home Improvement Projects
May is a great time to find deep discounts on materials for the home improvement projects you plan to tackle this summer. Whether you want to install a new deck or replace the front door on your home, you'll save money if you make these purchases now, rather than in the middle of the summer. Even if you aren't quite ready to get to work, you can still determine what materials are needed so you can take advantage of the great sales this month, especially around Memorial Day.

*Brought to you by Catholic Charities Financial & Housing Counseling program:

(320) 650-1664

Our Recent News

Raphael’s Story at the Whitney Center

By Brittany Hoversten • September 16, 2025
Our team is deeply committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community for our seniors, and the journey of one special individual exemplifies this mission. Raphael's story began two years ago when he discovered our Senior Dining services at the Whitney Center, thanks to a recommendation from a friend. From the moment he walked through our doors, he found more than just a place to eat — he found a home. Raphael quickly became a cherished member of our Senior Dining community. He was drawn to the warm, inviting atmosphere and the delicious meals prepared by our dedicated Food Coordinator. Raphael often shared how much he appreciated the quality of the meals, a sentiment that echoed throughout his time with us. Beyond the food, it was the kindness and professionalism of our volunteers and staff that left a lasting impression on Raphael. “Such beautiful people,” he often said when talking about his experience with us. It was this sense of belonging that inspired Raphael to give back, and with the help of our Senior Dining Coordinator, he was able to become a valued volunteer. Whether helping in the dining room or assisting behind the scenes, Raphael’s contributions were always appreciated. However, life’s changes sometimes bring new challenges. Recently, Raphael’s schedule shifted, making it harder for him to visit us regularly. Yet, our Senior Dining Coordinator remained committed to ensuring he still received the meals he relied on. Despite Raphael not being initially eligible for Meals on Wheels, our team worked diligently to secure county approval, so he could continue to benefit from this essential service. For Raphael, this thoughtful care reinforced his belief that he is "blessed" to have access to our services. What stands out most for Raphael, however, is the personal touch he receives from our staff and volunteers. “Being greeted by name,” he says, “makes all the difference. It shows that you are valued and appreciated.” These small but meaningful gestures help to foster a strong sense of community and are what make the Whitney Center such a special place. A Call for Volunteers At Catholic Charities, we know that the warmth of our community would not be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers. We are always in need of individuals willing to make a difference in the lives of seniors in our community. If you’re looking for a way to give back, we have opportunities in several areas: Delivering Meals on Wheels Preparing food in our kitchens Setting up dining sites for meals Serving meals to seniors Cleaning up after meals Assisting with clerical tasks These opportunities may vary by location, so please reach out to your local Catholic Charities Senior Dining Site Coordinator to learn more and sign up to volunteer. By offering your time and talents, you can help ensure that more seniors like Raphael continue to experience the sense of community and care that makes our Senior Dining services so meaningful. Thank you for being a part of the Catholic Charities family and for helping us make a difference every day.

Introducing Porch

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
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Gordon's Story

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.