In January, PFCU’s Erin Ellis supported the first recovery house Financial Advancement Network (FAN) Club sessions with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS). Over the summer, the City of Philadelphia implemented an initiative to bring financial education to residents at the recovery houses. To kickstart this initiative and help bring the FAN Club model to the recovery houses, Erin made an introduction between the Fresh Start recovery houses and the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) and has offered behind-the-scenes support with curriculum development and program management. Conducted in partnership with the UAC, FAN Clubs are small groups of 5-20 people who meet on a regular basis (six sessions total) to improve their money management habits, rectify troubled financial situations, and pursue their financial goals.
On Wednesday, January 6, Erin hosted the first part of a three-part Money Management webinar series for PFCU members. During the webinar, which focused on saving and setting goals, Erin discussed different values and their influence on one’s money habits, how to set relevant goals based on those values, and different tools that can help one create an action plan.
On Wednesday, January 13, Erin helped members build a spending plan to better manage their money during the second installment of the Money Management webinar series, which honed in on how to balance income and expenses. Erin taught members how to streamline their savings and goals, how to track and increase their income, and how to track and decrease their spending.
On Wednesday, January 20, the Money Management webinar series concluded with a discussion that taught members how to create a cash flow budget, as mindfully tracking money habits can help one budget, cover their expenses, and ultimately, maximize their money. Erin dove into how one can analyze their cash flow so they don’t fall short with their monthly budgets, techniques one can use to manage their cash flow so they have money when they need it, and a variety of practical tools that can help create a cash flow budget.
On Monday, January 25, Erin kicked off a new partnership with JEVS Looking Forward Program, a program that offers virtual reentry services for Philadelphians. Twice a month, Erin will meet with individuals in the program to discuss various financial topics. This month, Erin talked about basic personal finance information, important current events (both financial and general), and how one can get their stimulus payment if they haven’t yet. The second session will be a Q&A, where individuals can ask Erin any financial questions they may have.
If you are interested in hosting a seminar in your community or at your place of employment, PFCU’s seminars are always free and offered on a variety of topics. We will work with you to schedule the most convenient time for a virtual seminar. If you would like to schedule a one- or two-hour financial education seminar, please contact Erin Ellis at financialeducation@pfcu.com.