Innovative Changes
Budgeting Basics
April 2014


Creating a budget for the short term is often the first step to improving your finances for the long run. But getting started can seem like a daunting process, including questions like, how much should I budget in each category? Do I need to learn to use a new app or program? How do I budget for special occasions?
 
This issue of Innovative Connections is here to help! 
  • Get an introduction to simple household budgeting
  • Learn why and how to track your spending
  • Try a new tool: a budget calendar
Of course, April is also tax time. This year, fake tax collectors are calling Oregonians. Don't fall for this scam! Read the Oregon attorney general's scam alert and take her advice to Hang Up on Fake Tax Collectors. Remember, the IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue will never ask you to pay with a prepaid debit card or by wire transfer.
 

For more information on these topics and others, check out our resources blog.


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:
- Wednesday, April 23rd or April 30th from 5:30-6:30 here. 
 
Simple Household Budgeting

Creating a budget doesn't have to be a complex process. We've got a simple, four-step plan to help you get and stay on track. Find out what it is here.
Tools for Tracking Spending
 
How much exactly should you budget for food or gas every month? You don't need to guess! By tracking your spending, you can accurately create a realistic budget. In this article, we've pulled together tools and tips to help you with this process.

Try a Budget Calendar

 

There are many different ways to create a budget. Ultimately, the "best" one is the one that works for you. If you've struggled with budgets in the past, why not try something new? Creating a budget calendar can help keep you on track week by week. Read more here.

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Financial Empowerment Clinic
Get ahead this spring by getting in control of your money! Confront spring cleaning woes and summer stressors by coming to the
 Financial Empowerment Clinic, Saturday, May 17th from 10am-3pm at the Center for Self Enhancement Inc.(SEI).

 

Workshop Schedule:
10:15-11am Summer Food on a Budget
11:15am-12pm Youth Activities for Summer on a Budget
12:15-1pm: Getting Ready for College
2:15pm-3pm: Budgeting for Back to School

 

All Day: Pull your personal credit report or meet with a financial planner, raffle prizes, refreshments, kid-friendly activities and access to other community resources. 

Walk-ins welcome or register by calling Misha,503-249-5209 or visiting our website.

Quick Links

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.