Many trusted organizations offer low-cost or free financial counseling to individuals and families. A financial counselor or coach can help you:
- Create a budget and track spending
- Manage debt (including credit card, student loan, or medical debt)
- Improve credit scores
- Plan for financial goals
- Navigate unexpected expenses
It’s different from financial advising, which focuses more on investments and wealth building. Counseling and coaching is often more accessible and focused on foundational financial health.
Free or Low-Cost Financial Advice and Resources May Be Available Through:
- FinAbility’s Financial Mentoring Program offers free, virtual, trauma-informed, one-on-one financial mentoring for survivors. Financial mentorship can empower you to build financial skills and improve your financial health. Mentors often help clients manage expenses, build savings, reduce debt, and navigate public assistance benefits. This program is currently available to survivors living in Oregon.
- Community Development Credit Unions (CDCUs) are mission-driven institutions that serve communities historically excluded from traditional banking. They provide financial counseling, fair loans, and credit-building support. Many are part of Inclusiv, a national network promoting financial inclusion. Use their Member Directory to find a CDCU near you.
- Domestic violence organizations like FreeFrom offer trauma-informed financial resources and support for survivors.
- Employers, schools, and libraries may also offer financial wellness programs, including workshops, coaching, or referrals to nonprofit services.
- GreenPath offers free credit and debt counseling. Their services are confidential and accessible online or by phone. Please note that they do offer other programs which have fees.
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