Build a Pathway to Well-Being
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 track money, create budgets, increase 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.
Maximizing a tax refund can also put vital money back in peoples’ pockets. We offer free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparation services where caring, trained volunteers guide Marin residents through matters such as reporting on public benefits and claiming the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), so they can claim tax benefits for which they’re eligible and understand their choices for the next year.
Financial & Credit Coaching
Financial 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 also help those in the community decrease their debt and increase their credit score, so they have better access to resources and opportunities.
We work with those in the program to create step-by-step plans, address their unique needs and goals, and check in regularly to help problem-solve.
Income Tax Assistance
Any household with an income of $67,000 or below and a social security number or ITIN is eligible to have their California and Federal Income taxes prepared for free. This past season 261 returns were processed with total refunds of $383,648!
Stop by 555 Northgate Drive, San Rafael on Fridays 9:00am – 3:00pm from February 7 – April 11, 2025 and meet with one of our volunteers for help with your 2024 federal tax return.
Take Charge of Your Finances
Students
- Build savings
- Pay for college
- Improve your credit score
- Plan for the future
Older Adults
- Evaluate your financial situation
- Prepare for retirement
- Track income and expenses
- Build savings
Newly Single
- Improve your financial literacy
- Learn to invest
- Plan for the future
- Implement a budget
Families
- Make informed choices
- Reduce debt
- Improve your credit score
- Purchase a home
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 so they can help people:
- Take control of SSI or SSDI benefits
- Utilize their ability to save
- Tackle SSA overpayment debt, and
- Maximize income
Sign up for Financial Coaching
Don’t fit one of the categories above? You can still reach out. Our Financial Coaches can help you define your goals, set priorities, and build your financial security.
Sign up here or call us at 415.526.7500. You may also email clientintake@camarin.org and say “I want to meet with a financial coach.”