We all want financial security: the ability to control our money and plan for the future, instead of letting money control us and not meeting our goals . NeighborWorks America is committed to helping you not only set your financial goals, but to build toward them with confidence.
Here are some excellent resources we recommend for managing your spending, savings, credit and overall finances.
Managing finances is much easier when you have the proper tools. Read our
one-page tip sheet (
en español) and visit websites like
Keys to my Home for information about finances and homeownership. Other good resources include:
MyMoney.gov and the FDIC's
Money Smart curriculum.
54 Ways to Save Money from America Saves offers valuable ideas for trimming housing, food, entertainment and other costs. Many find our
Monthly Spending Plan worksheet an excellent tool.
America Saves lists many ways you can
plan to save whether for emergencies, tuition, home purchase or other financial goals.
Our Keys to My Home website will help you
understand your credit, including credit reports, credit counseling, and how to repair your credit.
Do you need a loan of $5,000 or less to make home repairs, consolidate your debt, pay for education or some other pressing need? A NeighborWorks counselor can help you obtain what you need without hidden costs. Use our guide to make informed choices and avoid penalties.
Today, nearly 8 percent of U.S. households don't have checking or savings accounts and an additional 20 percent are underbanked. They rely on non-bank transaction or credit products that are in many cases more costly, according to the FDIC's National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households.
However, there is a growing variety of ways to send and receive money that can meet everyone's needs:
Traditional checking (demand-deposit) accounts earn no or little interest and the financial institution usually charges a maintenance or per-transaction fee. Users are required to pay a number of fees, such as for monthly service, ATM use and overdrafts.