April 2015

April is National Financial Capabilities Month! All over the country organizations and individuals are taking the time to think about how we as a society can improve the financial capabilities and health of all of our communities. Our April Innovative Connections are all about Financial Capabilities, starting with what Financial Capabilities mean to us here at Innovative Changes. We have some awesome graphics and resources, created by CFED, to explore how we as a state are doing when it comes to asset building and security. Finally, we have a review of three bills currently in the Oregon Legislature that could affect asset building programs in Oregon.

All the best,

Innovative Changes

Save the Date!

To RSVP, visit our website here!

Credit Tip

Did you know you can get free financial publications? The Federal Trade Commission as produced almost 200 informational publications that are free and available to the public! Browse publications on Credit and Money, Home and Mortgages, Jobs and Making Money and more here.

What does Financial Capabilities mean at Innovative Changes?

We love to see a room full of people from different communities bringing their lived experiences together to help each other navigate the financial systems of our society. As folks learn from each other, try new tools, make good decisions and access responsible financial products they are using what is called financial capabilities.

Our vision is a society where all people have access to safe, affordable financial products and services and the ability to use them well. Our work to help people build their financial capabilities means giving people the tools, understanding, and opportunity to participate in financial systems so as to increase their financial well-being. We do this by providing financial classes to build understand, confidence, and to learn from each other's experiences; by offering safe, responsible credit and savings products; and doing it all with culturally responsive, client centered service by our staff and volunteers.

Continue reading about our vision of financial capabilities here.

How is Oregon doing with Financial Security?

Find out how Oregon is doing with Financial Security compared with other states. View the complete Oregon scorecard here, or visit the CFED's website to explore their amazing local data mapping tools.

Three Asset Building Bills in the Oregon Legislature

by Stephanie Sampedro

Part of financial capability is providing Oregonians with access to asset-building services and products and this legislative cycle, we are trying to pass some innovative new ways for Oregonians to build wealth! Here are three bills to keep your eye on this spring. You can read more about each bill on the Oregon State Legislature website and contact your Senator and/or Representative to let them know how important these issues are to you!

HB 2011 - Renewal of the Oregon Individual Development Account program.

Innovative Changes has been providing IDAs since 2012 and has enrolled over 100 Oregonians in this matched savings account program! This year we saw an unprecedented growth in the program and CASA of Oregon had to create a wait-list for their next fiscal year. So we are going to Salem to ask our legislators to renew the tax credit, increase the amount we can raise for matching accounts and expand the uses for these matched savings. Currently one can save for post secondary education, employment related training, equipment or technology, starting a small business, or becoming a first time home-buyer.

Continue reading about bills in the Oregon legislature here!

Financial Empowerment Clinic!

Our next Financial Empowerment Clinic will be held in May! Join us Thursday May 28th 1:30-4:00 pm in the Portland State University Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 333 for information about student loans, credit reports, money management and much more! For more information see the schedule and flyer here.