Innovative Changes
The Housing Issue: Know Your Rights and Resources
February 2014


Housing issues are complex. The costs associated with your house or apartment are one of the biggest parts of your budget. And keeping track of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant can be a challenge. This issue of Innovative Changes is devoted to helping you with these matters:
  • Learn tenant rights and responsibilities
  • Get tips for affordably furnishing your home
  • Brush up on your rights in an eviction

Remember that each month you can check out our resources blog for information on these topics and more!


All the best,

 

Innovative Changes
Upcoming Workshops & Orientations
Our next Financial Household Resiliency workshops will go for 4 Tuesdays in a row starting:
 
Our next Credit Builder Loan Orientation will be held:
- Friday March 21st, 12-1pm
Register here. 
 
Affordably Furnish Your Home

Costs escalate and budgets are quickly reached when it comes to decorating one's house or apartment. But don't worry! We've pulled together a list of excellent, budget-friendly options here. 

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

 

When is it okay for your landlord to keep all or part of your deposit? Are landlords obligated to respond to repair requests? Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant can save you money, headaches, and potentially future conflicts with your landlord. Click here for some highly important, little-known facts about landlord-tenant law, and tips on getting your deposit back.

Get Matched up with a Financial Coach
 
Want to get in control of your money but aren't sure where to start? Do you know someone who would like extra accountability when working towards their financial goals? Sign up to get matched up with a financial coach.

This year we are growing our coaching program to reach more people through trained volunteer financial coaches.

Get connected with a coach today or find out about becoming a coach yourself by contacting katie@innovativechanges.org or visiting our website.
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Join Our Mailing List!

How Can I Boost My Credit Score?

 

Credit can be an overwhelming and intimidating piece of our financial plan. There are many myths about the best way to manage credit, making it difficult to know what the best path to choose is.
 

One prevalent myth is that if you have a low credit score, the first thing to focus on is paying off old debt. However, did you know that one big factor that contributes to a low credit score is the lack of recent positive activity?

 

In fact, the best way to increase your score is to open up a line of credit and get those on-time payments reported to the credit bureaus! Many people get stuck there because if they have a low score, how can they qualify for a loan or a credit card to boost their credit?

 

Look no more! Innovative Changes' credit builder loan is here to help. Our credit builder loan is designed to help people who are looking to build their credit without having to take on a large amount of debt. The loan is for $150 and your monthly payments are $12.50 a month for 12 months.

 

If you are interested in learning more or perhaps attending an orientation and applying for this loan, please sign up on our website.

Evictions: Know Your Rights and Who Can Help

 

Oregon eviction laws can be difficult to understand, so it is important to know your rights if you are facing an eviction. We've pulled together what you need to know about general eviction notices, 72- and 24-hour eviction notices, and how to find affordable housing options--even if you have an eviction on your record. Keep reading here.

For Our Borrowers

 

Are You Receiving Your Payment Reminders? 

If you chose to receive your payment reminders by email, make sure that they are coming to your inbox and not your junk mail. If you would like to change the way that you receive reminders (by mail, by email, or by phone call) let us know! Call Misha at
 503-249-5205. 

See all the options on how to make your loan payment here.
      

Remember, We Are Here to Help!  

 

Are you having trouble making your payment this month, or afraid that it might be a little late? Let us know! We understand that unexpected events and expenses can make it hard to keep your finances on track, and Innovative Changes wants to be there for you in such cases. We are flexible and willing to work with our borrowers to satisfy loan obligations, and in return we ask for honest and timely communication.