Financial Coaching

 

Financial Coaching can prepare you for everything from opening your first checking account to borrowing against your home. Financial Coaching is helpful for renters, first-time homebuyers, and  homeowners working toward financial goals.

Counseling

Free, one-on-one financial counseling helps residents move toward their financial goals. Counseling focuses on setting a goal and moving toward that goal with a spending plan.

In-Person Classes

We teach courses geared toward the needs of different partner groups. 

Our Financial Fitness course is based on the FDIC "Money Smart" curriculum. Though we customize content for each class, the basic course modules are:

 

1. Bank on It
An introduction to bank services.

2. Borrowing Basics
Learn how to protect yourself from predatory lending and scams.

3. Check It Out
How to choose the best checking account for you and manage it wisely.

4. Money Matters
Create a personal spending plan, identify ways to decrease spending and increase income, and make a plan to reach your financial goals.

5. Pay Yourself First
Learn about different savings options and ways to reach large-expense goals, like college tuition, buying a home, or vacation.

6. Keep It Safe
Learn your rights and protections as a consumer.

7. To Your Credit
Analyze your credit report with a counselor and determine ways to build and repair your credit.

8. Charge It Right
Learn how to make a credit card work for you.

9. Loan To Own
Know what you're borrowing before you buy.

10. Your Own Home
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of owning or renting a home and of borrowing against a home. Get the basic introduction to homeownership and protecting yourself from predatory lending.

11. Financial Recovery
How to recover financially and rebuild your credit after a financial-setback

12. Young Adult Curriculum
Includes "Setting Financial Goals," "Paying for College and Cars" and "A Roof Over Your Head." 

 

Online Course

If you would like to take the course at your own pace, you can find it online at the FDIC website:

English Course: English Money Smart CBI Online

Spanish Course:Entra en Money Smart CBI Online (Versión en Español)

Sign Up

To get started, email our Financial Capability Counselor Emily Hackerson at ehackerson@wsnhs.org,  or call her at (716) 885-2344 Monday through Thursday, 8am - 6pm