College of Business fantasy stock-picking contest

New Year’s resolutions are a common theme this time of year.

“I’m going to lose at least 10 pounds.”

“I’m going to stop munching on junk food and eat healthier.”

“I’m going to exercise three times a week.”

Others simply want to fatten their wallet. UM-Dearborn is here to help you with that.

The UM-Dearborn Investment Challenge, in partnership with Crain’s Detroit Business, is set to kick off the 2012 Quarter One Challenge Jan. 2, with registration already underway. For more information, visit http://www.crainsdetroit.com/section/investmentchallenge.

The Challenge, which is free and open to the public, tests one’s investment knowledge and skills by having them manage a $1 million mock portfolio for a chance to win $2,500 in real money each quarter. The contest will award prizes to the top portfolios, as determined by total and risk-adjusted rate of return.

The yearlong simulated stock investment and trading competition offers valuable hands-on experience to those pursuing financial literacy. Those interested should register by Jan. 1 to participate in the first quarter challenge.

The Investment Challenge is made possible by the College of Business’ Betty F. Elliott Initiative for Academic Excellence. The Challenge is one of many efforts that focus on financial literacy, a topic critical to Michigan’s economic turnaround and growth.

But employees, faculty and staff affiliated with U-M campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint, Crain Communications, Inc., StockTrak, Inc., ePrize, LLC, any parent and affiliate companies, as well as immediate family and household members of each such employee aren’t eligible to participate.

You are encouraged to pass along this information to a person you may know interested in testing his or her financial prowess or someone interest in earning up to $2,500.