A pathway to prosperity

Financial & Credit Coaching

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Gain Confidence in your Financial Future

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 literacy, learn to objectively evaluate their own financial position, and be prepared to make informed choices to build wealth and financial security.

Move towards Self-Sufficiency & Thriving

Our Financial assistance 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, 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.
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Credit Coaching

Credit can be a powerful tool or an enormous burden. Through credit coaching, we help those in the community decrease their debt 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.
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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 

Coaching Session Preparation

In you 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

You can also download a copy of our First Appointment Checklist here.