Are you tired of living on the edge financially?
Do you need a strategy to be debt-free?

We can help you build new skills, develop strong financial habits and get the tools you need to achieve financial success. We offer one-to-one credit, budget and financial coaching and counseling, as well as workshops and useful links.

Counseling & Workshops: Topics & Resources

Building Credit: Get assistance with ordering and reading credit reports and scores, understanding credit card terms, talking to and negotiating with creditors; learn how to protect your good credit and strategies to increase your credit score and more.

Investing: Find out how to get started with investing; discuss investment goals; get comfortable with terminology; learn about fees and return on investments; understand your own risk tolerance level; create your own portfolio and more.

• Investor Protection Trust provides independent, objective information to help consumers make informed investment decisions.

Tax Planning: Individual counseling to make sure your expenses, deductions and paperwork are organized correctly to maximize your returns and discuss the best use of your tax refund. Learn about other tax help at Community Action - like tax filing and resolving IRS disputes.

• For a wide variety of tax questions and answers for individuals, business, nonprofits and more, visit the Internal Revenue Service site.

Reverse Mortgage Counseling: Find out more about the home equity conversion mortgage (HECM), which allows you to withdraw some of the equity in your home; learn about the choices you have to receive the funds and ways you can use the funds. Our certified HECM counselor will discuss program requirements, financial implications and alternatives to obtaining a reverse mortgage. Learn about other Housing Counseling at Community Action.

• To learn about the HECM program and requirements, as well as finding an FHA-approved lender, visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development FHA-HECM site.

Retirement 101: Are you ready for retirement? Familiarize yourself with terms like "tax shelter" and "non-qualified plans", and understand the different investment vehicles for them.

• You can find top-pick articles and information about retirement planning on this nonprofit, nonpartisan membership site from AARP.

Individual Development Accounts: This 2:1 matched savings and financial education program is for those who wish to start saving toward purchasing a first home, developing a business or attending higher education or job training. Learn more about the Individual Development Account Program.

• Explore IDA Basics.

Who is eligible? Your household income can be up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

We can also design a presentation to suit your company or group needs. If you would like to schedule a workshop on any financial topic - from building credit to investing to retirement and more - please contact us and we can discuss your needs.

Contact us at 1-800-843-8397 or (802) 476-8493 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it