
UCM hosts Free Financial Counseling Clinics one evening per month to residents struggling to handle their finances.This effort is a collaboration between UCM and Britepaths.
"Here in our area, there are so many people who are struggling with credit and debt circumstances. Many are making ends meet just barely, living paycheck to paycheck," says UCM counselor Rogelia Campos, who coordinates the monthly appointments. "They need help to understand that their financial status and credit score affect so many aspects of their life. The one-on-one counseling at the clinics are a big help."
At the clinic, each client receives a confidential 45-minute counseling session to examine their immediate financial situation, including a credit report analysis. The result is a personal Financial Action Plan that creates a course of action to address concerns. Britepaths recruits and trains the Volunteer Financial Planners (VFPs), many of whom are certified financial planners who donate their time via their professional membership association.
"Here in our area, there are so many people who are struggling with credit and debt circumstances. Many are making ends meet just barely, living paycheck to paycheck," says UCM counselor Rogelia Campos, who coordinates the monthly appointments. "They need help to understand that their financial status and credit score affect so many aspects of their life. The one-on-one counseling at the clinics are a big help."
At the clinic, each client receives a confidential 45-minute counseling session to examine their immediate financial situation, including a credit report analysis. The result is a personal Financial Action Plan that creates a course of action to address concerns. Britepaths recruits and trains the Volunteer Financial Planners (VFPs), many of whom are certified financial planners who donate their time via their professional membership association.
"Whether it's a job or rent application or purchasing a car, good credit is essential," says Rogelia. "I have seen our clients making changes and taking steps forward, because of these clinics. Some have returned to school or purchased homes because of their new knowledge and new hope that they can achieve and even exceed their goals."
Our clients appreciate the personalized sessions. One single mother at a recent session told us: "It really helped to get my credit report and the counselor's analysis, in words that I can understand. Thank you for this help to make a plan to meet my financial goals."
Another single mom had just started a new job as a security guard at The World Bank. She was thrilled to learn her finances are on the right track: "I'm going to tell all my family and friends to sign up for a session. The counselor really helped me understand how I can improve my credit score and save for a home."
The monthly clinics are free for adults age 18 and older. There is no income limit or maximum, and no referral from another agency is needed. However, an appointment is required. Spanish translation is available with a reservation at least a week in advance.
Learn more including flyer download for current clinic schedule >>
For questions and to make an appointment at an upcoming Free Financial Counseling Clinc, email UCM Counselor Rogelia Campos, or call her at 703.768.7106.
(Sept. 2016 - UCM E-news)
Our clients appreciate the personalized sessions. One single mother at a recent session told us: "It really helped to get my credit report and the counselor's analysis, in words that I can understand. Thank you for this help to make a plan to meet my financial goals."
Another single mom had just started a new job as a security guard at The World Bank. She was thrilled to learn her finances are on the right track: "I'm going to tell all my family and friends to sign up for a session. The counselor really helped me understand how I can improve my credit score and save for a home."
The monthly clinics are free for adults age 18 and older. There is no income limit or maximum, and no referral from another agency is needed. However, an appointment is required. Spanish translation is available with a reservation at least a week in advance.
Learn more including flyer download for current clinic schedule >>
For questions and to make an appointment at an upcoming Free Financial Counseling Clinc, email UCM Counselor Rogelia Campos, or call her at 703.768.7106.
(Sept. 2016 - UCM E-news)