Financial and credit coaching helps people
transform and manage their finances

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.

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. 

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.

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