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Gain Financial Confidence
SparkPoint financial coaching is great for students just starting out, recently single adults, those beginning to plan for their retirement, and really anyone who wants to improve their financial understanding and status. In our coaching program, members define their goals and set priorities for their sessions. Our coaches provide support and the tools to help you track your money, create budgets, boost savings, improve credit, reduce debt, and learn to invest.
Program membership is free and members are able to take advantage of our expert staff, abundant tools, and strong network of partners. Through regular coaching sessions, participants will dramatically improve their financial well-being, learn to objectively evaluate their own financial position, and be prepared to make informed choices to build wealth and financial security.
Become Self-Sufficient
Our financial coaching and education helps people transform their overall finances, so they can rise beyond subsistence-living and thrive, working towards a goal of financial prosperity. Defined here as a self-sufficient income which includes three months of savings, a credit score of 700 or above and no revolving debt.
We accomplish our work through one-on-one coaching and give clients an opportunity to take advantage of our expert staff, abundant tools, and strong network of partners.
Much of our Financial & Credit Coaching work is grounded in the United Way Bay Area’s SparkPoint model. Participants commit to being in our program for at least six months, working with a coach to identify personal goals, create an action plan, and meet regularly to check in on progress and problem-solve around barriers.
We also partner with local banks, colleges, county offices, and other nonprofits to provide a hub of integrated services that put long-term financial security within reach.
Services
Financial Coaching
Coaches help individuals establish and follow a household budget and find ways to improve their income such as through employment, job training, and/or public benefits. We work with those in the program to create step-by-step plans addressing their unique needs and goals (including those of individuals with disabilities) and check in regularly to help problem-solve. Over time, participants in the program learn to take control of their finances, create a financial foundation from which they can support themselves, and build a stronger financial future.
Credit Coaching
Many people don’t know if they have good credit or not, until they make a large purchase or financial outlay. Having poor credit can have a negative impact on your future. Through credit coaching, we help those in the community decrease their debt, establish, build, or rebuild credit, and increase their credit score so they have better access to resources and opportunities. Specifically, our credit coach helps clients pull credit reports, examine each item, check for errors, assist with letters of dispute, and take strategic actions that improve their credit score.
How We Can Help
Creating and sticking to a budget
Getting free help with taxes
Reducing debt
Improving your credit score
Saving for college, and more.
Tracking income and expenses
Increasing savings
Learning to invest
Session Preparation
In your first appointment, we need to gather actual numbers for your income and expenses. As such, please bring the following documents and information with you:
- Pay stubs and other statements that show you source of income
- Monthly public benefits received
- Recent statements of all your credit card accounts and your credit score, if available
- Current bank statements from all of your accounts; checking, savings, CD, etc.
- Personal, vehicle or student loan documents, as well as medical debts or amounts owed in back taxes
- Rent or mortgage and utility (phone, water, electricity, garbage, internet, cable) costs
- Transportation, medical/dental costs, as well as grocery and dining out expenses
Once you decide to become a coaching member, you will receive links to two online forms to complete before your first session. If for some reason you do not receive the link or have questions, please email clientintake@camarin.org.
In the meantime, you can download a copy of our Bilingual First Appointment Checklist here.
Have Disabilities?
Get access to financial coaches with an understanding of disability benefits through the Financial Health Equity project. United Way Bay Area and its network of Sparkpoint Centers, like Community Action Marin, have partnered with National Disability Institute to launch this initiative funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Program coaches have received enhanced training and a certificate of completion in the Effective Financial Counseling for People Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, SSI or SSDI, ABLE accounts, overpayments and work incentives. These tools help coaches to better understand how disability benefits impact the financial choices and decisions of those with disabilities to help you:
- Take control of your SSI or SSDI benefits
- Utilize your ability to save
- Tackle SSA overpayment debt, and
- Maximize your income
Meet a Coach!
Meet Debbie Brown
A leader on the agency’s Economic Justice team, Debbie has 25 years of professional experience in banking, lending, credit coaching, and financial consulting. She brings skills, compassion, and hope to many through the work she does each day.