Finance & You

Finance & You 

Here you can find resources to help you become more financially literate. Both in person and online, find information about saving money, budgeting, financing, and paying for college and life! Learn about credit and interest while planning for your future. Down below you will also find links to local Springfield credit unions, as well as information about why credit unions are a safe option for borrowing and saving money.

Click here for a link to a list of go-to terms and definitions to improve your financial vocabulary!

Financial Literacy in Springfield 

  • The Springfield Partners for Community Action provide free financial literacy workshops to all Springfield residents of moderate or low incomes. Workshops are designed to help participants set up budgets, establish savings accounts, build and maintain credit and save for the future or for emergencies. They are held every other month for four weeks (in two hour sessions) and on completion of the full course, students will receive a certificate of completion. 
  • The Springfield Partners for Community Action also provide one-on-one credit counseling for Springfield residents seeking to establish, improve, or repair their credit.

Online Financial Literacy Resources 

  • If you’re looking to build money management skills and prepare for financial success, check out CashCourse, an interactive website that provides free financial literacy resources for college students. Use CashCourse to: create a budget, learn about the benefits of checking and savings accounts, plan for retirement, set financial goals, read about financial aid, and create a monthly budget worksheet. 
  • Find in-depth personal finance courses, articles, calculators and tips to help you manage your money with Smart About Money (SAM). Sign up for a free account and take free courses in areas such as: personal emergency funding plans, financial well being, and money basics. 
  • Are you out of high school and looking to take the first steps into financial independence? My Finance Life MA provides informational videos to help you learn about: the importance of saving money now, preparing/paying for your first home, bills, roommates, and debt. Also check out their page for high school students which provides  information on: planning for higher education, financing your future, and practicing financial leadership.
  • Mapping your Future provides information on Paying for College and Managing your Money. Check them out for help with: exploring financial aid options, completing the FAFSA, paying student loans, budgeting, and using credit cards wisely. Also be sure to locate their easy-to-use calculators for student loans, interest, refinancing, and much more!
  • Accredited Schools Online provides a free guidebook resource dedicated to helping minority students navigate the often-challenging issues of financial aid, scholarships, and college affordability.

Local Credit Unions 

Credit unions are nonprofit organizations that exist to serve their members. Like banks, credit unions accept deposits, make loans and provide a wide array of other financial services. But as member-owned and cooperative institutions, credit unions provide a safe place to save and borrow at reasonable rates.*

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