Financial Counseling

Financial counseling gives people the tools they need to rethink their approach toward money matters and work towards self-sufficiency. Our financial counselors collaborate one-on-one with individuals to dissect their financial decisions, discuss the motivations behind each decision, and steer them towards a more cautious approach to their money.

"It was about finding the thinking behind the money and having difficult conversations about how to change their mindset,” says Maureen Grey, JCFS Financial Counselor. “Once that mindset starts to shift, we decide on next steps to obtain and maintain financial security."

April is Financial Literacy Month

Let’s consider improving personal financial comfort and literacy—take a moment for a financial tune-up.

Below are a few tools, websites, and apps that can help to keep track of your current finances and plan for your financial future. Most of these are offered for free; please be sure to read the fine print if you are asked to pay for anything (for instance, some of the budgeting apps charge fees, though many are free).

CFPB – offers a robust Money Management toolkit, with many resources:

Your Money, Your Goals: Online resources | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov)
Online resources for budgeting, and planning: Tools | MyMoney.gov

Financial Literacy for Youth:
FDIC's How Money Smart Are You? - Games
FDIC: Money Smart News | Money Smart News for Kids

NCOA Budget tools for Seniors:
NCOA's Budget CheckUp | Help with Budgeting for Seniors

KHAN ACADEMY FINANCIAL LITERACY MASTERY:
Financial Literacy | Life skills | Khan Academy

Financial Tracking and Planning Apps reviewed, rated, and explained:
The Best Budget Apps for 2024 - NerdWallet

Dave Ramsey tools and resources (Dave Ramsey is well-known, and many of his tools are offered for free – but be aware that there will also be marketing towards paid programs).
Tools and Resources - Ramsey (ramseysolutions.com)

And if you prefer professional help with your financial plans, consider a financial advisor. Before choosing one, consider all your options, and be sure to confirm what, if any, charges.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor - NerdWallet

These are but a few available options, just to kickstart the movement to Financial Wellness. Make it a habit to review, update—once a month, or even if just once a year, take that step!