We plan to open this program to survivors in Oregon in January 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is financial counseling?
Financial counselors empower you to build financial skills and improve your financial health. They often help clients manage expenses, build savings, reduce debt, and navigate public assistance benefits.
Who is eligible for financial counseling?
This program is available anyone who self-indentifies as a survivor of domestic abuse or stalking in the United States.
Do sessions happen virtually or in person?
Financial counseling sessions take place virtually through a combination of emails and phone calls.
Can I do financial counseling anonymously?
In order to coordinate classes, we will need to share your email with the financial counselor you are paired with. However, you are not required to provide any other indentifying information and are welcome to use a pseudonym.
How are financial counselors selected?
All financial counselors must pass a screening interview and background check in order to work with FinAbility. Our screening process not only assesses counselors' professional qualifications but also evaluates if they uphold FinAbility's values of integrity, courage, and humility.
Additionally, we require that all financial counselors and planners either: 1) hold a relevant financial certification such as a CFP or CFA or 2) work for a vetted partner organization.
How long are counseling and planning sessions?
Sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on your needs and scheduling preferences.
How long until I'm paired with a counselor or planner?
We are working to onboard new financial counselors as quickly as safely possible. If you completed our interst form, we will let you know as soon as a counselor or planner is available to be paired with you. Matching is done on a first come first serve basis based on when you completed the interest form.
How does FinAbility provide classes at no cost?
FinAbility is a 501c3 nonprofit organization funded through individual donors, community grants, and corporate sponsors. We can provide financial counseling at no cost thanks to the generosity of our local community and volunteers from First Tech Federal Credit Union.