 This newsletter was sent out this morning with a typo in this article. Here is the updated version of the article.
I am writing this on my way back from the Bank On 2.0 conference in Washington, DC, which was all about helping people access safe transaction accounts with banks and credit unions. "Safe" has become a code word for account characteristics that help people avoid fees like overdraft protection or insufficient funds that can do more harm than good. It's an exciting time nationally for the movement as it brings together financial institutions, financial education providers, public agencies and clients to improve people's access to mainstream financial services. As the Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said, "After have a job, utilizing basic banking services....and the ability to develop a credit record to access financial opportunities is a threshold issue for financial stability."
Not to be left out, we have recently launched Bank On Oregon, where you can go to compare account offerings across banks and credit unions, see all the fees and minimum balance requirements in one place, locate financial education providers and access financial management tools and resources. The launch of Bank On Oregon marks the culmination of over 18 months of work by a dedicated group of nonprofits, financial institutions and the State of Oregon. Innovative Changes was a founding member of the steering committee and we chair the Financial Education Provider committee. Read the full press release here. Contact us if you would like to get involved or if you would like help choosing an account that is right for you.
All the best,
Nancy Yuill |
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 Credit Builder Success Story
Guillermina first came to us earlier this year for a credit coaching session. A Mexican immigrant with three children, she and her husband wanted to buy a home but were having trouble accessing credit - they are legal residents but do not have social security numbers or credit histories. Guillermina went through a credit builder orientation and was relieved to have found a way to build her credit before buying a home. She has enrolled in our program and is now on her way to building credit and a better financial future for her family.
Are you interested in building YOUR credit to qualify for a mortgage or another credit goal? Attend a credit builder loan orientation!
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 Client Spotlight: Lydia
A few months ago we received a wonderful letter in the mail from a young woman who had recently taken our Financial Household Resiliency workshop series at our office. While at the workshops she learned of our IDA program and decided to apply to pursue a professional degree. We were all so pleased to receive this enthusiastic letter detailing how she had adopted new, positive financial habits based on what she learned in our FHR series!
Hi Stephanie,
I took Innovative Changes' Financial Resiliency Workshop last month. I learned *so much* and I can already see that reflected on my bank statements for the month of July.
The main change I made was this: I stopped using my debit card to make purchases! I used my job with direct deposit to pay my rent and utilities. I cashed all my other paychecks. I split this cash up into various envelopes, each envelope dedicate to a different budget category. For example, I budgeted $100 per week for food. So my food envelope contained $100. When I spent it, that was it! When I did end up using my debit card to buy food (because I failed to plan ahead, say) I replaced that money to my checking account as soon as possible.
Continue reading Lydia's letter here!
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 Coach Spotlight: Patrick!
This month we bring you an interview with one of our veteran volunteer financial coaches - Patrick. He has been participating in our financial coaching program since February of this year and has been coaching the same client throughout his time with us. We picked Patrick's brain for his thoughts on the most important tools when coaching and his experience with his coachee. Enjoy!
Why did you want to coach with IC$?
It's giving back in an area I am interested in. Helping people work on finances for themselves is rewarding.
What was your biggest takeaway from the training?
I liked learning the concept of speaking to the client to unlock their own answers. We are not being a mentor or teacher. We are really partnering with them and helping them work through things and unlock the skills they have.
How did you feel before your first meeting with Marlon (your Coachee)?
I had no idea what to expect. I knew I was about to do a good thing, but I didn't know what it would feel like. I wondered if I could help this person in a meaningful way.
Continue reading about Patrick here!
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Upcoming Workshops & Orientations
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The next Financial Household Resiliency workshops will be:
- Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:30pm, November 4th-25th
This workshop series will be held at our office in 2010 Lloyd Center Mall. You can register for the classes here.
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Our next Credit Builder Orientations will be:
- Thursday, November 13th 5:30-6:30 pm
- Friday, November 21st 1-2 pm
- (Spanish) Jueves, el 4 de diciembre 5:30-6:30 pm
- Friday, December 12th 1-2 pm
- Thursday, December 18th 5:30-6:30 pm
All take place at our office, 2010 Lloyd Center. Register here.
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Want to volunteer with IC$? Come to our coach training!
We will be holding a Financial Coach training on November 22nd from 9am-4pm. Volunteer financial coaches work one on one with clients to teach personal financial management skills as well as engage and motivate clients to stay on track toward their goals. Learn more about becoming a coach here or contact Andrea at andrea@innovativechanges.org. You can register for the coach training here.
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 Health Insurance Marketplace Application
and Enrollment Fair
This year's Open Enrollment starts November 15th and the Cascade AIDS Project is ready! CAP is hosting an enrollment fair at Pivot on November 15th from 10AM-5PM. Certified application assisters will be available to answer questions and assist individuals and families who need to renew, change, or apply for healthcare coverage.
Even if you applied and enrolled in a qualified health plan in 2014, a different application and enrollment process is required for healthcare coverage starting January 1st. Don't spend the holiday season worried about healthcare deadlines, come to our enrollment fair on November 15th and begin the New Year with the confidence you'll be covered.
Food and refreshments will be available, and all assistance is free and open to anyone! Learn more about their event on Facebook!
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As of 11/11/14
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Partners:
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51
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Loans:
Total disbursed:
# repaid:
| 692
$308,316
429 | | Financial Education Clients: | 1,774 | | IDA Savers: | 97 | |
IDA Graduates:
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3
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About Us
Our inter-related programs of responsible lending, credit building, financial education and savings acceleration build people's financial capabilities and put them on the path to long term financial health. Join us in our work!
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You Can Help!
You care about helping people achieve and maintain household stability. Now you can join our efforts at Innovative Changes as we expand our reach to serve more clients. Your generous donation will be put to good use!
Whatever amount you can afford, you can set it up for monthly automatic payments to ease your cash flow. If you have bill pay service with your bank you can set up Innovative Changes to receive regular monthly payments. If you prefer, we can process a monthly ACH transaction on your behalf. Contact us at contact@innovativechanges.org to set up your monthly giving program.
Thank you for your support!
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