American Financial Solutions
In partnership with the Seattle Community Colleges Television and North Seattle Community College, AFS has created eight powerful personal finance courses that you can take online for free, with an option to receive a certificate for your credit file. Investing in Yourself is series of programs that teach the essentials of smart money management. http://www.myfinancialgoals.org/financial-education-classes
Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private charitable organization, “dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States.” It was established in 1948 by Jim Casey, one of the founders of UPS, and his siblings, who named the Foundation in honor of their mother. The Foundation’s website has a Knowledge Center that includes publications and other resources that have been developed by Casey or one of their grantees. There are several publications and videos, including The Money Trap and I Know Where I’m Going (But Will My Cash Keep Up?): Parts I & II, which includes valuable information and activities that introduce and reinforce financial education topics. For more information, visit http://www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter.aspx
Budgets Are Sexy: Where Financial Nerds Are Cool
“Budgets Are $exy is a personal finance blog that won’t put you to sleep. -- Benjamin Franklin.” The blogger, J. Money, started writing five years ago (when he was in his 20s) and has fun covering such topics as budgeting, good giveaways, a life list, recommended things to spend money on, and other great financial resources. To read and contribute to the blog, visit http://www.budgetsaresexy.com
Building Wealth
A Beginner’s Guide to Securing Your Financial Future.
http://www.dallasfed.org/microsites/cd/wealth/index.html
Federal Reserve System: Consumer Information
Provides a wealth of information and learning tools related to tips on protecting your assets, understanding credit reports and scores, personal finance, and much more. http://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/default.htm
Credit Report: Get it For Free
Track your credit for free. Everyone should review a copy of their credit report, at least once a year.www.annualcreditreport.com
Credit Score
Credit Karma works with TransUnion and provides a free credit score that can be tracked over time. www.creditkarma.com
FICO
This is an overall resource for learning about credit score calculations, debt-to-income, avoiding bad credit, and other helpful tips related to credit. http://www.myfico.com/downloads/files/myfico_uyfs_booklet.pdf
Financial Freedom
Gain the money management skills that will help along your path to financial freedom, includes a great section on assistive technology. This booklet was written by Alpha One, the independent living organization in Maine. http://www.alphaonenow.org/-FF-home.php
Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy
The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a coalition of organizations that share an interest in advancing financial literacy among students. Jump$tart’s online clearinghouse has a very comprehensive collection of financial education resources, including booklets and pamphlets on specific topics, activities, on-line games, and teacher lesson plans. For more information, visit http://jumpstart.org.
MINT.com
An online resource that helps track income and spending. www.mint.com
Money Smart -- a Financial Education Program
Created by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Money Smart is a comprehensive financial education curriculum that teaches the basics of handling money and finances, including how to budget, save money, and how to avoid making “wrong” decisions that may result in years of financial pain. The curriculum is available free of charge. For additional information, call toll-free 877-275-3342 or go on-line to www.moneysmart.com
MyMoney
MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government’s website dedicated to financial education. Resources are available to learn about budgeting, credit building, financial planning, and understanding privacy issues, saving and investing. There are links to other government programs that offer financial educational programs, such as Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. For more information, visit www.mymoney.gov or call 1-888-MyMoney (696-6639).
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
A financial planning workbook for people newly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis covering a range of issues including money management, job development, assistive technology, benefits planning and special needs trust and estate planning issues. Website has a number of excellent articles on assistive technology selection and funding.http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/insurance-and-money-matters/financial-planning/index.aspx
Practical Money Skills for Life
To help people learn about the essentials of personal finance, Visa has partnered with consumer advocates, educators and financial institutions to develop the Practical Money Skills programs. You can access free educational resources, including personal finance articles, lesson plans, and games (including the popular Financial Football and Soccer games) from their website, www.practicalmoneyskills.com
Social Security Administration
Certain assets are not counted when Social Security determines financial eligibility for Supplemental Security Income or when the state determines financial eligibility for Medical Assistance. For a complete list of assets that are not counted, go to: https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/apply.html