Innovative financial planning program’s creator earns Chamber’s ‘Merit Award’

Mette’s ‘Reality Check’ a big success for students

 

IMLAY CITY — As a financial professional, Rob Mette knows a thing or two about the reality of planning for the future…or not.

Owner of Mette Financial on First Street, he’s dedicated to spreading that knowledge to younger generations who just may need a reality check about their financial futures.

He did just that by creating the ‘Reality Check’ assembly held at Imlay City High School this past fall.

The entire freshmen class took part in the event, which offered a hands-on, real-world experience with personal finance.

For those efforts, Mette has been recognized with the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Merit Award.

He’ll receive the honors at this Saturday’s annual dinner-dance at Castle Creek Golf Club.

‘Reality Check’ participants received a canvas bag filled with supplies, including a clipboard and worksheet, checkbook and register and other materials for an up-close experience of what their future holds.

Mette sought grants to help fund the supplies, and recruited local businesses to help the young people learn.

“Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in financial services, I developed the program to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the financial realities students will face after graduation,” Mette says. “Reality Check is an interactive budgeting simulation that immerses high school freshmen in real-life financial decision making based on career paths, income, taxes, housing, transportation and every day expenses.”

Fully embraced by high school administrators, staff and the freshmen students, a second ‘Reality Check’ assembly for graduating seniors is being planned for this spring.

“The program is built on collaboration, bringing together Chamber members, local businesses, educators and volunteers to guide students through meaningful financial choices and tradeoffs,” Mette says.

Earning recognition for the program is validating, he adds, but there’s more to it than that.

“Winning the Merit Award means more to me than recognition, it represents trust,” he says. “Trust from the people and community I care deeply about, and affirmation that the time and energy, and heart I’ve invested in Imlay City have mattered.”

A longtime Chamber member, Mette has served on its board from 2016-2023, and again from 2024 to the present.

He’s committed to the organization, and appreciates all for which it stands.

“I’m grateful to (Chamber President) Sheryl Davis for believing in me enough to nominate me,” Mette says. “To the Chamber for creating a culture that values service, and to the many people who have worked alongside me over the years. Any success reflected in this award is shared.”

Mette’s commitment to community service is also evident through his service as a project leader with Lapeer County 4-H from 2016-2023, and a member of the Rotary Club from 2015-2018. He’s also received numerous honors through his professional pursuits.

That commitment to both his profession and community persists.

“Through my work, I strive to combine financial education, community collaboration and practical experience to help prepare the next generation for informed, confident decision-making beyond high school,” he says. “Receiving the Merit Award is humbling, motivating, and deeply meaningful. I see it not as recognition for what I’ve done, but encouragement for what’s still ahead.”

Saturday’s presentation will mark the second time Mette has been recognized for his community service. He also earned the Chamber’s 2020 Merit Award.

The Annual Chamber Dinner Dance will be held this Saturday, Jan. 17 Doors open at 5:00 p.m., dinner follows at 6 p.m. Awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m. For ticket information call (810) 542-3256.