Financial Education
Through its Financial Capability program, Ladder Up helps clients build a lasting foundation for self-sufficiency by working with them to secure financial aid for higher education and to gain the skills needed to make sound financial choices.
Ladder Up’s Financial Education programming is founded on the belief that developing financial practices is a vital part of the journey to financial freedom. Ladder Up provides free financial literacy education and coaching to help individuals gain the knowledge and tools needed to make sound financial decisions:
- Financial Education Workshops – Interactive sessions delivered at partner sites throughout the Chicago area, covering topics such as banking and saving, credit control, budgeting, consumer responsibility, and personal income tax.
- Financial Coaching – One-on-one sessions for individuals interested in creating an effective budget, reviewing and building their credit histories, opening a checking or savings account, preventing identity theft, and more.
Workshops for Partners
Financial Capability staff members facilitate workshops on various financial topics (listed below) at partner organizations throughout the Chicago area. Workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of different interests and audiences, whether as a stand-alone session or a series of sessions over several days or months. We have a particular interest in developing workshops sensitive to the needs of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, crime victims, veterans, clients with concerns related to their immigration status, and clients with disabilities.
Budgeting
Topics include strategies for budgeting, fixed vs. flexible expenses, setting financial goals, tracking expenses, and how to use online applications to maintain a budget. A budgeting exercise helps participants see where they can spend less and save more.
Credit Control
Topics include how to manage credit wisely, what factors affects your credit score, the need for a good credit score, and how to build and maintain a good credit score.
Banking and Saving
Topics include how to choose the right bank account, the power of compound interest, strategies for saving, how to maintain a checking account, and how to find high-yield savings accounts.
Understanding your Tax Return
Topics include knowing when to file, common tax forms, determining your filing status, deductions and credits, and preparing a return. We also discuss the importance of filing, tax penalties, and resources available to help taxpayers file their returns.
Consumer Responsibility
Topics include setting priorities, planning big purchases while avoiding debt, consumer rights, common consumer scams, and preventing identity theft. For high school students, the workshop focuses on advertising, online privacy, and spending money wisely.
Special Topics
Please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page for more information about special topics, including Facilitated Self-Assistance (FSA) tax preparation sessions.
Resources
mint.com
A free and secure online budgeting tool that consolidates financial accounts and organizes bills.
mymoney.gov
The U.S. government’s website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics of financial education.
360financialliteracy.org
Information for people of all ages, even retirees!
annualcreditreport.com
The ONLY source for a free annual credit report.
bankrate.com
A tool to help you choose the best bank accounts, credit cards, and loans for your needs.
creditkarma.com
Learn how to read, understand, and improve your credit score. TransUnion and Equifax credit scores are updated weekly with a free account.
sba.gov
Tips from the U.S. Small Business Administration for entrepreneurs on opening a small business.
irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed
Wide variety of topics and information for those who are self-employed.
Testimonials
“This program provided useful information about budgeting and handling money efficiently. After these presentations, I realize how different my life can be if I start saving now.”
Irene L.
“The thought of tracking money has always been overwhelming for me, but Ladder Up really gave me a reality check about my personal habits and spending.”
Olivia S.
“My experience with Ladder Up was extremely positive. The tools I’ve gained from this workshop will help me manage my finances once I’m away at college.”
Luis M.