In the Know with HJW

Budget and credit education focuses on the financial management of adults in a day-to-day operation. The workshops will include but not be limited to check-writing, balancing your checkbook, creating a budget, savings, credit cards, credit reporting & scoring, and other major financial topics to increase knowledge and economic empowerment to the citizens in the communities. Youth Financial Literacy Conferences and Retreats will educate youth on economic development, financial management, savings, and banking. 

 Pre-Purchase Education ~ These classes are forums of information exchanges designed to help potential home buyers understand budget and credit , learn about the mortgage loan process, find the right house, understand the loan closing, prevent foreclosure, learn basic home maintenance and avoiding predatory lending. This educational program is designed to rely on the expertise of local professionals – Realtors, lenders, home builders, professional home inspectors, housing counselors, insurance representatives, etc. to teach the different classes. Post-Purchase Education ~ These classes offer financial planning, working with a contractor, understanding home equity, home maintenance, homeowners insurance, property taxes, facts about the mortgage, home improvements, and avoiding predatory lenders. 

Pre- and post purchase counseling includes one-on-one financial counseling sessions that includes reviewing a merged credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, developing an action plan, creating a budget, addressing derogatory credit issues, loan application preparation and reviewing the homeownership process. 

 IDA is an asset building program to assist in financial independence. The program matches 4 to 1 in savings up to $500. These funds must be used for homeownership, education, or starting a business. Financial education is required.