Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center

To recognize National #529Day (5/29/21), Pennsylvania Treasurer is providing $100 to the FIRST 529 new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan accounts opened between May 28 - May 31! Must set up automatic contributions from your bank account or payroll deduction. Conditions apply: https://www.pa529.com/529Day/

If you're not already signed up for Fund My Future PGH, NOW IS THE TIME!

A great event coming up next week from our friends at Just Harvest!

Just a friendly reminder...TAX DAY IS MONDAY! But, have no fear! Remember you can still file for free by visiting MyFreeTaxes.com. Good luck, friends! You've got this!

Though it might not feel like spring out there , the calendar does say it’s May! Which means it's time for some #springcleaning! Got some decluttering in mind for this month? Consider selling some of your unwanted items for CASH MONEY! You can do this online, or at a yard sale later this summer. Would you rather donate, or have things that aren't really fit to sell but still have some life left in them? Consider a thrift store or look into posting items on your local Buy Nothing Project group. Have a favorite decluttering tip or online selling hack? Let us know in the comments below! (And scroll down to see some of the #PittsburghFEC's faves!)

For our final #featurettefriday post, we are pleased to introduce our fearless leader, Becky Johnson! . ? I could write paragraphs, but I love that it's free for everyone and feels very personalized. No matter the reason someone comes to us for help, the FEC is always a judgement-free zone. We don't dwell on past mistakes or what someone could have done better or differently; instead, we focus on future goals people want t...o achieve, and how we can help them get there. . ? I love to talk about budgeting! Building a realistic and workable budget is tough and takes time. We talk with every client about tracking expenses, and knowing exactly where the money is going. Have you ever tracked every single expense for a week, or a month? It's hard (emotionally and physically), but also so eye-opening. I like to use Mint, or write things down in a notebook. Actually writing it out makes me feel more accountable, and forces me to look at my spending habits and where I can improve. . ? You just can't go wrong in coming for a session! The FEC Financial Counselors are friendly and easy to talk to, and they really know their stuff. You can trust that you're speaking with professional, and you'll get help making a plan that works for you. Schedule your FEC appointment today! 1-800-298-0237 or [email protected].

It's the penultimate #featurettefriday post, friends! Meet Ikuma Ojok, #PittsburghFEC counselor extraordinaire! . ? I am passionate about helping clients achieve their financial goals by providing ongoing support, and empowering them every step of the way. . ?... I have so many tips/hacks that share with clients! But here are my favorite two Create a budget for everything; it's a spending plan that will keep you focused on achieving financial goals. Reduce/eliminate unnecessary expenses. . ? People should make a free appointment with us because we provide professional guidance in any financial situation. Most importantly, we put a human side to a technical financial world. Schedule your FEC appointment today! 1-800-298-0237 or [email protected].

Exciting news #PittsburghFEC followers! Today's #FeaturetteFriday is a special one - we are so pleased to introduce our newest counselor, Jennifer Nanji, who just passed her Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund certification! We are so proud and excited to have her start counseling! . ? Being new to financial counseling with the FEC, I am excited and passionate about helping people become an advocate in their own finance...s. . ? I think it is always good to save money in a high yield savings account after each pay- even if it's $5 or $10 dollars. It can build up! . ? I enjoy helping others! My banking and teaching background will allow me to further educate and assist you in reaching your financial goals, whether big or small. Schedule your FEC appointment today! 1-800-298-0237 or [email protected].

Earlier this month, the CDC announced an Eviction Moratorium for those unable to pay their rent due to COVID-related income loss. Unsure of what this means and if you qualify? Learn more below, and find the PA declaration form here http://www.pacourts.us/ass/files/setting-901/file-9976.pdf

In the third installment of #FeaturetteFriday, meet Kristen Griffith (with two of her cats, Lola and Jane)! . ? My passion for financial literacy started while I was teaching it to high school students. Finances impact so much of our lives and I think it's important to not only work on developing good financial habits, but to feel comfortable talking about money. . ... ? Don't cut everything fun out of your budget or you won't do it! I struggled for years with impulsive spending, but every time I tried to stop cold turkey, my budget fell apart. It's important to realize your wants and needs, but also remember to take care of yourself as part of your overall financial health. . ? Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. I try to make my clients feel as comfortable as possible when talking about money and ensure that they know it's a judgment free zone! Schedule your FEC appointment today! 1-800-298-0237 or [email protected].